City of Dixon scheduled to release impact report on Dixon Downs

Article Launched: 09/11/2005 07:53:14 AM

Dixon scheduled to release impact report

By David Henson/Staff Writer

Later this month, the city of Dixon will release what may be the most anticipated 1,800 pages in the town's history.

During the week of Sept. 19, the city is scheduled to release the long-awaited environmental impact report for the controversial Dixon Downs project, a proposed 260-acre horse-racing and entertainment complex.

"I'm glad to finally have a target date I'm sure is firm," City Manager Warren Salmons said. "This is an important moment."

The project's EIR has been delayed for several months, which has led to criticism by some in the community. The project's complexity and city staff shortages have contributed to the delay.

"Part of the reason it has taken so long is because it needs to take that long," Salmons said. "This is a very significant project for the community and one thing we do have is time."

In addition to the traditional EIR, seven other reports will be available for review, including studies on the public safety, social, fiscal and economic impacts of the project. Also, the city will publish answers to all the questions outside those studies, many of which were submitted by a group opposed to the project.

There will be a mandatory 45-day review period of the draft EIR, which will end in early November, depending on the exact date of release.

All the documents will be posted on the city's Web site and officials are considering making the material available via CD-ROM.

David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.