Developers, city staff host closing discussion regarding Olsen Chandler Ranch plans
–The closing discussion in the Olsen Chandler Ranch Development charrette attracted more than 75 people to Virginia Peterson Elementary School Monday evening. The developers’ team of planners shared maps and drawings of architectural styles for the 1200 homes and other buildings. The plans include a recreation center on an oaky knoll above the housing. It also includes open space and hiking trails on the agricultural preserve surrounding the lots.
Brian Wright, the facilitator, answered questions from those in attendance about the impact on schools, traffic, water resources and refuse collection. Paso Robles city staff helped him answer some of the questions raised by local citizens.
John Texiera asked about the carrying capacity of the two east-west bridges, Niblick and 13th Street. He said the city needs another bridge over the Salinas River, perhaps the proposed Charolais bridge, and that developers should pay for it.
Warren Frace said that the exorbitant cost of the Charolais bridge led city officials to remove it from the General Plan. The bridge would have to traverse a wide section if the Salinas River bed, then go up and over the railroad tracks to connect to 46 West. The cost to build it was greater than $100 million dollars. Frace said the city is looking at ways to reduce traffic on the Niblick Bridge, particularly to and from Paso Robles High School.
Brian Wright suggested the next step in the process is forums to discuss specific issues like schools, traffic, water and other concerns.
The development will still proceed through the usual city planning process for approval, including an Environmental Impact Report.
Wright said the charrette was a preliminary process presented by the developers to prepare for the planning process. It encouraged the public to help generate problem-solving ideas for the new development.
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