300-acre commercial and residential Gateway Project canceled

Posted: 10:20 am, July 2, 2014 by Publisher Scott Brennan

Update July 2, 2014: The Paso Robles City Council voted Tuesday night to cancel a 300-acre annexation and development. The city terminated an application for annexation by Quorum Properties at the developer’s request and after the developer failed to pay the city over $100,000 in past due expenses related to the project, according to a city staff report.

Quorum Properties had proposed annexation of nearly 300 acres at the northwest corner of Highway 46 west and South Vine that was to include three hotels, 30 homes, and commercial buildings.

Planning commission to review major new development

Update Nov. 11, 2013: The Paso Robles Planning commission is reviewing a major new development proposal near the intersection of Highway 46 west and Highway 101. The public is invited to the “scoping” meeting where commissioners will identify potential environmental effects that should be studied in the project’s environmental impact report. The meeting is set for Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the conference center of Paso Robles City Hall, 1000 Spring St.

Paso Robles Gateway Project art from the developer.

Paso Robles Gateway Project planned for corner of Highway 46 west and 101

Development includes 392 new hotel rooms and 30 estate homes

Original report: The Paso Robles City Council moved forward with plans this week for a new development at the north west corner of Highway 46 west and Highway 101. The Paso Robles Gateway Project is a proposed development that includes three hotels with 392 total hotel rooms, 30 estate lots, a dry-farmed vineyard and 62,300 sq.ft. of commercial space. The Gateway site encompasses 269 acres of rolling grasslands dotted with oak trees and oak woodlands. The land is currently used for cattle grazing and almond trees that have exceeded their productive life cycle, according to a city report. The land is owned by San Francisco resident Michael Furlotti. Quorum Realty Fund, the developer of the Paso Robles Gateway Project, filed applications to move the project forward. The city council moved forward Tuesday night, ordering an environmental impact report and water supply assessment. Future steps include annexation of the property and amendments to the city’s general plan. After annexation, the city would supply water to the commercial and residential development. Four existing wells would supply water to 114 acres of proposed vineyards, low water use orchards and other potential agricultural uses. Around 96 acres will be designated open space and habitat preservation. Two new alignments of South Vine Street and its intersection with Highway 46 west are being considered for the project. Paso Robles Water Resources Manager Christopher Alakel the project would have no impact on the Paso Robles groundwater basin over the long run. He said this site sites on the Atascadero sub-basin, which has plenty of water. He also said the Nacimiento Water Project will supply the city ample water supplies.