Nevada County planning commission sends ‘Hidden Grove’ mixed-use project to supervisors after split votes and heated public comment

The Nevada County Planning Commission voted April 6 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a package of actions that together would authorize “Hidden Grove,” a proposed 3.31-acre mixed-use development on State Highway 174 in the Cedar Ridge area.

The package includes a general plan amendment to add a business-park designation, a rezoning to Business Park Site Performance, a comprehensive master plan and use permit for three two-story mixed-use buildings (a total of 15 residential units and nine light-industrial suites), a tentative parcel map to create four lots, a management plan allowing removal of one landmark California black oak (mitigated by replanting), and an exception to road-right-of-way standards for Hobart Lane. The commission also adopted a mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring program under CEQA.

Why it matters: The proposal combines workforce-style housing and small-business workspace in a compact live-work concept aimed at keeping entrepreneurs in Nevada County. Neighbors said the project would change the rural character of Cedar Ridge, worsen traffic on Highway 174 and risk groundwater and evacuation capacity. The commission’s recommendation now moves the matter to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decisions.

What the commission decided - The commission adopted the environmental finding (mitigated negative declaration) unanimously. - The legislative items that change the general plan and zoning were recommended to the board by 2–1 votes (Commissioners Foley and Garst voting yes; Vice Chair McAteer voting no). The use permit/comprehensive master plan also passed on a 2–1 vote. The tentative parcel map and the management plan (oak…