Hot topics still unsolved

After the June election, a collective sense of exhaustion seemed to replace the people’s fire and energy about residential development and the future of Napa County.

That’s what a complex, expensive and divisive political campaign, such as the one surrounding the failed Measure N, will do.

But important questions raised by proposed developments at Napa Pipe and elsewhere remain unanswered. It appears that is about to change.

Napa County leaders expect to release several reports in the next few weeks addressing the potential impacts of the current Napa Pipe proposal, which would be the largest single development in the history of the county: 3,200 townhomes in seven-story buildings, retail and restaurants by the Napa River, a half-million square feet of industrial space and a condo-hotel.

The studies will address water, which is a critical issue in California and particularly in the South County. They will address traffic, an increasingly important quality-of-life issue in all of Napa County and especially in the South County. They will address the financial impact of the project, in terms of tax revenues and infrastructure costs.

Later on this year, another illuminating document is expected. This one comes from Angwin, where Pacific Union College will release an environmental impact report for its proposed eco-village. This 380-home project on PUC property has engendered a great deal of attention and controversy, prompting huge crowds to descend on county planning meetings.

With an EIR submitted to the county, perhaps the debate — which has deteriorated after rounds of incriminations and accusations between the college and its foes — can perhaps move forward.

Earlier this year, citizen concern peaked when these projects — as well as plans for the Ghisletta property on Foster Road, new growth in Browns Valley, discussion of the county’s so-called urban bubbles, and proposals in and near American Canyon — all hit the public’s radar at once.

 That was a good moment. Lawmakers throughout the county were on notice that their actions were being carefully vetted, and that residents want to see policy-making that reflects the long-term interests of the county, not in-fighting among political bodies or convenient but short-sighted solutions.

Citizens who became animated enough to put signs on their lawn, write letters and attend meetings this spring should prepare to weigh in at public meetings after these studies are released.

That’s the only way city leaders, county officials and the developers will hear our voices about these complicated matters. Whatever they decide, we will be living with for decades.

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