New development approved despite concerns of noise, soil

Although I support new development in the community of Barstow, the article indicates that in 2005 I was the only one that voted against the annexation. My concern was and still is the services that the taxpayers will have to pay for such as police protection, code enforcement and maintenance of streets and infrastructure in the Grandview area. I have also questioned Pacific Holt and their principal Tom Neviss credibility. When we are in a position to take care of our streets and public safety issues, I will be happy to support annexation if it makes sense. Joe

By Aaron Aupperlee, city editor BARSTOW — The Planning Commission approved a new development in west Barstow on a few conditions — 46 of them to be exact. Monday’s go-ahead from the Planning Commission for a 219-lot housing development along Jasper Road north of Citrine Road came with a list of additional requirements and mitigation measures ranging from noise to raven control. Both the applicant, Steve Carter, a real estate agent from Las Vegas, and the commission agreed to the conditions and the development was unanimously approved. “We truly appreciate what the staff has done, and we have no qualms at all with the 46 conditions,” Carter said. Many of the conditions attached to the development plan are ways to decrease the noise surrounding the proposed houses. Railroad tracks and State Highway 58 border the development on two sides. One condition asks the developer to establish a noise complaint response program; others call for solid-core wooden exterior doors, double-paned glass and notices to prospective buyers of the noise concerns. Some conditions also protect plant and animal species found in the nearby Mojave River. “I found this one interesting,” Commissioner Carmen Hernandez said at Monday’s meeting. “This is the first one I’ve seen with so many disclaimers, the ravens, the pesticides.” Mike Massimini, the city’s associate planner, called the development a “well-scoped project,” that took into account the many peculiarities of the site. One condition calls for the ground, which is mostly loose sand, to be compacted to make a more stable base. “There are many things that have been incorporated into this project that you wouldn’t normally see on a typical project,” Massimini said. Despite the housing market’s current slump, Carter told the commission that he still intents to build on the land. He expects construction to start in May, 2009. “We do not plan on letting a lot of grass grow under our feet,” Carter said. “We do feel that we have a subdivision here that will provide Barstow with a very valuable product and that’s a first time home buyer product.” The development will be build inside the boundaries of the recent West Barstow Annexation. The annexation, which became official on June 16, adds a 144 acres of land near Agate and Jaspers roads to the city. The annexation was originally requested by the developing firm, Pacific Holt, in 2005. The City Council vote 4-1, with Joe Gomez dissenting, to accept the proposal. Contact the writer:(760) 256-4121 or aaron_aupperlee@link.freedom.com