PETITION OPPOSING INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT 5110 SLY PARK ROAD

 

To: The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (District 2), The El Dorado County Planning Commission, and the Environmental Management Department.

I. Formal Statement of Opposition

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and stakeholders of Pollock Pines, formally submit this petition in unwavering opposition to the proposed conversion of the 147-acre residential/agricultural parcels at 5110 Sly Park Road (APN 042030013 & 042011021) into an institutional youth rehabilitation facility or "fire camp."

This project, reportedly funded via SB 823/OYCR grants and managed by Igniting Futures, represents an incompatible land-use shift that threatens the safety, environmental integrity, and water security of the Sly Park community.

 

 

II. Critical Environmental & Safety Concerns (CEQA Vulnerabilities)

We demand that El Dorado County require a Full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) based on the following substantial evidence:

 

1. Mandatory Public Safety Transparency & Operational Accountability

We demand that El Dorado County and Ignite Futures provide a formal, written Public Safety Master Plan to the community before any "Use Permit" is granted. This plan must move beyond vague assurances and address the following specific operational concerns:

- Security Personnel Ratios & Training: Disclosure of the exact ratio of trained security staff to residents during day, evening, and overnight shifts. We demand confirmation that staff are trained in de-escalation specifically for high-risk youth populations.

- Perimeter Monitoring & Notification Systems: Since the facility is "Less Restrictive" and lacks traditional fencing, we demand a detailed plan for high-tech perimeter monitoring (e.g., motion sensors, thermal cameras). Furthermore, we demand a Neighborhood Emergency Notification System that alerts local residents immediately in the event of an unauthorized departure or "walk-off."

- Resident Screening Criteria: Formal disclosure of the vetting process used to select participants. We demand a guarantee that no individuals with a history of arson, sexual offenses, or violent escapes will be housed in this residential-adjacent forest setting.

- Law Enforcement Impact Mitigation: A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office outlining how local patrol resources will be impacted and who will bear the financial cost of any increased law enforcement response to the facility.

-24/7 Community Liaison: The establishment of a dedicated, 24-hour community hotline and a permanent seat for a Pollock Pines resident representative on the facility’s oversight board to ensure ongoing transparency.

 

2. Critical Water Security & Aquifer Protection

The subject property contains a significant underwater spring and shared aquifer that provides domestic water to dozens of neighboring parcels.

The Risk: Institutional-scale occupancy (25+ residents plus 24/7 staffing) will generate a wastewater volume that far exceeds standard residential septic design.

The Demand: We demand a Hydrogeological Connectivity Study and Nitrate Loading Analysis to ensure our shared drinking water is not contaminated or depleted.

 

3. Wildfire Evacuation & Public Safety

Located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, Sly Park Road is a primary evacuation artery.

The Risk: Introducing a non-local population into a "Less Restrictive" (unfenced) facility during peak fire season creates an unmitigated risk to evacuation logistics and accidental ignition.

The Demand: A comprehensive Wildfire Evacuation Traffic Model must be completed before any "Use Permit" is considered.

 

4. Biological Resource Impacts (Endangered Species)

The 147-acre forest on this site is a known or potential habitat for protected species, including the California Spotted Owl. 

The Risk: Institutional lighting, noise, and habitat fragmentation will result in "Take" (harm) to these species.

The Demand: A site-specific Biological Resources Assessment conducted by an independent third party.

 

5. Incompatibility with Community Character

This site is zoned for Rural Residential/Agricultural use. An institutional facility of this intensity constitutes a "spot zoning" effect that undermines the El Dorado County General Plan and the low-density character of the Jenkinson Lake recreation corridor.

 

6. Economic Impact on Recreation & Tourism

As the gateway to Jenkinson Lake, the Sly Park community relies on a tourism-based economy. Placing a correctional-style facility in the immediate viewshed of a premier family recreation area will deter visitors and harm local small businesses.

III. Demand for Transparency

Given the lack of formal pre-applications despite a "Pending"  sale, we demand:

Full Disclosure of all communications between El Dorado County and Ignite Futures or the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR).

Public Hearings held in Pollock Pines (not just Placerville) to ensure the affected neighbors are heard.

 

IV. Conclusion

We respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission to deny any Conditional Use Permits (CUP) or zoning variances for this project. We move to protect our water, our safety, and the rural heritage of Pollock Pines.