Ohlone Audubon Society

Status as of January 2010

Patterson Ranch (Fremont):

The Patterson Ranch EIR was released at the end of October and comments were due by December 14th. The project consists of 878 housing units and proposes 4 fivestory apartments and numerous 2 and 3-story units. The housing units and 50,000 square feet of commercial development are located to the east of Ardenwood Blvd. To the west of Ardenwood Blvd the proposal includes two churches, an elementary school, and a 30-acre active sports park including 2 cricket fields or 4 soccer fields, 3 tennis courts, two basketball courts, nightlighting and a two-acre dog park. The EIR fails to provide the public and decision-makers with viable, less environmentally damaging alternatives. One such alternative would have been to look at the current zoning of 266 housing units and clustering all development to the east of Ardenwood Blvd, thereby preserving the protective buffer that currently exists between impinging development and Coyote Hills Regional Park. Given the numerous challenges that must be overcome to safely develop the site one would hope this alternative will be considered seriously. The City is in the process of reviewing and responding to comments received regarding the EIR. Stay tuned for updates regarding meetings and the release of the FEIR.

The draft EIR can be found at: http://www.fremont.gov/index.aspx?NID=430

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Areas 3 and 4 Specific Plan (Newark):

The City of Newark has proposed a development project in Areas 3 and 4. The project includes a residential community of up to 1260 housing units and an 18-hole golf course. The portion of Area 3 proposed for development is uplands surrounded by light industrial/office space, Ohlone College, and residential.

Area 4, however, located to the west of development along the edges of Mowry Slough, supported the Whistling Wings and Pintail Duck Clubs, and provides habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. The City proposes up to 760 housing units in Area 3 and up to 500 upscale houses and a golf course in Area 4. Area 4 is within the 100-year flood plain, would be inundated by sea level rise if the privately owned levees were to fail, and is also susceptible to liquefaction. The EIR proposes the import of up to 2.1 million cubic yards of fill to raise the development area in Area 4 out of the 100-year flood plain.  This does not adequately address new estimates of sea level rise or liquefaction potential.

The City released and EIR in November of 2009. The comment period has closed. The City of Newark will be holding two meetings regarding the Area 3 and 4 Specific Area Plan on February 25th, and March 11th in the City Council Chamber at 5:30 p.m. (37101 Newark Blvd, 6th Floor). A meeting on February 11th focused on project overview, community benefits, and issues of concern. February 25th will focus on environmental issues, impacts and potential mitigation measures. March 11th will focuson financial issues including the costs of providing City services and the feasibility of the potential golf course. The City expects formal consideration of the EIR by the Planning Commission and City Council to occur in April. This is your opportunity to learn more about this project and its impacts and to provide comments to the City. If you have any questions or would like to receive notices regarding upcoming meetings please contact Terrence Grindall at 510-578-4208 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The draft EIR for the project can be found on the City of Newarks website at: http://www.newark.org/departments/planning-and-economic-development/planning/on-going-projects/area-3-4-housing-and-golf-course/

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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.

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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/

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