HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 1.A-Late08 04/25/2011P a`
Hines, H qaiftr Olt,
From: Susan Kirks [susankirks @sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 11:32 AM
To: `Hines, Heather
Subject: Deer Creek village EIR comment
April 24, 2011
Dear Heather,
Thank you for opportunity to provide a comment on the above -ref. EIR within the public comment
period..
My comment focuses on Biological Resources,..identified impacts or lack thereof, and conclusions..
This resource. review was completed in 2003, almost 11 years ago. The biological resources section is
incomplete and "also should be updated.
Any resident who lives in that area. and is aware of the interplay among the wetland, creek, open
grassland and wildlife would be well advised to retain a biologist to perform an independent biological .
assessment if this has not already been done.
The developer's consultants will note be providing a whole picture of the biological resources on the 36.55
acres .of land, hut will be providi'n'g, as they have, the minimal amount of information to place. in the public
record, with a finding of less than significant impact.
The consultants in 2003 provided a report that portrayed an open 36.55 acre site as fairly useless piece of
weedy property where biological resources are concerned, but this is the developer's viewpoint, as the
d'esi're is to obtain as much space as possible to build and conserve the very minimal amount if they are
successful in being able to do so for their project:
It appears decision makers may want to seriously review the proposal fora 5.77 -acre area for a
"conservation corridor" and consider doubling this in size, at least, based on an updated biological
assessment'as -well as what one would hope to be an independent biological assessment provided by
concerned citizens in that area. 'This would still provide close to 20 acres for development of mixed use to
generate sales tax revenues for the City of Petaulma.
We live in a different world and environment than in 2003 when this biological resource'assessment was
conducted. Sales tax revenues may be needed, but where a wetland area, drainage and creek, and open
grassland are_ involved,• these resources also need to be protected and, if possible, enhanced, to prevent
complete Toss .of. the `habitat that exists for both seen and nocturnal species:
The City would be well. advised to seriously consider the open grassland,; mature trees, identified wetland
and creek and drainage areas as potential significant habitat to support wildlife and provide an
aesthetically pleasing open space area.
Listing of observed species by the biologists apparently occurred during what are described as "site
surveys."
"Only' 10 vertebrate species Were rock dove, starling, English sparrow, crow -, scrub jay -, bushtit -, jackrabbit -, lesser
goldfinch -, . Anna's hummingbird -, and mockingbird -). One invertebrate (a cabbage -white butterfly -) also recorded. Natives IITC noted
with an. asterisk ( -). A list o040, observed - animal species is
attached as Appendix B.
All of these Species: are. common: in suburban and developing areas. Other species that may make
use of this site ate also common l'0 occasional species: of suburban and developing ueas, such as:
house finch, Brewer's blackbird, field mouse; house cat,. and tree frog."
There is no record of nocturnal species who. may utilize this area for movement, foraging and water at night. In
addition, the description of'observation is an example of the minimalization of biological resources by ,
consultants during a plant and animal- survey.
It is likely that many more species move through this area, .utilize it for foraging and a water resource and, given
the paucity of land remaining in East Petaluma that can provide a; movement area and habitat, it will surely be
prudent to consider protecting the resources there and enhancing them, while providing for mixed use
development in an area of 15+ acres if this is determined to-be in the best'interest of the City of Petaluma and
our residents.
Thank you for accepting this comment,
Sincerely,
Susan Kirks
Petaluma
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