64 replies to this topic

[camay2327]

Can they do that?

I mean, how stiff is the penalty for cutting all the trees down? Do their plans call for re-planting or growing more trees to offset what is cut down? Don't they have to pass one of those environmental impact study thingy's before they can get a license to begin construction?

How come I feel woefully uninformed about this stuff--when I care? (nevermind--don't answer that).....

One of things I will ask tonight is about the trees. The builders always say they will plant trees elsewhere to make up for it. The problem is we the people never hear about if and where they ever plant the new trees. I also think they can just pay the penalty for tearing them out, but not sure. They should raise the penalty to about $5,000 a tree and maybe that would slow them down a bit.

[ducky]

I understand the need to preserve history. However, I'm unclear what is meant by "historic gateway." The area looks nothing like it did in the 1800s or any time earlier than the late 1980s.

It's funny looking at the aerial photos of the area. It's a small patch of green and brown at the corner of a huge swath of development. The rest of the concrete, asphalt and building are in line with the town's "charm and character" but if this small plot is partially developed everything is ruined?

I don't understand the term "Historic Gateway" either. I do, however, understand and share the disappointment in the destruction of a "Scenic Gateway." Mylo is right about the other businesses being set back up Iron Point. It's not that everything is being ruin; it's that what little is left is being ruined IMHO.

If I remember correctly, -- someone please correct me if I'm wrong -- this was sent back to the planning commission back in 2005 to see if the developer could save more trees and add more parking. I don't remember if public access to the Natoma Sluice Diggings was part of that, also.

It looks like, instead, the developer is coming back with less parking and saving fewer trees (or saving no trees at all?).

[supermom]

But the point is that that area is designated as a mating and nesting place for the (great) white egret and the blue (uh--this I might get wrong) heron.

If you cut those trees down---hmmmm

[Dave Burrell]

Do we REALLY need to pave over every single inch of paradise?

These piles of rocks with grasses and old oak trees are (IMO) very nice to see. Personally, I prefer that over another hotel, another mini-mall, another cookie cutter slab of cement... we don't need it, we have enough of that already here. Lets keep what few open spaces we have left - open!

For those who don't give a crap about open spaces and the natural beauty of the land, ya'll should have moved to Roseville instead of here.

[Bill Z]

But the point is that that area is designated as a mating and nesting place for the (great) white egret and the blue (uh--this I might get wrong) heron.

If you cut those trees down---hmmmm

I can't comment on nesting ground locations, but I have seen Blue Herons around Folsom.
Usually I see them near the wetlands of Humbug Creek and Willow Creek.

So as far as getting the name of a bird right, you are correct.

[Robert Giacometti]

Does anyone know if there is a previous existing agreement in place for the developer to build this hotel or not?

Maybe the citizens should pass a charter amendment adopting a new tax on Hotel room nights, at $100.00 per night, for Hotels constructed after 4/2010?

[supermom]

Does anyone know if there is a previous existing agreement in place for the developer to build this hotel or not?

Maybe the citizens should pass a charter amendment adopting a new tax on Hotel room nights, at $100.00 per night, for Hotels constructed after 4/2010?

That would be very underhanded and would seriously hinder future city growth and revenue.

Developers have long memories.

Would we really want to short ourselves like that?

I thought you were anti-taxes anyway?

[camay2327]

I did go to the meeting and will have a few things later when I have time. I think it will be going back to the City Council soon so be watching for it.

[4thgenFolsomite]

I don't understand the term "Historic Gateway" either. I do, however, understand and share the disappointment in the destruction of a "Scenic Gateway."

I guess its a touristy phrase I'm just conjuring up, but I was thinking that if tourists are coming to Folsom, this entrance feels the most historic (rather than Scott or Prairie City) and its the gateway to the historic district and our historic attractions. it follows the historic railroad tracks (in fact, its on the grade of the historic SVRR) and leads directly to the historic district. Just a thought. I think a big historic looking sign "Welcome to Folsom!" at this entrance would look more appropriate than one on the other two freeway entrances because of that feeling, hence its a gateway.

[Robert Giacometti]

That would be very underhanded and would seriously hinder future city growth and revenue.

Developers have long memories.

Would we really want to short ourselves like that?

I thought you were anti-taxes anyway?

If the citizens held an election and voted to raise taxes what is so underhanded about that? In the 20 years I've been around Folsom, I can't honestly recall one single time whereby the citizens every came out ahead on deal with developers. The developers know how to play the game so much better than most, so I'm NOT real sympathetic towards their plight.

We wouldn't be shorting ourselves at all, if in the future the citizens determined they didn't want the tax on Hotel rooms, they could vote to rescind this.

With this tax, I could CHOOSE to stay in this hotel and pay this tax or I could choose to stay in an existing hotel and NOT pay this tax. The developer would have the choice of continuing on with this project, knowing they had to pay this tax or they could explore plan B.

There is nothing wrong with playing hardball when need be, instead of rolling over and caving everytime. If there is a will, then there is a way and if this council showed a will to oppose this project, It would NOT be going forward.

[Silverado]

So I finally got over there this weekend to check things out first hand. Since everything is essentially below the surface, its difficult to get an idea for what this place is until you're on top of it. Looking from even 20 feet away, you might totally miss it. A picture's worth a 1000 words, so I'll let the photos do the talking.

http://www.myfolsom....e-diggings.html

[ducky]

Silverado, those photos are totally awesome!!! I've never seen any photos capture exactly how narrow and deep those trenches are.

Thanks for sharing.

[mylo]

Great pics! Will have to check it out myself, too. Find any gold?

[Silverado]

Silverado, those photos are totally awesome!!! I've never seen any photos capture exactly how narrow and deep those trenches are.

Thanks for sharing.

Great pics! Will have to check it out myself, too. Find any gold?

Thanks for the props. No gold in sight, but I'm gonna see about staking a claim.

[tessieca]

Great pics! Will have to check it out myself, too. Find any gold?

Warning. I've been down in the mining tunnels. Found no gold but came back with a mad case of poison oak.