Joe Murphy, a civil engineer on the project, says that much work and thought has gone into the Final EIR.  Murphy referenced meetings with many local agencies, including the fire department, CalTrans, and even an arborist to consult on preserving trees and other plants. He stressed that the project made sure to address the concerns that came out of the town hall meetings, and added that many of those suggestions were incorporated into the report.  Some of those suggestions include requests for no street lamps, in order to preserve the “country feel” of the area, a request for ARTS bus stops within the subdivision, and walking paths throughout the property.

Murphy also noted that over 70 percent of the proposed subdivision would remain untouched, providing for a very rural and natural setting. Public opposition to the project was mild, with comments mainly centered on traffic congestion, wetland mitigation issues, and protecting the local wildlife. Judy Alexander, a Ranch House Estates resident, had fire protection concerns, and also noted that the proposed basketball court would be a light annoyance to her and other neighbors. Other citizens stepped forward in support of the project.  Michael Vasquez, a local resident, supports the Final EIR and says, “They have really taken the quality of life and love of the land into consideration.” In order to provide the commission with more time to review the document and hear additional public input, the hearing will be continued on April 8th.