Kaufman residents demand city meeting over refuge project dust and flooding issues

The City Council of Palm Desert convened on December 12, 2024, to address various community concerns, primarily focusing on the ongoing development of the Palm Desert Refuge project and its impact on neighboring residents.

The meeting began with residents from the Kaufman and Bridal and Shepherd Lane neighborhoods voicing their grievances regarding health issues and property damage attributed to the construction activities. They reported breathing difficulties and increased maintenance costs for their pools, which they believe stem from disturbances caused by the development. Residents specifically pointed to the disturbance of sand and soil, as well as the use of a green fixative intended to stabilize the area. They expressed frustration over the lack of communication from both the developers and city officials, noting that their complaints were dismissed as consequences of Hurricane Hillary.

The residents requested that the City Council direct city staff to organize a neighborhood meeting with the developers to discuss the planning and landscaping of a proposed walkway behind their homes. They emphasized the need for a clear commitment from the developers regarding the height of a wall planned for the area, insisting it should be six feet tall rather than a less desirable view fence. Additionally, they sought immediate completion of the walkway and city maintenance of the landscaped areas until the local homeowner association could take over.

Following this, Charles Cronenweth, a resident of Chinook Circle, shared his experience since the construction began. He highlighted concerns over zoning changes that allowed for higher density housing than originally anticipated, which he claimed were made without proper notification to affected residents. Cronenweth expressed particular distress over the elevation difference between the new development and his property, which he stated was 11 feet higher, obstructing views and increasing dust levels in his home.

Linda Chandler, also from Chinook Circle, echoed these concerns, presenting photographs that illustrated the drastic changes to the landscape. She criticized the reduction of the promised landscape buffer from 50 feet to 45 feet and the failure to adhere to the approved grading plans. Chandler called for immediate action to address the dust and landscaping issues, emphasizing that the current conditions were not only unsightly but also detrimental to residents' health.

The meeting underscored the growing tensions between the city, developers, and residents as the Palm Desert Refuge project progresses. The council's response to these concerns and any subsequent actions will be crucial in addressing the community's needs and restoring trust among stakeholders.