7th Standard, Coffee commerical center project draws talk
| Friday, Mar 20 2009 01:17 AM
Last Updated Monday, Mar 30 2009 04:25 PM
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Global warming and loss of farmland topped the list of concerns about a commercial development at Thursday's Bakersfield Planning Commission meeting.
Bidart Bros.' Saco Ranch Commercial Center would bring about 3.2 million square feet of retail and industrial space on 301 acres along the southwest and southeast corners of 7th Standard and Coffee roads.
Gordon Nipp, representing the Kern-Kaweah chapter of the Sierra Club, challenged the climate change data used in the draft environmental impact report.
Assembly Bill 32 requires the state's greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. Nipp, a mathematician, said the project would only increase those levels, not decrease them as the study claims.
"If this project would help achieve attainment of climate change goals, all we'd have to do is fill up all of California with sprawl of this sort," Nipp said.
But Commissioner Jeff Tkac suggested Saco Ranch could reduce emission levels because it's close to nearby homes. Residents wouldn't need to drive as far to shop.
Commissioner Murray Tragish asked why the urban decay study didn't include information about recessions and impacts on developments.
The project would remove farmland from production and would be required to replace it on a 1:1 basis.
"Seems to me you're buying a pig and a poke," said Tom McGinnis, vice chairman. "We have no idea where that land is supposed to be, (if) it's comparable land."
Comments from Thursday's meeting will addressed in a final environmental impact report, which may be available in June.
The commission also:
Recommended the city council certify the environmental impact report for the amended Hillside Ordinance. That could happen in April. The policy is intended to protect views and sloped terrain along 6,531 acres northeast Bakersfield.
The study concluded the ordinance caused no significant environmental impacts. Several letters received about the report raised no new environmental issues, said Bruce Grove, the city's consultant.
Approved a map for developer Ron Froehlich to build commercial condos on the south side of Brimhall Road, about a quarter-mile west of Coffee Road.
Postponed a sign plan for the River Walk Center until April 2. The development is along the north side of Stockdale Highway, between Calloway Drive and Don Hart Drive West.
