Valley’s Edge built primarily for foreigners
Developer Valley’s Edge Bill Brohard proclaims, “What is visionary about the plan is a way of life that incorporates nature, trails and outdoor recreation into everyday life. What is left unsaid is that this lifestyle is primarily for wealthy foreigners who can afford to buy in Valley’s Edge.
Only nine acres of 1,448 acres are allocated to small homes on small lots, townhouses and apartments. This plan is designed for wealthy non-locals. Perhaps the living space for the serfs needed to serve these newbies could be improved pallet housing behind a high aesthetic fence.
Beautiful Beagle12/29, writes that he would “much prefer Valley’s Edge to blind rows of apartment buildings and houses built almost on top of each other.”
Mr. Beagle What type of housing do you prefer for the majority of Chicoans who could not afford to live in Valley’s Edge?
Valley’s Edge developers could have planned a stunning development that would provide the homes Chicoans need and can afford, but they should have been creative and satisfied with less profit.
Granted, building affordable housing is difficult and less profitable, but Valley’s Edge as proposed is utterly inappropriate in these times when inequality in the United States is out of whack and housing for too many hard-working Americans is unaffordable.
For a pleasant future, the United States had better manage this grotesque inequality in its highly stressed and heavily armed society.
Affordable housing not dependent on vehicle ownership with easy access to jobs, shopping and nature would be a start.
— Lucy Cooke, Butte Valley
Open space needed more than a HOA
I spent my whole life Chicco except for the four years I spent at UC Santa Cruz. As anyone who has been here for the past 30 years can attest, we are now seeing Chicco grow faster than ever. At first when I saw all the new developments I was like ‘Great, here’s the extra accommodations we need to keep supply up to meet demand so prices can be affordable again’. Much to my dismay, none of these new places are affordable.
When I was studying ecology at UC Santa Cruz, my professor told us that the oak prairie is an extinct ecosystem. I remember seeing the photos of this “disappeared ecosystem” and thinking it looked like home. Here in Chicco we are blessed to be surrounded by this unique and absolutely beautiful open space. Are we going to let economic interests take that away from us?
Chicco doesn’t need more expensive HOAs enough to sacrifice such a precious ecological marvel. This would be the definition of paving heaven to lay out a parking lot. The public will have to pay to access the parks. Trees should not be a luxury with access barriers.
I hope my community will oppose the Valley Edge development. If these developers really care about “respecting and conserving Chico’s natural landscape,” they wouldn’t choose the best oak meadows to bulldoze.
— Pearl DiGenova, Chicco
To relocate Chiccoand closing the door
I am puzzled by those who oppose Valley’s Edge that many are recent transplants to Chicco and found a place to live because a greedy builder/developer designed a project and built a house he could buy. So they have arrived and now want to close the door to others with the same desire.
When a project as well designed and thought out as Valley’s Edge is proposed, it should be supported, especially when it conforms to all aspects of the overall plan. Did any of the opponents participate in its formulation? It was their chance to be part of the growth of the city and the county. If you haven’t, now is not the time to say that’s not what we want.
Housing of all types is needed in our region, California and most of our nation. Infill projects are also needed, but as seen in several recently proposed projects, they face the same “not in my back yard” opposition. Don’t build it here, so where?
The character and charm of our city is not determined by the number or types of houses, it is the result of our actions that occupy those houses.
Having lived in Chicco for 35 years and Butte County for the 60 and over I am in favor of this project. I am not a recent transplant who wants to close the door.
if you support Valley’s Edge, show up January 3 and let your voice be heard, don’t let the vocal minority be louder.
— Carl Henker, Chicco
In search of better stewards of the earth
the Town of Chico, the planning commission and the city council are back. Another real estate development that would mean loss of woodlots, loss of wetlands, loss of views and open spaces, creating more urban sprawl, traffic jams, risk of wildfires, destruction of wildlife corridors and threatening the protection of water and air quality. Why should developers and the city work so closely together to plan sprawling, gated, off-limits (HOA) housing and open spaces that most Chicoans can’t access and are an eyesore and traffic mess for all the world ? Our community demands better.
The city is currently working to improve the treatment of our urban forest and is seeking feedback on the first draft of a 40-year Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). In its first paragraph, the UFMP cites the natives of Mechoopda as outstanding stewards of our territory. Could the city include tribal members or like-minded community members on the UFMP panel? Can the panel acknowledge the incredible responsibilities of private landowners to ensure they are stewards of the land who show respect and act responsibly as stewards of our community heritage? Can there be some representation for natural resources, especially trees that provide an economic boom Chicco.
Who will ensure that 5 miles of rock faces on this property will be protected or will they be destroyed like those just north of Valley’s Edge on Bruce Road?
— Liz Mosher, Chicco
Find Valley’s Edge Insurance Information
Insurance has not been an obvious concern in articles and opinions, pros and cons, regarding the proposed development of Valley’s Edge. Perhaps it was inferred from “affordability” or “durability”. It’s short-sighted. A question for both sides of the issue is: can landlords, tenants, parks or businesses afford to STAY?
Heaven has been my home for 46 years. the Campfire immediately informed me about the value of home insurance. The purchase of another house in 2019, was accompanied by a refresher course in the new realities on the subject.
I now live in the East of Oroville foothills, within the WUI (Wildland Urban Interface). Valley’s Edge is offered in the WUI area of East Chico. Developers, town planning commissioners, Chico City Council members, and all concerned should contact local insurance brokers for each insurer’s “wildfire risk scores”. Will insurers even insure EV homeowners, or will everyone be required to adhere to the expensive California FAIR plan? Who will insure the proposed parks and businesses? Which insurance companies want to leave California (they may belay first, then drop and go).
Commissioner Lara recently enforced the nation’s first wildfire safety regulation, Safer from Wildfires, to help lower the cost of insurance. Go to assurance.ca.gov and read the October 17, 2022, Press release. Click on Embedded Checkout. Reads very well but has consequences to consider.
The Valley’s Edge development proposal seems almost too good to be true…you know the rest of the saying.
— Linda Oslin, Oroville
A proposal that corresponds to our general plan
I have always thought that serving our nation and our community was both a privilege and an honor. Locally, over the past few decades, as a former County Supervisor, Chico City Council member, and current Planning Commissioner, I have felt the same about my commitment to my hometown of Chicco. Throughout my time in public service, I have seen and supported good ideas that have laid the foundation for the long-term enrichment of our city and its people, such as adequate housing, parks, schools, roads, libraries, health care, and police and fire stations. If you live in Chicco today, it’s because the people who lived here before you made room for you. One house at a time.
As we look to the future, Chico’s long-term quality of life depends on future planning and building opportunities to add value to our community. In 2011, Chico is resolutely liberal municipal Council adopted the 2030 General Plan which outlines public expectations for the Valley’s Edge region. Anyone who has read the particular Plan knows that it far exceeds all requirements and expectations.
It is by far the most thoughtful, recreational and environmentally friendly plan ever offered in Chicco. But for some, whatever immense value Valley’s Edge presents to current and future residents of Chico, it’s just another chance to organize, twist, demonize, delay and discourage those who care a lot. of Chicco and our future.
It is better to be informed than to be misled. Please support Valley’s Edge.
— larry wahl, Chicco
