Jennifer Wadsworth
City Council will decide whether to give its blessing to the updated planning document, which would bring some of the Tassajara Valley into the San Ramon’s urban growth boundary.
City Council will tonight consider approving environmental documents for the General Plan update, which includes a provision to add up to 1,600 acres of the Tassajara Valley into San Ramon’s urban growth boundaries.
After the city has its say, the plan will go on the ballot in November, so San Ramon residents can make the final decision.
The expanded boundary doesn’t mean the valley would become part of the city, but it would give San Ramon the authority to plan what gets built there. Ultimately, it’s up to the Local Agency Formation Commission, but the point for San Ramon is to wrest control from the county.
Environmental groups, including Save Mt. Diablo and Greenbelt Alliance, say the only reason the city wants to bring the valley into its sphere of influence is because it plans to develop it. As it stands, the Contra Costa County’s urban limit line bars urban development in the valley.
The change the General Plan doesn’t automatically mean the land would be ready for development, however. For that, the city would have to approve a specific plan.
There is one proposed development up for consideration by the county called New Farm. The 185-unit development would allow large homes to be built in and around olive orchards.
The county is also considering an application to build a cemetery in the area.
If voters strike down the updated General Plan in the fall, the county would retain control over the valley.
At a glance
WHAT: Special City Council meeting/public hearing on General Plan 2030
WHEN: 5 p.m. Monday
WHERE: City Council Chamber, 2222 Camino Ramon
INFO: www.sanramon.ca.gov
###
http://sanramon.patch.com/articles/public-hearing-tonight-on-general-plan-2030
