Yolo County allocates $33,000 for Phase 1 environmental reviews of three Woodland sites, prioritizing farmworker housing

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors voted Nov. 18 to fund Phase 1 environmental site assessments (ESAs) for three county‑owned properties in Woodland, approving a $33,000 allocation intended to cover the initial review of each site.

Adam Fieseler, director of community services, told the Board staff had identified three county parcels that ‘‘stood out as having potential for future housing and/or mixed‑use development’’ and recommended a Phase 1 ESA to assess historical use and any potential contamination before moving forward. "It is important to emphasize that while these sites show potential for future housing ... it is premature to conclude what uses may or may not be feasible," he said.

Why it matters: The county has made farmworker housing a stated priority and the Board asked staff to focus analysis on whether one or more of these parcels could be developed to meet that need. The ESAs will inform whether further testing, cleanup or other remediation would be required prior to any development and will shape outreach and partnership plans with the City of Woodland and housing providers.

What the Board approved: Supervisor Barajas moved the staff recommendation and later amended the motion to allocate $33,000 to undertake Phase 1 ESAs for the three sites (roughly $10,000–$11,000 per site). "I'm motioning that the board allocate dollars — $33,000 — for Phase 1 ESA sites on 5th & Oak and the Adult Day Health Center and the North Ashley West Woodland sites, with priority focus for farmworker housing," Barajas said. The amendment was accepted by the seconder and the motion passed by voice vote, with a majority in favor and one abstention.

Sites under review: Staff described the three parcels as: - North Ashley / West Woodland site (approx. 2.33 acres, public facilities zoning; county buildings currently on site), - Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) site (about 1.39 acres; residential high zoning; currently used by Dignity Health but reported to be relocating), - The 5th & Oak / 6th & Cross parcels (0.68 and 1.66 acres respectively; corridor mixed use zoning; one parcel formerly a machine shop and truck maintenance facility).

Community input and next steps: Public comment included support from resident David Wilkinson, who said he ‘‘worked for about 20 years for Mercy Housing California’’ and praised moving forward with ESAs on 5th & Oak. Supervisors reiterated the need for robust community engagement—especially on parcels located within Supervisor Sandy’s district—and discussed possible site‑specific ad hoc approaches while noting Brown Act constraints on overlapping boards and committees.

Staff said a Phase 1 ESA is a records‑driven review and site visit (no soil sampling) designed to identify potential contamination and determine whether additional Phase 2 testing is needed. If initial ESAs indicate viability, staff will pursue further outreach, potential planning grants, and regular updates to the Board.

The Board’s action does not approve development or a specific housing plan; it authorizes limited due diligence work to inform future decisions.