Consensus continues on middle Green Valley growth

Consensus continues on middle Green Valley growth
By Barry Eberling | DAILY REPUBLIC | August 03, 2009

FAIRFIELD - Middle Green Valley property owners who want to develop their land and residents who want to maintain a rural atmosphere can point to a still-evolving plan designed to end the long-running growth war.

Both sides have helped craft what at this point is called a 'preliminary draft' plan, with support from Solano County. The Solano County Planning Commission on Thursday will comment on -- but not vote on -- the existing version. Commissioners meet at 7 p.m. at the county Government Center, 675 Texas St.

'At this point, both sides are still supportive,' said Nancy Nelson of the Green Valley Landowners Association, which wants to retain a rural atmosphere. 'It's not perfect for either side, but they're supportive of the plan moving ahead.'

Anthony Russo, who is among the property owners who want the option of developing, agreed.

'There are always going to be individuals who don't like something, but in this case I think we have a lot of support for the plan,' Russo said.

Middle Green Valley includes about 1,900 acres between Fairfield city limits and the Green Valley county club area. Proposals call for building up to 400 new homes in clusters, with about 84 percent of the planning area designated for open space.

Some plan participants have talked about creating a small version of Napa Valley's Yountville, in the sense that Yountville is a village within a farming area.

A key idea is to keep agriculture alive in Middle Green Valley by creating an agricultural conservancy. Money to subsidize agriculture could come from a charge on property sales there.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.