Controversial Yuba Highlands project going to voters

Despite approval from the Yuba County Board of Supervisors to go ahead with building a 5,100-home planned community in the foothills, the decision will ultimately be made by the county’s voters.

The project was approved in a 3-2 vote in July. Supervisors Dan Logue, John Nicoletti and Don Schrader voted in favor of the project, while Mary Jane Griego and Hal Stocker voted in opposition.

In August, 3,026 signatures opposing the project were delivered to the county elections office to get the issue before the board for reconsideration.

The Board of Supervisors vote didn’t change and enough signatures were gathered to force the issue on the Feb. 5 primary ballot.

Opponents of the project - located in the foothills near Beale Air Force Base - list poor planning, traffic congestion, encroachment on Beale Air Force Base and protection of the Spenceville Wildlife Preserve as reasons to reject the project.

Two lawsuits were filed by two separate groups opposing the project. Petitioners are concerned with protecting existing entities, including Beale and Spenceville.

A Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce committee supported the project, citing potential economic benefits it would bring to the community.