Shopping center plan gets booted by board
| Thursday, Nov 12 2009 10:11 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Nov 12 2009 10:11 PM
Kern County Planning Commissioners denied a request from Neighborhood Development to build a shopping center on Rosedale Highway at Driver Road.
Andreis Lewis of Neighborhood Development had asked to convert 12.5 acres of property from agricultural and residential zoning to commercial.
But Kern County Supervisors rejected Lewis' request for a larger mixed-use development on the same spot in August on a close 3-2 vote. Lorelei Oviatt, county Planning Department chief, said the project is premature and that the Board of Supervisors has given clear direction that this ground shouldn't be developed at this time.
Lewis made a strong pitch for his project, saying he's already worked on the project for five years and can't wait another four years for the general plan to be updated, his project to be approved and construction equipment to start moving.
"Our only other alternative will be to build with the zoning that is there," he said.
Oviatt said planners were recommending denial of the project based on supervisors' previous opposition to the project.
"We don't want to come here against planning department recommendation," Lewis said. "We understand the board felt the project was premature, but we don't think it felt the whole project was premature."
And he said the project he currently is allowed to build won't be as good for the community. "None of us would be want to build with the zoning the way it is. With the hodgepodge of zoning you're going to be something more like a 7 Eleven."
Oviatt said Lewis cannot build that 7 Eleven-sized project without asking for different zone change on the site.
Lewis argued that the land has a general plan designation and it would unfair not to give him the zoning that is consistent with that designation. But the argument did not sway commissioners.
"I am prepared to make a recommendation approve the staff recommendation and let the supervisors sort this out," said Commissioner Chris Babcock.
The recommendation of denial was approved unanimously.
War of the Winds
A massive wind energy project between Mojave and Tehachapi -- the largest in California -- got a rough ride at the planning commission meeting.
But ultimately commissioners voted to bless the project and send it on to supervisors with a recommendation for approval.
Residents of the area railed against the proximity of the massive turbines to homes in the Old West Ranch neighborhood.
They worried that ice would fall from the spinning blades, the turbines would break and injure people and that the noise and other aspects of the engine's presence would impact their quality of life.
Supporters touted more than $1 billion in economic benefit for the county during its development and the need for the clean energy it will produce.
They said the impacts to resident's lives will not be as large as anticipated.
