Project scheduled with Planning Commission on Friday, April 21

Dear All, Thank you for your continued support of the Historic Givens Ranch Landscape and Barn. Apologies in advance for the length of this email, but we have important news to share. The proposed Vallecito development that comprises 26 lots in 98.94 acres along Highway 140 in Catheys Valley will go before the Planning Commission on Friday, April 21, 9 AM in the Board Chambers at the Government Center, 5100 Bullion Street, Mariposa. This is a public hearing. If you would like to attend, you are welcome to do so, and you will have an opportunity to speak if you wish. At this meeting, the County of Mariposa proposes to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, meaning from its perspective, the project is ready to move forward with development. You can read the entire notice here: http://www.mariposacounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/55999 While we are not opposed to development, we do not agree the project should move forward just yet. Despite attempts, we have been unsuccessful in having a meeting with the owner to see what other arrangements might be feasible - and perhaps more profitable for the owner in the long run. In addition, we have environmental and safety concerns that we believe should be addressed before this development is approved. To be clear: the owner has agreed that the 1879 "Green" barn and dairy house are historic and has agreed to a five foot set back around these structures. This is positive! However, though the owner has stated his willingness to work with the community, we have had no further indication of this. The owner is under no obligation; we recognize his property rights. The two issues here: 1) A month ago, we requested permission to hire an engineer to come in and assess the structures so that we can begin a fundraising campaign to repair and keep the structures from further damage; we continue to wait to hear back on what steps we have permission to take. 2) The lot containing the barn and dairy house are still slated to be part of the development, available for sale and for building a house and in-law - unless the Friends successfully raise funds to buy the lot for preservation and potential adaptive use of the barn. (We do not yet know how much the owner might ask for this lot.) Other items: 1) With mostly 2 1/2 acre lots, there will be many houses in view behind and around the barn, changing this historic landscape forever; we have ideas we would like to explore with the owner that would alleviate this. 2) We believe the Environmental Impact Review did not address some important considerations around road safety and environmental concerns. While addressing these concerns might not strictly be required by the State or the County given the letter of the law, nevertheless we believe they are important for the well being of all and should be addressed before this project moves forward. We continue to request a dialogue with the owner about alternatives we believe 1) would be more profitable for the owner in the long run, 2) would protect the historic landscape - the barn, dairy house, hand-dug well, the historic wagon road, wetlands, and the oak woodland that are iconic to Catheys Valley, and 3) would alleviate road safety and environmental impacts. We will continue our efforts, but time is running short. By the April 13 packet inclusion deadline: - We will deliver to the Planning Department a document outlining our additional environmental and safety concerns. - We will most certainly deliver petition signatures and comments. If you would like your voice heard in addition to your signature and comment on this petition, you can send your comments to: Alvaro Arias, Senior Planner Mariposa County Planning Department PO Box 2039 Mariposa, CA 95338 aarias@mariposacounty.org You are also welcome to be present at the meeting on April 21! Thank you for your interest, help, and support in protecting this historic, scenic, and iconic treasure in Catheys Valley. Many voices together can make a difference! Sincerely, Friends of the 1879 Givens Ranch Historic Landscape and Barn PS: Additional project information can be found here: http://ca-mariposacounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=1129