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Council continues debate on 650‑unit Copper Ridge project after concerns about traffic, water and density
Summary
Council reviewed the Copper Ridge mixed‑use project proposing 650 dwelling units and extensive annexation. The mitigated negative declaration was certified (vote passed), a motion to initiate annexation failed, and council continued the public hearing to Jan. 20 for additional information on traffic mitigation, water supply and project phasing.
The Hanford City Council on Dec. 16 considered a major annexation and subdivision proposal called Copper Ridge that would develop roughly 650 dwelling units on an 83.61‑acre development site and annex additional adjacent acreage into the city limits.
City planning staff described the application as a phased tentative map and PUD that would rezone and amend the general plan to allow a mix of single‑family and multifamily units, roughly 350 single‑family and 300 multifamily dwelling units, plus about 5.4 acres of commercial land. Staff said the project complies with local standards and presented a mitigated negative declaration prepared with mitigation measures; staff recommended approval of six related actions.
Public commenters — many living near 9th & A Quarter Avenue — urged the council to deny rezoning and annexation or to impose strict conditions. Speakers cited chronic speeding, limited road capacity, missing traffic‑calming features in the tentative map, strain on water supply and potential loss of farmland irrigation access. Multiple speakers asked that infrastructure improvements and traffic calming be completed before occupancy permits are issued. One speaker asked why neighbors within 300 feet had not received mailed notices; staff and the developer said mailed notice was provided for the public hearing window but agreed to review notification procedures.
On council motions: the council voted to adopt the mitigated negative declaration (the motion passed 3‑1 with one abstention), but a separate motion to initiate annexation proceedings failed on a 2‑2‑1 vote. After extended public comment and council discussion the mayor moved to continue the hearing; council voted to continue the Copper Ridge hearing to Jan. 20 so staff and the applicant could provide additional traffic‑mitigation details, phased construction options and water‑supply clarifications before further action.
Staff and project representatives said multiple traffic and water studies had been prepared and that roadway or intersection improvements (including signalization or a roundabout at the 9th/A Quarter intersection) are listed in the staff report as requirements for development, but several council members and residents said more explicit commitments and a phasing‑trigger approach would help.
What happens next: Council continued the hearing to the Jan. 20 city council meeting and asked staff to return with expanded traffic‑mitigation plans, details on required developer improvements and clearer water‑resource and irrigation‑ditch impacts for nearby landowners.
