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Board OKs gated-access approach for Dan McNamee Road and vacates Corral Road to curb trespass and dumping
Summary
Public Works proposed and the board approved measures to limit illegal activity on rural roads: gates and a county key-checkout process for Dan McNamee Road and a general vacation/resolution to vacate about two miles of Corral Road in the Las Banos area.
The Merced County Board of Supervisors voted April 8 to authorize county staff to enable gated access on Dan McNamee Road and to vacate a two-mile unimproved section of Corral Road in the Las Banos area, both moves framed as responses to trespassing, vandalism and illegal dumping.
Public Works Director Nathan Bray said Dan McNamee Road is a quasi-paved, quasi-dirt road serving a few large farm property owners. Staff told the board they do not propose a formal street vacation or termination of maintenance; instead, under applicable Streets and Highways Code provisions cited in the presentation, the county would allow property owners to install gates and maintain county ownership while controlling access. Bray said the county would provide a key checkout at the public-works front counter so members of the public with legitimate needs could access the road.
Board members who grew up in or represent the area said gates would reduce illegal behavior while preserving legitimate access. Supervisor Silvera said the measure was a compromise that did not close the road to the public but would require planning by legitimate users.
On Corral Road, staff recommended a general vacation for an approximately two-mile unimproved segment that dead-ends and primarily serves private duck clubs. Public comment from Steve Cronin, representing landowners, described repeated burglaries and rising illegal activity and urged the board to vacate the road and allow gates. The staff report said the action had been noticed pursuant to Streets and Highways Code and that the Community and Economic Development department found the vacation consistent with the general plan. After public comment the board voted by voice to find the project exempt from CEQA under the cited guidelines and adopted the vacation resolution.
Both motions were recorded as passing unanimously. Staff said the gates approach for Dan McNamee Road would not be used on through-streets and is tailored to access-limited segments. The Corral Road resolution transfers responsibility for maintenance to adjoining property owners after vacation and authorizes gating to deter the criminal activity described by speakers during the hearing.
