Planning Commission Takes Up Lowe’s Project

Sonora, CA — The Sonora City Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council approve three major aspects of the proposed Lowe’s Home Improvement Center but declined to vote on two others.

13 residents spoke in favor the project and five were against. The proponents primarily spoke about job creation, taxpayer money going to the Central Valley and trying to spur the local economy.

“I have to say that it was very refreshing to see all of the support,” says Jim Todd of California Gold Development Corporation. “Every level of the community came out to support it, and it was an unusual experience to see the supporters far outweigh the naysayers.”

The Planning Commission endorsed the Draft EIR, General Plan amendments and rezoning changes, but did not vote on the site plan and design review aspects of the project. The Commission declined to take a position because a letter was submitted shortly before the meeting by an attorney for Citizens for Responsible Growth regarding the legality, and the Commissioners had not had time to read the document and receive legal counsel.

The entire project now moves to the City Council where a vote is expected to take place on May 18th.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com