Dixon Set To Approve Biotech Bid

Dixon Set To Approve Biotech Bid
By Melissa Murphy//Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com

Welcoming one type of industry and at least delaying another appear to be items the Dixon City Council will deal with when it meets Tuesday.

• An agreement to bring biotech giant Genentech to town is to be considered by the council.

• Extending a moratorium on cellular towers for telecommunciations firms also is on the agenda.

Genentech is hoping to build a research facility on Fitzgerald Drive in Dixon, to be fully operating by 2010. The Council will be asked to authorize a

Memorandum of Understanding with the San Francisco-based firm, making assurances and vowing assistance.

Genentech, which operates a large manufacturing facility in Vacaville, plans to expand to Dixon because the city offers advantages, including proximity to the University of California, Davis and to Genentech's corporate headquarters in San Francisco, said Caroline Pecquet, associate director of corporate communications for the firm.

The future site of the proposed 140,000-square-foot building - the same size as the new Gymboree expansion next door - sits between Cardinal Health and Gymboree off of Vaughn Road.

The city has determined that roads in the area can accommodate any new traffic from the project, and that there is enough sewer capacity in the city to handle the project.

In a staff report, City Manager Warren Salmons said the Genentech project is unique for Dixon because it is a preeminent player in the biotechnology industry; it brings an estimated 160 jobs; it would have a catalyst effect in attracting other such industry; and it creates the ability to connect Dixon more closely with biotechnology programs at UC Davis.

The assurances outlined in the memorandum of understanding would eliminate construction of a road through the property, which had been part of previous plans for the site and also include a pledge by the city to work with the firm should sewer lines in the area need to be moved.

In other action Tuesday, Community Development Director Dave Dowswell will recommend that the council adopt an urgency ordinance extending for 10 months and 15 days a moratorium on approval of applications and permits to construct, modify or place wireless telecommunication facilities in the city.

The moratorium does not apply to a T-Mobile USA Inc. application for a cell tower that was turned in prior to the initial moratorium. The Planning Commission is in the process of looking at that project.

Melissa Murphy can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.