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Cummings Valley development
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Posted by LoriMorales Thu Oct 18, 2007 15:26:28 PDT
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I continue to feel the need to make corrections regarding the facts, as known today, regarding the development of the sod farms in Cummings Valley. What is unfortunate for me as a resident of Stallion Springs, is that it seems to put me in a position of sounding like I am pro-development and nothing could be further from the truth. But because misinformation continues to be distributed, mostly by members of the CVPA, I will continue to try to post the facts.

Water is absolutely an issue regarding development vs. 20 acre parcels. On the 1,400 acres in question, we would see 70 each 20 acre parcels go on the market for sale. Even if each parcel combined the wells required for either a small farm or homestead, (four parcels on one well) we are talking a minimum of 17 additional wells. And honestly, what's the possibility of four parcels being sold off in conjunction with each other....17 times? These wells would reduce the effectiveness of the Stallion Springs well drawing from the same aquifer in the valley. Nitrate levels are currently an issue and additional wells will increase this problem and increase the cost of water to current residents.

The next fact is the timing of events regarding annexation. First the developers must receive an EIR. If the EIR shows valley will support their proposed development, the plans must be submitted for approval. If the plans are approved, LAFCO will decide whether annexation is desirable. Only then, will Stallion Springs be petitioned for annexation. That possibility is at least two to three years in the future.

Why wouldn't residents of Stallion Springs want to continue to receive data on development vs. the 20 acre parcel possibilities and results of same? I can't fathom the CVPA mindset of  "I've made up my mind so don't confuse me with the facts." And I hope the SSCSD will not buy into that mindset.

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Comment From: BrianLevy

Lori, Thanks for explaining your position on the matter of the sod farms. I have a question -- how will the valley handle the additional traffic on the 202? As it is right now, there are plenty of cars during the rush hour, imagine if this proposed development comes through the county? Thanks, Brian Comment From: LoriMorales

The widening of 202 has been on the CalTrans books for several years. This is a big worry for all of us who travel that road from Stallion Springs into town. It would be my hope that whether we have 70 additional families and/or farms in the valley or a new development, the widening 202 will occur prior. We should all work in petitioning CalTrans to get the 202 project completed ASAP. When the vote for 202 comes up again, it would please everyone using that road for it to pass. I read once, a couple years ago, that 202 actually has more traffice than 58. Comment From: jrmortensen

Lori it's good to know that "hope" is eternal especially regarding Caltrans widening of 202 and the state building a waste processing facility at CCI. Also be careful of what you read. I totally agree with you that "Water is absolutely an issue". It's potable water and its twin waste water. A 2,800 home development would unquestioably have greater impact and not only on Stallion Springs but on the whole Tehachapi Valleys area. Today some wells exceed the 35 mg/L. Water from several wells has to be blended to make it meet acceptable standards. We should all be aware that what happens in Cummings Valley will affect the whole Tehachapi area. Developers are noted for promising to lift communities by giving them a beautiful elevation, then only delivering the shaft. Hit and run with big profits is standard procedure.