Auto mall EIR decision postponed to February 21

Photo by Michael Woodward, Reporter

ANTI-AUTO MALL — Ray Pittam, who recently moved into the Churn Creek Bottom area, asked the planning commission how an auto mall could be approved if he has trouble getting a permit to build a garage because of flood concerns.

In front of a crowd of about 50 people, many of whom wore anti-auto mall stickers, the Shasta County Planning commission voted Jan. 31 to postpone any decision regarding the auto mall until Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. On Feb. 21, then, the Planning commission shall consider whether to certify the Environmental Impact Report and whether to approve, modify or deny the permit for the auto mall.

James Maxwell, the applicant for the permit, had previously requested the postponement. Planning Commission Chairman John Cornelius said these requests from applicants have historically always been granted.

Planning Commissioner David Rutledge commented that the auto mall EIR has been rushed and questioned whether the extra three weeks would be long enough.

“There are still a lot of loose ends,” said Rutledge, who has nine years experience on the Redding Planning Commission and five years experience with the Shasta County Planning Commission. “The Regional Water Control Board didn’t receive the EIR appendices. It contains technical data. A thorough job needs to be done, and we need more time for that to take place.”

Even though no decision was made during last week’s meeting on the fate of the auto mall EIR, public comments were, nonetheless, heard.

Rod Evans, president of the Churn Creek Bottom Homeowners and Friends, proposed that the board move the time of the Feb. 21 hearing from 2 to 6 p.m. to allow for more public participation. A representative of the applicant was present but did not voice opposition to the proposition. The proposal passed the commission.

Evans announced that 10 local organizations also oppose the auto mall proposal.

He listed: Shasta County Farm Bureau, Citizens for Smart Growth, City of Shasta Lake, Parkview Neighborhood Assn., the Sierra Club, the Shasta Growers Association, Pacheco School, the California Dept. of Education, Neighbors of the Creek and The League of Women Voters.