On April 13, the Board of Supervisors considered whether El Dorado County should participate in the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) “Green Means Go” program. SACOG describes the program as “a multi-year pilot program proposed by SACOG to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the six-county Sacramento region by accelerating infill development through infrastructure investments and local policy changes and reducing and electrifying vehicle trips”. SACOG is currently pursing legislation which would provide competitive grant funding for projects in “Green Zones” designated by its city and county members where growth is planned.
Staff Department of Transportation staff proposed creating three Green Zones in the county, covering parts of El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, El Dorado, and Diamond Springs. At the outset of the discussion, Department Director Rafael Martinez stressed that the designation would provide an opportunity for grant funding but not obligate the county to pursue or approve any particular project. He also said it would not pre-empt the county’s General Plan. Nevertheless, most of the public comment was against the proposal, with many residents fearing the zones would lead to development incompatible with current community character. Several El Dorado Hills residents expressed particular concern that part of the proposed El Dorado Hills Green Zone would include land in the Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan, a proposed master planned infill community which has faced significant community opposition.
Supervisor Lori Parlin expressed concern that the boundaries of the proposed Green Zones included land already designated for open space and single-family homes, and asked that the public be provided additional time to review the proposal and weigh in. At the end of the discussion, Supervisor Wendy Thomas motioned to continue the matter and ask the Department of Transportation to return with a revised resolution strengthening protections for community character. That motion was approved 4-1, with Supervisor George Turnboo voting against. The Board plans to pick up the discussion at its meeting on May 4.
