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Neighborhood group pitches acquisition of Milopeloe property to expand Hirschman's open space
Summary
The Greater Cement Hill Neighborhood Association asked the council to support grant-seeking and a transfer of the Milopeloe/Melopela property to Nevada City to expand Hirschman's Pond and Trail, restore wetlands, remove invasives, and add trails and parking; staff and council expressed support and asked for a letter of willingness to accept the property.
Members of the Greater Cement Hill Neighborhood Association asked the Nevada City Council on July 24 to support their effort to acquire the Milopeloe/Melopela property on Highway 49 and reunite it with Hirschman's Pond and Trail.
Eileen Jorgensen, introduced by staff, described the community-led effort to pursue grant funding and a partnership with the Sierra County Land Trust to buy the parcel and transfer it to the city as an extension of Hirschman's open space. Jorgensen said the goals include reestablishing a seasonal wetland, removing invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom, replanting with native species, restoring Laird's Ravine, and adding trails and supplemental parking to relieve overflow at Hirschman's Pond.
Will Hart, identified as president of the Greater Cement Hill Neighborhood Association, said the association has been active for more than three decades and envisions a restoration plan prepared with landscape architects; he described a hydrologist’s assessment that the proposed restoration work is feasible and said the neighborhood seeks a city letter indicating willingness to accept the property and to explore grant opportunities the city can pursue.
City staff (Sean) and several council members praised the neighborhood’s work, noted a Phase I/EA exists for related work in the corridor, and asked staff to provide a letter of support and to explore grant-application partnerships where only the city can apply. Council discussion also noted coordination with the Sierra Streams Institute and potential implications of pending county courthouse decisions but expressed broad support.
What happens next: Staff and council indicated they would prepare a letter stating the city’s willingness to accept the property and partner on grants if appropriate; neighborhood representatives said they will continue grant work and meet with city staff to refine details.
Sources: Presentation by Eileen Jorgensen and remarks from Will Hart and city staff at July 24, 2025 council meeting.
