Majority at public forum wants less sprawl in Valley

Monday, Jan. 26, 2009

By Russell Clemings / The Fresno Bee

A public forum Monday narrowly endorsed tight limits on future urban sprawl in the San Joaquin Valley, setting the stage for a debate that culminates this spring with votes by government officials throughout the region.

Fifty-three percent of the nearly 600 people attending the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Project's public summit, which was held at the Fresno Convention Center, said they preferred a plan that would put 31 people (about 10 homes) on each acre of new development, compared with 13 people (four homes) at present.

The recommendation now goes to a panel consisting of elected officials from each of the eight Valley counties. Its fate there is uncertain; many of those officials have already backed a middle option for 18 people (six homes) per acre.

When completed, the Blueprint will not be formally binding on the region’s cities and counties, but state transportation and affordable housing funds could be tied to how well a local agency follows the plan.