People get their say

Evelyn and Felix Irusta of Linda moved to Yuba County at different times under different circumstances decades ago, but both stayed because they like what it has to offer. They’ve never thought about moving somewhere else because they consider this home.

“I’ve always loved living in this county,” she said. “It has potential.”

That’s what county officials believe, too, and they want to find out how residents think the county should grow.

It’s a critical period in time for the county because it has experienced unprecedented growth and more housing projects are waiting to be reviewed by the county.

On Tuesday night, Yuba County planning officials, in conjunction with EDAW Inc., held a lightly attended public meeting in Linda to solicit comments from residents on the county’s general plan.

EDAW is a consulting firm hired to assemble the general plan for the county.

The general plan is a blueprint of sorts that establishes guidelines developers and county officials must follow for land use and development decisions over the next 20 years. The update will take two years and cost $900,000.

The state requires the general plan to be updated. The plan is made up of seven sections called elements, which address housing, land use, community development, transportation and circulation, public facilities and services, conversation and open space, and economic development.

Evelyn Irusta wants more shops and businesses. She hopes that will help people invest in the county by working and shopping here, not just living here.

“I see so many people driving down to Lincoln and Roseville,” she said.

Tuesday’s meeting was the second of five. The next meeting is Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Olivehurst at the Victim Witness Center at 4240 Dan Ave.

Officials will take all of the information and condense it. Then they will hold additional meetings in the future to gather more information and refine that information into a draft general plan. That plan will go to the Yuba County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for final adoption two years from now.

At each meeting, people can speak with planners about land use decisions, natural resources and see where some new projects are proposed for the county. They can fill out questionnaires about what they think should be used as a guidepost in terms of growth and turn it in at the meeting or mail it in from home.

EDAW’s Heather Kyi waited at a table to interview people about what they like most about the county and to hear suggestions on how to improve recreation and the sense of community.

One thing she heard about a great deal at the last meeting was traffic. “There’s a lot of traffic problems that need to be addressed,” she said.

For more information on the general plan, visit the county’s Web site at www.co.yuba.ca.us.

Know and Go:

Yuba County General Plan public meetings

• July 19: Victim Witness Center, 4240 Dan Ave., Olivehurst

• July 25: Wheatland Community Center, 101 C St. Wheatland

• July 26: Foothill Lion’s Club 5667 Frutiland Road, Loma Rica

Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appealdemocrat.com.