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Council delays decision on 19.81‑acre Peterson Road subdivision after residents press to preserve horse trails
Summary
Council continued environmental review of EA24‑0009 to Nov. 20 after staff asked for more time to analyze circulation and residents raised concerns about preserving longstanding equestrian and walking trails, fire safety, and road alignments near Peterson Road.
The Rancho Mirage City Council voted Nov. 6 to continue consideration of environmental assessment EA24‑0009 to the Nov. 20 meeting after staff requested additional time to analyze public comments and circulation solutions.
Planning Manager Ben Torres opened the item and asked the council to defer action: staff needs “further time to analyze and address some of the comments we received during the comment period and to further identify the best practices for circulation in the area,” he said. He described the proposed project as a 19.81‑acre subdivision of eight parcels into 16 single‑family lots, with parcel sizes ranging from about 0.98 to 1.55 acres and an overall density of approximately 0.9 units per acre. Sandel, the circulation consultant, noted existing partial road improvements and a legacy 1981 circulation plan that left several roads unimproved.
Multiple residents who live in or adjacent to the project area urged the council or staff to preserve the neighborhood’s equestrian and informal trails and to minimize new through‑roads. Janine Barr said she is “okay with everything that you guys wanna do with these lots” but asked the city to review an apparent 15‑foot trail or easement on her property and to consult the fire marshal about hammerheads or hydrants. Vicky Peterson told the council the area is “the country equestrian feel that led us all to love this neighborhood” and said a proposed road through the middle of long‑used horse trails would remove public access that has existed for decades. Planning Commissioner Murray Bryant, speaking as a private citizen, called the area “the last of its kind in Rancho Mirage” and urged that trails remain accessible for horses, walkers and cyclists.
After hearing public testimony and additional staff remarks, Council Member Steve Downs moved to continue EA24‑0009 to the Nov. 20 meeting to allow staff to further evaluate circulation options and address neighbor concerns; the motion passed 5–0.
What to expect next: Staff will return with additional analysis of road and trail connections, potential private‑street options, fire‑safety turnarounds and proposed easement clarifications. Residents asked staff to show equestrian trails on the revised maps and to consider private street design options that preserve the rural character of the neighborhood.
