🤔
The Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) was created in unincorporated County areas such as Fair Oaks to facilitate and encourage direct citizen participation early in the planning process.
One of the items on their agenda this week was a multi-million dollar proposal to demolish and rebuild the Fair Oaks Water District construction site across the street from the District’s main headquarters.
Many members were unaware of this proposal and surprised that it was being presented to CPAC for approval.
You can view a recording of the presentation using the link below (the Water District proposal starts 34 minutes into the recording).
http://www2.agendanet.saccounty.net/FairOaksCPAC/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=7088&doctype=1
Given the size of this proposal and the impact it will have on Fair Oaks Village, FOVEC is seeking your input on the following questions related to the proposal:
Were you aware of this proposal, and do you believe that the Fair Oaks Water District did a good job of outreach to the community?
The proposal is to build another public building in the Spanish Revival architectural style - do you agree that is the best style for a new building in the VIllage?
The proposal includes parking spaces that could be used to augment existing public parking in the Village - based on how the Water District has posted their parking locations in the Village, do you expect these new spaces to be available to the public?
The proposal includes a new “park-like” area that could be used for public events - based on how the Water District has limited the use of their existing meeting space, do you expect this new space to be available to the public?
This location is in a prime location in the Village next to existing residential property and small businesses - is maintaining this location as a construction site in the public’s best interest?
Please feel free to comment on any or all of these questions.
The Fair Oaks Water District does not appear to operate in an open and transparent manner. I strongly object to new projects until they change how they operate and work to involve the community more.
1 - had no idea
2 - it’d be better than what’s there
3 - absolutely
4 - absolutely
5 - DEFINITELY NOT. There are so many other potential locations for the water district’s construction site, other than right next to a small, charming, commercial area that is just budding with potential. Sailor Bar as one, or any of the nearby large EMPTY parking lots where big box stores used to be. Or elsewhere. But in Village? It’s ridiculous.
Thank you, and good luck.
Levi Newlin
Fair Oaks Village Enhancement Committee (FOVEC) wrote on 7/10/21 8:03 AM:
I was not aware of the proposal nor do I think FOWD did anything to 'reach out' to the community. They could have sent email to those on their auto-pay or paper-less subscribers.
I suppose that the Spanish Revival is as good as any but I don't much like it and would prefer to see something more modern. Does FO actually have an "architectural style?" If so, what is it? :-)
I doubt the spaces will be made available unless mandated by the county and I don't see that happening. My guess is they will be gated.
Not at all. The water district does not see themselves as a community-centric entity but rather as a money-making utility willing and wanting to charge as much as they can possibility get away with. Witness their impossible to understand or comprehend billing methodology. I dare anyone to figure it out. They KNOW this, and probably pride themselves on it. If I had my way, I'd fire the entire board and bring in people who ARE community-centric and institute a billing system that is fair and comprehensible. But that's just me.
If the emphasis is to grow the business sector of Fair Oaks, than it is for sure not in the public interest. There are better uses for the property assuming another location can be found for the storage of equipment, etc. In the 40 years I've been in this house, that lot always seemed like a waste of valuable real estate... but again, that's just me!
Alan N. Canton
8041 Sierra Street
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
916-962-9296 (try cell first)
916-390-0164 cell/text (best)
916-282-1690 fax
ac99@answer123.com
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this project. I had not been aware of it previously, so it was very interesting to listen to the recording of the recent CPAC meeting and see what is being planned in a very visible section of Fair Oaks. Here is my feedback:
Unless I missed something, previous outreach to our household was non-existent. For those directly impacted like the neighbor who spoke during the meeting who lives directly north of the proposed gravel pit site, it seemed they were in the dark as well. It is heartening to hear that the developer is eager to work with them. I don't know if it is feasible, but a suggestion might be to switch the location of the parking places that are to the left of the fountain/patio area with the gravel pits.
Otherwise, I think the proposed style ties in nicely with the administrative building across the street.
Thank you,
Barbara Castelli
As a Forty-Five (45) year engaged and active Resident of Fair Oaks,
I DID NOT HEAR NOR KNOW ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL !
I strongly Believe that a more widely publicized notice for an at-large general public assembly Needs to occur immediately before any Decision is made to proceed with this Project.
Few people, including Me are NOT in truth aware of the CPAC meetings nor projects under review and consideration.
The Fair Oaks Water District needs to conduct a Special Public Meeting with CPAC members in Attendance for a Public Forum to Review and Discuss this Proposal and receive Public Comments and Feedback. All customers of FOWD need to be sent a Special Notice of A Speical Meeting well in advance so a much larger percentage of the People Who will Pay For this large and expensive project are aware of and have had a voice as to a Final Decision before moving forward.
Most Sincerely, Buzz McClain
8530 Emperor Dr, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
C/T: 916. 813-4214
EM: buzmcclain@gmail.com
To be successful, the Village needs more parking. For example, recently on a Saturday night we were trying to decide between two Fair Oaks restaurants - one in the Village and one off Madison. When I realized it was a Saturday, it made the decision easy. I knew the lack of parking would add stress to the night, so we chose the other option. I strongly believe that due to its central location in the Village, the property would be better suited as a parking lot or parking structure. The county or a developer should be allowed to purchase the land for the greater good of the community and local businesses. I would be willing to pay for parking if that meant we didn’t have to drive in circles trying to find a spot.