The City of Winters will collect community input on the Farmstead Subdivision’s potential environmental impact until Dec 17.
Rod Stinson, Vice President of Raney Planning, presented the outline of the project’s environmental impact report (EIR) at a public meeting on Nov. 30.
The review will analyze aesthetic, agricultural, air quality, and emissions elements of the project. Finally, the report will consider impacts on plant and wildlife, historical and tribal resources, and population impact.
EIR reports don’t only consider the physical environment, but take impact to public services like police and schools into consideration as well. “All of that is kind of included in an environmental analysis for projects,” Senior Planner Kirk Skierski said.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Kate Laddish expressed interest in seeing estimates for how increased traffic from the development might increase greenhouse gas emissions and how the project can increase walkability. She also brought up water drainage.
“I want to make sure that we don’t end up with really big increased discharges going into the creek that could lead to erosion there,” said Laddish. “And I certainly don’t want to flood anybody’s house.”
A second public commenter suggested that potential for a biking/walking trail near the PG&E building to address walkability concerns. Commenters also brought up similar concerns about potential stress to Winters’ water system and other negative consequences of increased density.
The subdivision, situated north of the East Grant Avenue and East Main intersection, will create 200 single-family lots and 84-unit affordable multi-family apartments and seven commercial lots.
Both Stinson and City Manager Kathleen Salguero Trepa encouraged community members to submit written comments to Skierski at Kirk.Skierski@cityofwinters.org.
Stinson said that the final EIR should be finalized for public comment in early 2022 to be approved in summer of the same year.
