Council told Mortensen Ranch is expected to be sold; members urged to prepare for new development proposals

The Chair briefed the council that the San Lucas/Mortensen Ranch project behind West Meadows, which had a contested approval history and a lingering extension, is now expected to be sold after the owner's death.

"We just got confirmation that it's actually going to be sold," the Chair said, explaining that the owner died in January 2025 and that the project's extension had been approaching expiration. The site had undergone multiple denials and a lawsuit before a judge approved the project; an extension had been requested in December to delay expiration.

Members discussed community priorities and the possibility that a new owner could seek different terms, including more density. One member urged vigilance, noting that when projects are delayed for many years changing conditions can justify new conditions on extensions. "New company coming in, they're gonna wanna do something different," a member said, and members encouraged community involvement to push back on proposals they oppose.

Council members reported they are exploring conversations with nature conservancies and other groups to identify alternatives such as conservation or trail easements should the property be listed for sale. No formal board action was taken; staff and volunteers were asked to continue outreach and provide updates when sale details or new proposals are filed.