Orchard Creek Estates on council agenda

CHICO — Orchard Creek Estates, a proposed 15-acre subdivision with 74 lots, will come under consideration by the Chico City Council on Tuesday after an initial rejection by its Planning Commission.

The development, proposed by Tatreau Construction, seeks to transform 15 acres by the Chico Family Masonic Center into a low-density residential zone with a proposed yield of 4.8 units per acre near East and Nord Avenues.

The site is 20 acres total, unincorporated and designated within Chico’s 398-acre Bell Muir Special Planning Area. The council will consider pre-zoning this area for annexation into the city limits at a later date.

The Planning Commission initially rejected the plan Jan. 19 on a 5-2 vote, then ratified its denial Feb. 1 on a 3-2 vote — each meeting drawing dozens of citizens to comment.

If approved, about 380 acres of the special planning area will remain. The council will also consider a mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitor program for the development.

Other business

Cal Water plans to present a citywide savings program, introducing its rebate and conservation programs. According to the staff report, a possible action by the council may be needed to implement the programs.

Upon request by Councilor Addison Winslow, the council will consider extending hours that alcohol is served by Chico businesses past midnight on certain days, including St. Patrick’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Chico State graduation, Labor Day weekend and Halloween.

Winslow cited that businesses may lose out on sales during the most profitable days of the year.

Winslow also requested discussion of improved bike path lighting and crime prevention through environmental design.

Another councilor request by Tom van Overbeek seeks to discuss neglected maintenance in Lindo Channel where sediment debris deposited from upstream appears to have narrowed the channel from 140 feet to 50 feet, and raised the bottom of the channel by 8 feet.

In its consent agenda, the council will consider a liquor license for Blue Bird Liquor located at 2540 Esplanade.

The Chico City Council regularly meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 421 Main St. Closed session starts at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to the public.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.