Southern Alameda County Conservation
Patterson Ranch (Fremont):
The Fremont City Council approved the Patterson Ranch development in March 2011. The good news is that the number of housing units to the east of Ardenwood Blvd. has been reduced to 500 and the lands to the west of Patterson Slough will be donated to the EBRPD. The bad news is that there are approximately 50 acres west of Ardenwood Blvd. that remain in limbo. As of June 2011 there has been no news yet on when thebproposal for two 5-acre churches on the lands to the west of Ardenwood Blvd. will be presented to the Fremont Planning Commission.
You may review the final EIR by visiting the City of Fremont's website at: http://www.fremont.gov/index.aspx?NID=430.
Areas 3 and 4 Specific Plan (Newark):
Whistling Wings and Pintail Duck Clubs – A lawsuit has been filed that challenges the adequacy of the EIR. We do not necessarily oppose the development of Area 3 which is situated across the street from existing residential, adjacent to the new Ohlone
College campus. The development of Area 4 requires the construction of an overpass to access the site and could require the import of up to 2.1 million cubic yards of fill to raise the land up to 10 feet out of the current 100-year flood plain. This does not account for conservative predictions of sea level rise after 2050. Up to 85.6 acres of wetlands could be filled to construct upscale housing and possibly a golf course (should sufficient funds be raised by the sale of houses). Area 4 is continually disced and water is pumped off, but the site contains a mosaic of wetlands and as important, undeveloped uplands. The site supports the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse, waterbirds, waterfowl, and the burrowing owl. No development should occur in Area 4. Federal and state permits will be required to develop the area. Please stay tuned for action alerts.
Newby Island
Several environmental groups submitted extensive comments to the proposal to provide a long-term buffet for gulls. Among the comments submitted were the need to address areas of deficiencies and non-compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the need to re-circulate the environmental document. The gulls of course are hoping the City will stay the course. There is still no new news on the Newby Island Landfill Expansion Final EIR. We will keep you posted.
Bay Conservation and Development Commission
Follow the progress of the BCDC's Climate Change Bay Plan Policies at: http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/proposed_bay_plan/bp_amend_1-08.shtml
There may be additional opportunities for public comment - check BCDC's website for udpates.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Meetings were held October and in November to receive public comments. The low public turnout was very disappointing. This is your opportunity to help shape the vision the Refuge staff develops for management of the Refuge for the next fifteen years. More meetings will be held in 2010 PLEASE attend and share your knowledge. For more information visit: http://www.fws.gov/desfbay/
Make Your Voice Heard