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Residents urge full EIR for Esmeralda project, citing water and changed circumstances
Summary
Multiple Cloverdale residents told the council the Esmeralda development should undergo a new environmental impact report rather than proceed on an addendum, raising water-supply, traffic and changed-circumstance concerns and asking the city to make the environmental review and upcoming approvals clearer to the public.
Several Cloverdale residents used the public-comment period at the March 11 City Council meeting to press city officials to require a full, updated environmental impact report for the Esmeralda development rather than rely on a 2009 EIR with an addendum.
Jennifer Sullivan told the council she has ‘‘learned how the Esmeralda approval process is being pushed through on such an aggressive timeline’’ and argued an addendum ‘‘is used for minor technical revisions that do not trigger new significant impacts,’’ while Esmeralda is a ‘‘major development’’ that will increase demand on Cloverdale’s water supply. Sullivan said changed circumstances — including newer residential and commercial projects, the decommissioning of the Potter Valley project and anticipated smart-corridor planning — amount to ‘‘significant changes’’ that warrant a subsequent EIR and a 45‑day public comment period.
Other speakers raised related concerns. Rob Kozlowski questioned the city’s broader development and transit strategy, including support for SMART rail and nearby multifamily projects, while Annabelle Burke tied state- and regional water uncertainties to the long-term impacts of large new housing projects. In council comments later in the meeting, several members said they wanted clearer public information about the Esmeralda timeline and review steps. One council member asked for a presentation by the city manager and city attorney to explain the process and upcoming decision points; staff responded that environmental materials are in process as an addendum plus technical studies and ‘‘will be made public prior to any decision.’’
City staff clarified that the current environmental work is an addendum supported by multiple technical studies, and emphasized that the document and supporting materials would be published before any hearing or final action. Council members were split on whether to schedule an extra explanatory presentation: some said the project timeline and public hearing schedule are already published and available on the city website, while others argued a council‑led briefing could help residents who are not regularly monitoring online materials.
Next steps: staff said the environmental document and supporting studies will be published when complete and that future public hearings—where the council may consider approvals—will be noticed in advance. Several council members requested clearer web postings and FAQs so residents can track what approvals remain.
