To the relief of many residents along Santa Rosa Road sub-regions S-1 (west of Hwy 101) and S-2 (east of Hwy 101) have been excluded from the recommendations.  Both sub-regions are south of the current city limits and of the Santa Ynez River.

The study according to Bierdzinski, is not associated with the estimated population growth since the city’s “General Plan” has enough in its current plan to account for growth “for the next 20 to 25 years” he said. 

Still early in the process, Bierdzinski said it is unclear at this time what the future goals for the studied areas will be.  Asked what projects may or may not include of the areas if annexed, he explained that all possibilities will be examined including, residential development, commercial and industrial. He said developers have expressed there is a need for department stores and that it is one option that may be looked at. In addition he says, “We would love to gain a little more diverse commercial”.

Remaining areas recommended for the studies include sub-regions: N1 (northwest of the city), N2 (northeast of the city) and N3 (west of the city). 

Bierdzinski said in a written statement that the City of Buellton “welcomes and considers all public input and comment in their decision making process.”

To learn more please visit: www.cityofbuellton.com

The next Planning Commission meeting be held on Thursday, June 7, at the City Council Chambers, located at: 140 W. Highway 246 in Buellton.

 

Fire on Nojoqui Grande Suspected to be the Result of a Vehicle

The cause of the road-side vegetation fire that broke out May 16 at Highway 101 Northbound on Nojoqui Grade, south of Buellton, is still under investigation. Five county engine companies, a fuel crew, a helicopter and a dozer responded to the blaze at approximately 2:45 p.m. According to a statement issued by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, no injuries or structure damaged occurred.

“Though the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it’s highly suspicious that this fire was started by a vehicle,” said Eli Iskow, public information officer for the fire department. “So we recommend that drivers pull off the road into a cleared area and not into any vegetation, dry or green and make sure their cars are well maintained. We’re in fire season and people need to be very careful.”    

The fire destroyed 5.4 acres and was declared contained at 3:30 p.m.

 

County Holds Public Meetings about Future Growth Projections

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) held its last public meeting about the recent release of the Regional Growth Forecast May 24 in Goleta.

The forecast outlines the projected increase in population and economical development through year 2040. The forecast will be used to plan the future use of transportation throughout Santa Barbara County. It is a 35-year forecast that is updated every five years.

“The open meetings are public workshops and we allow the public to respond to the presentation and give input on anything they may feel is relevant,” said Brian Bresolin, regional analyst for SBCAG.

The forecast projects the city of Buellton surpassing Solvang in population by year 2025. Solvang and Buellton combined are projected to have a total population of 13,800.

“We have been getting input on household formation and jobs and other issues that the community is aware of,” Bresolin said. “So it’s good to have the community input because it makes the forecast a better product and gives us insight as to what’s going on out there in the real world.”

The current projection update is available in pdf format at www.sbcag.org. 

 

Agricultural Crime Prevention Program to Get More Funding

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department was awarded grant money totaling over $100,000 for its Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Program in April. It asked the Board of Supervisors May 22 to approve a budget revision based on the available grant money.

“We haven’t seen a marked increase in rural crime but there is a seasonal trend like trespassing and poaching,” said Erik Rainy, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. “It would behoove the Board to approve the budget revision and accept the grant monies from the state to support programs that the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office feel have a positive impact on our rural communities.”

Agriculture is the largest industry in Santa Barbara County, earning over $990 million annually.

If approved the grant money will fund the appointment of an investigator who is trained in rural crime, a new patrol car, night vision and rangefinder binoculars and other materials. 

 

Board Approves Preliminary Evaluation for New Cuyama Community Center

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved $160,000 for research into facilitating New Cuyama with a community swimming pool, community center, library and health clinic as well as other community facilities.

“The idea is to look at a master plan for the area,” said Santa Barbara County Support Services Assistant Director Paddy Langlands. “Is it feasible? What would the exact cost be? Would it even be fundable?”

Currently New Cuyama has no community center, a library housed in a trailer and a swimming pool that was condemned by the county following the Paso Robles earthquake in 2003. The current health facility is a 1,400 square foot home conversion that officials say is in need of repair and modernization.

Part of the evaluation will include determining what can be afforded, which facilities take priority and how the construction will be phased in. The current proposal sites a 13-acre land parcel south of Highway 166, east of Hubbard Avenue for acquisition to house the facilities.