Escalon staff brief commissioners on Murphy Ranch, Jackson Avenue project, water pipeline and Measure P advisory committee

City planning staff provided the Escalon Planning Commission with a broad update on ongoing development projects, capital-improvement work and two newly created advisory committees at the commission’s April 15 meeting.

Staff reported that Murphy Ranch is continuing to work on its application and that traffic impacts—particularly at the Brennan/Highway 120 intersection—remain a focus. Staff said they are coordinating with Caltrans and expect more information about that intersection; they anticipate Murphy Ranch may return to the commission this summer.

The Jackson Avenue apartment project, a rezoning that requires an ordinance, will go before the City Council on April 21 with a second reading possible May 5 if the council moves it forward. Staff noted the planning commission previously recommended denying the Jackson Avenue project by a 2-1 vote; council members will weigh that recommendation during deliberations.

Staff listed a number of other projects and capital works coming in the coming months: Vineyard Square (a parcel map extension for Marbell Shopping Center), the city library roof repair, sewer lift-station work in the La Mesa area, the Vintage Estates and Zinfandel Street waterline and street projects, annual pavement restoration (crack seal followed by slurry seal), and a Main Street improvement project with state and regional grant funding. Staff said the city will pursue sidewalk and raised-crossing projects near Dent Elementary and in the Upper Tail area to enhance school-route safety.

On water infrastructure, staff described the city’s surface-water connection project as roughly a $14 million pipeline-conveyance project to bring treated surface water to Escalon. Staff said the city has about $10 million identified from the recent rate study and other sources (including water sales to the city of Tracy) and is seeking grants to bridge the remaining gap. Staff said “we have very little right-of-way acquisition needed” for the pipeline, which would largely follow McHenry Road and connect to Dodds.

Staff also briefed commissioners on two committees: an economic development committee intended to include three business-community members and city council members to coordinate economic-development priorities, and a Measure P advisory committee—five registered voter members who will advise the council on community needs and funding priorities. Staff said application deadlines for the committees are in April and May.

Finally, staff said work on the Liberty Business Park plan-area fee is moving forward. The commission had recommended the fee to council; council requested additional information about cost and facilities covered by the fee. Staff said the specific plan dates to 2007 and that staff and council are working to update costs and logistical details before the council considers the fee.

Commissioners asked several clarifying questions during the update, including whether new development around Murphy Ranch would permit a reduced speed limit entering town and whether a roundabout or signal might slow traffic; staff responded that Highway 120 is a state expressway, that any changes would involve Caltrans and surveys, and that a roundabout could slow speeds but presents design and right-of-way challenges.

No formal action was taken on the projects during the commission meeting.