Recap of Final SOI Meeting
Special to EGN from Eugene Rose The last of the Memorandum of Understanding “Listening Sessions” was held at Elk Grove City Hall Chambers...
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2010/04/recap-of-final-soi-meeting.html
Special to EGN from Eugene Rose
The last of the Memorandum of Understanding “Listening Sessions” was held at Elk Grove City Hall Chambers on March 31st. Most was a recap of information provided; however, some jewels of information were presented which are worth repeating.
The MOU was discussed as to its enforcement and potential as a guarantee of compliance by the two endorsee’s (City of Elk Grove and County of Sacramento):
1)The document is “an understanding” between the County of Sacramento and the City of Elk Grove.
2) Changes can occur to the original document as long as the two parties (Sacramento County and the City of Elk Grove) agree.
3) Either party (County of Sacramento/City of Elk Grove), or both, can opt out of the “Understanding” at any time.
4) The document is “not legally binding”.
Previous “listening sessions” related to the Sphere of Influence revealed that:
1) The City of Elk Grove’s request related to the Sphere of Influence
Application is to assist in planning for “future growth” as related to the City of Elk Grove.
2) Land use planning is for projected growth needs related to 10, 20, 30, 40, & 50 years in the future.
Land owners within the Cosumnes River Flood Plain in support of the “SOI & MOU”:
1) Desire to have their properties under one jurisdiction…..City of Elk Grove.
2) Families/owners have farmed the area for many years (generations) and have a proven track record of being “good stewards” of the land as demonstrated by the Basin remaining unchanged.
3) Have no interest in development of their properties.
Constituents of both the City of Elk Grove and the County of Sacramento in opposition to the SOI/MOU as related to the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain:
1) The MOU is unenforceable.
2) The County is better equipped in dealing with Agricultural Issues as they not only have an Agricultural Dept but also have a history of working with Agricultural interests.
3)The Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain will do nothing to assist in the planning for future growth, based on the City of Elk Grove’s own statement that “there is no interest in urban development within the Flood Plain“.
4) The City of Elk Grove currently has over 8,000 acres of undeveloped land within it’s City boundaries in addition to a number of homes vacated due to foreclosure actions. Also a number of “store fronts” are vacant and the number appears to be growing. Also a mis-step in the “Grand Mall” which stands incomplete and appears lacking in prospects for resurrection.
5) The City of Elk Grove has a history of poor planning. Approved zoning can and has changed at the City Council Level.
The Bottom Line:
1) The MOU is not worth the paper it is written on.
2) Although sincere, current large property owners, cannot guarantee that “heirs of large parcels of property” will have the same commitment as that demonstrated by original property owners.
3) Inclusion of the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain in the application of the City of Elk Groves Sphere of Influence/Memorandum of Understanding will do nothing to address needs to plan for population growth based on their own admission.
4) A more accurate statement by the Current Elk Grove City Council should be that with regards to the Flood Plain there will be “no development on their watch”. The current City Council may very well be satisfied if they can “open the door” to future development within the Flood Plain…..remember that they need to plan for 30, 40, 50 years out.
Most individuals in opposition to the current SOI/MOU, as related to the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain, are sincerely concerned over any alteration of the area in future years (whether it be 5, 10, 30, 50 years) and the effects those changes will have on the quality of life for future generations.
Please give a little of your precious time and attend the Rally set for April 14, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Elk Grove City Hall and demonstrate your concern for the future of Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain and how any changes to this unique and sensitive natural area will in fact have tremendous impact on future generations.
The last of the Memorandum of Understanding “Listening Sessions” was held at Elk Grove City Hall Chambers on March 31st. Most was a recap of information provided; however, some jewels of information were presented which are worth repeating.
The MOU was discussed as to its enforcement and potential as a guarantee of compliance by the two endorsee’s (City of Elk Grove and County of Sacramento):
1)The document is “an understanding” between the County of Sacramento and the City of Elk Grove.
2) Changes can occur to the original document as long as the two parties (Sacramento County and the City of Elk Grove) agree.
3) Either party (County of Sacramento/City of Elk Grove), or both, can opt out of the “Understanding” at any time.
4) The document is “not legally binding”.
Previous “listening sessions” related to the Sphere of Influence revealed that:
1) The City of Elk Grove’s request related to the Sphere of Influence
Application is to assist in planning for “future growth” as related to the City of Elk Grove.
2) Land use planning is for projected growth needs related to 10, 20, 30, 40, & 50 years in the future.
Land owners within the Cosumnes River Flood Plain in support of the “SOI & MOU”:
1) Desire to have their properties under one jurisdiction…..City of Elk Grove.
2) Families/owners have farmed the area for many years (generations) and have a proven track record of being “good stewards” of the land as demonstrated by the Basin remaining unchanged.
3) Have no interest in development of their properties.
Constituents of both the City of Elk Grove and the County of Sacramento in opposition to the SOI/MOU as related to the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain:
1) The MOU is unenforceable.
2) The County is better equipped in dealing with Agricultural Issues as they not only have an Agricultural Dept but also have a history of working with Agricultural interests.
3)The Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain will do nothing to assist in the planning for future growth, based on the City of Elk Grove’s own statement that “there is no interest in urban development within the Flood Plain“.
4) The City of Elk Grove currently has over 8,000 acres of undeveloped land within it’s City boundaries in addition to a number of homes vacated due to foreclosure actions. Also a number of “store fronts” are vacant and the number appears to be growing. Also a mis-step in the “Grand Mall” which stands incomplete and appears lacking in prospects for resurrection.
5) The City of Elk Grove has a history of poor planning. Approved zoning can and has changed at the City Council Level.
The Bottom Line:
1) The MOU is not worth the paper it is written on.
2) Although sincere, current large property owners, cannot guarantee that “heirs of large parcels of property” will have the same commitment as that demonstrated by original property owners.
3) Inclusion of the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain in the application of the City of Elk Groves Sphere of Influence/Memorandum of Understanding will do nothing to address needs to plan for population growth based on their own admission.
4) A more accurate statement by the Current Elk Grove City Council should be that with regards to the Flood Plain there will be “no development on their watch”. The current City Council may very well be satisfied if they can “open the door” to future development within the Flood Plain…..remember that they need to plan for 30, 40, 50 years out.
Most individuals in opposition to the current SOI/MOU, as related to the Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain, are sincerely concerned over any alteration of the area in future years (whether it be 5, 10, 30, 50 years) and the effects those changes will have on the quality of life for future generations.
Please give a little of your precious time and attend the Rally set for April 14, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Elk Grove City Hall and demonstrate your concern for the future of Cosumnes River/Deer Creek Flood Plain and how any changes to this unique and sensitive natural area will in fact have tremendous impact on future generations.
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