Questions, concerns raised at Olsen Chandler Ranch Development meeting
Closing meeting to be held Monday
–The Paso Robles City Council conducted a special meeting at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon to discuss the proposed Olsen Chandler Ranch Development on the east side of Paso Robles. About fifty people attended the meeting held at the Holiday Inn Express on Riverside and 24th.
Concerned residents asked a long series of questions of the council and staff about traffic, water, affordable and low-income housing and phases of development. One man asked simply, “Is there a way to stop this development?”
Some accused the council of ramming the long-awaited development down the throats of the city’s residents.
After everyone asked their questions, the council and staff answered them. They talked about traffic, water resources and the plans to meet those and other issues which concerned residents.
Near the conclusion, citizen John Texeria thanked the mayor and complimented the council for providing thorough answers to the questions. The City Council adjourned their meeting and many who attended took a short break before the developer’s charrette which began at 6 p.m.
Brian Wright facilitated the charrette for the developers, although he confessed it was his seventh meeting of the day. When he presented slides of architectural designs developed by his team for the Olsen Chandler Ranch, the mood changed. He described three home styles- Modern Farmhouse, Progressive Spanish and Wine Country Chic. Those in attendance studied the drawings projected in a light show; some nodded approvingly.
He described a trail component using an agriculture easement to create a walking trail around the property. He talked about a knoll that he felt the developers may want to use for a detached recreation center. Buildings would include a market or deli with a coffee shop; an event barn, a fitness center, and perhaps a wedding venue and wine tasting facility. He said the oaks on the knoll should be celebrated.
After the presentation, citizens questioned the presenters and offered their own ideas about the development. Brian Wright patiently listened and validated criticism and new ideas.
Over the weekend, the planners will fine-tune their plan, implementing input provided by those who attended the charrette and council meeting.
On Monday, the team will present a refined plan at their Closing Meeting at Virginia Peterson Elementary School. That meeting will be held from 6-8 Monday evening. The public is welcome to attend.
