What:
The City of Newark is reviewing a development proposal
that would build an 18-hole championship golf course
and executive housing on a large portion of these lands.
Two
alternatives were proposed during a community workshop
held at the end of 2007.
Alternative
A
Alternative
B
During
the February 6, 2008 presentation to the Planning Commission
the maps were presented with a few alterations.
The conceptual development plan has been split into
four maps - two alternatives for Area 3 (the area surrounded
by existing development east of the railroad tracks
- the railroad tracks are along the eastern edge of
Area 4):
Alternative
3A
Alternative
3B
and two alternatives for Area 4 (the undeveloped area
west of the railroad tracks) :
Alternative
4A
Alternative
4B
What's
At Stake:
- Ducks and shorebirds inhabit
the areas of ponded waters during the rainy season,
and portions of the land support the endangered salt
marsh harvest mouse. Over the levee in the tidal
marshes along Mowry Slough the endangered California
clapper rail can be found and harbor seals have an
important haul-out area.
- Most of the area identified
as Area 4 was included in the congressionally approved
refuge expansion boundary mapo of 1990.
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- Extremely few places remain
along the edges of the bay where the gradient from
tidal marsh to upland habitats can be restored.
- Area 4 is one of
the few places where this important transition zone
could be recovered, and without tremendous effort.
- Under the heading,
"Unique Restoration Opportunities," the
Goals Project states,"There are opportunities
to restore historic tidal marsh/upland
transitional
habitat..." and under "Recommendations,"
"Protect and enhance the tidal marsh/upland transition
at the upper end of Mowry Slough..."
In
addition to the numerous environmental issues, there
are public safety issues: flood and seismic concerns,
emergency response time, limited access to the proposed
development, etc., as well as sea-level rise concerns.
The BCDC
sea-level rise map shows the majority of the site
inundated by a one meter rise in sea-level.
What
You Can Do:
- Consultants for the City of Newark are currently
working on the draft environmental impact report (DEIR)
for the proposed development project. The city
expects the DEIR to be circulated in September 2008
(click here for the current
timeline).
- CCCR submitted comments
during the public scoping period that can be viewed
here.
- If you wish to be notified when the DEIR is released
please contact Terrence Grindall at Terrence.Grindall@newark.org
- Check our website for updates and notification about
upcoming meetings or comment
periods.
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