Rockville Estates Put In Limbo

Rockville Estates Put In Limbo
By Danny Bernardini/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com

For the fourth time in less than a year, a decision has been delayed on whether to alter the county's general plan to allow a controversial development in the hills near Green Valley.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday to revisit the issue at a future meeting in order to allow county staff and the developer to address concerns and questions about the 1,600-acre subdivision.

Supervisor Barbara Kondylis voted against the delay because she is against the development.

"I think this project should go away and we should not spend any more county resources on it," she said.

Before the board votes on altering the general plan to allow certain aspects of the development, some answers about the project must be addressed, the board said.

At issue are four wastewater treatment ponds that are proposed for the east side of the property. Because those ponds would be directly uphill from some neighbors, concerns have been raised about flooding.

There have also been questions about how two large wells on the property would affect the water supply of surrounding homes.

At Tuesday's meeting, county staff urged the board not to set a specific date to revisit the issue in order to avoid another delay. Six months was suggested as an alternative.

Christina Lawson, a consultant with the developer, was on hand and echoed staff's desires.

"I think nine months is more realistic," Lawson said. "We would prefer an open-ended agenda because we've been here four times now."

Supervisor Jim Spering voiced his concerns about not setting a date.

"I don't support an open-ended agenda," Spering said. "Why not just give it a year. What's the harm in that?"

Danny Bernardini can be reached at county@thereporter.com.