Genentech Closer To Panel's OK

Genentech Closer To Panel's OK
By Melissa Murphy/Staff Writer

A proposal by biotech giant Genentech to build a 140,000-square-foot research facility in Dixon is expected to take another step forward when it comes before the Planning Commission Tuesday.

The commission will consider no longer requiring right-of-way and light and air (setback) easements in the progress of the Genentech project. Action by the commission would enable Genentech's plans to come before the City Council at a public hearing in July.

Planned to be fully operating in the first half of 2010, the new research support facility will be off Fitzgerald Drive in northeast Dixon.

Genentech, which operates a large manufacturing facility in Vacaville, chose to expand to Dixon because the city offers many advantages, including its proximity to the University of California, Davis and to corporate headquarters in San Francisco, said Caroline Pecquet, associate director of corporate communications for the firm, in March when the project was first proposed.

City staff has determined that because the street right-of-way and light and air easements are not needed, due to changes in the street alignments, the relinquishments by the city will have no impact, according to a staff report.

In other action, the commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss Dorset Retail Center, which includes a plan for a Home Depot, the world's largest home-improvement specialty retailer.

Scott Mommer Consulting, on behalf of Home Depot and Dixon Development Partners, LLC is proposing approximately 95,000 square feet of construction in the center.

The Dorset center would include a 142,000-square-foot Home Depot, a 4,000-square-foot drive-in restaurant, a 3,000 square-foot drive-in bank and 45,800 square feet of miscellaneous retail on a 16.4 acre site.

The property abuts Interstate 80 on the same side of North First Street as Cattleman's restaurant, which is across from the Wal-Mart shopping center.

The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 600 East A St.

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