A proposed community south of the University of California, Merced campus will
likely gain a place in the county's general plan today.
Three Merced County supervisors said Friday they'll probably vote to approve
the University Community Plan, which would amend the general plan to allow the
11,600-home, 2,100-acre community.
Supervisors will vote on the plan, as well as whether to certify the project's
final environmental impact report, when they meet today at 10 a.m. on the third
floor of the Merced County Administration Building, 2222 M St., Merced.
Supervisors Mike Nelson, Jerry O'Banion and Kathleen Crookham
said they plan to support the plan, unless they hear new information from county
planners that changes their minds.
"I think we need to go forward with the community, unless I find something in
the final documents that make it detrimental," O'Banion said.
The community will be built south of the campus. In addition to housing, it will
include 2 million square feet of business and office space and a town center.
Merced city and county officials are still discussing whether the community would
remain an unincorporated area or be annexed into Merced city limits.
The community is planned between Lake Road and the Le Grand and Fairfield canals.
In future decades, it is expected to house about 30,000 people drawn to the area
by UC Merced.
Supervisor Gloria Cortez Keene could not be reached for comment.
Supervisor Deidre Kelsey wouldn't say whether she's made up her mind about
how she'll vote. However, she said she still has some concerns about the community
plan.
"I share some of the concerns that have been expressed to our board," Kelsey said.
"I'm especially concerned about the water issue and the adequacy of water, and how
this and any accompanying development affects our water supply."
