Fresno approves farming at former Running Horse site

Source: The Business Journal

The Fresno City Council on Thursday paved the way for Granville Homes to grow an almond orchard on west Fresno property in advance of building homes on the site. In a 5-0 vote with councilmembers Steve Brandau and Clint Olivier absent, the council approved an amendment that sets rules for large-scale agriculture and community gardens within the city. The vote put to rest arguments on what to do with the old Running Horse property once earmarked for a luxury golf community. The amendment was requested by Granville Homes President Darius Assemi in order to begin planning an almond ranch. The R-1-zoned, 360-acre property, now called Mission Ranch, is located in west Fresno near Whitesbridge Avenue. The amendment would permit commercial agriculture operations on qualifying vacant property zoned R-1, or single-family residential, within city limits. The council vote came at about 7:30 p.m. after 2 ½ hours of testimony by nearly 30 speakers, including residents concerned about pesticides and dust that could create health problems in the city. Others charged that the city had not done an adequate environmental assessment of the Mission Ranch project. However, a deal developed by councilmember Oliver Baines addressing concerns of leaders on Fresno’s west side, helped to satisfy some critics of the Mission Ranch project. One of the speakers, Bob Mitchell, co-chairman of Golden Westside Planning Committee, said that he was able support the project following modifications of plans that included pesticide sprayers with a shield to prevent the spray from drifting and one-week notice to residents of when spraying would be conducted. Also, spraying would be done when nearby Sunset Elementary School is closed. In addition wind barriers are planned. Jeff Roberts, vice president of Granville Homes, said the almond orchard would be a better alternative than leaving the site vacant. Dumping has been a serious problem at the location, he said. Roberts said that over the next three years, Granville would develop a plan for a housing community at Mission Ranch. In 12 years, the builder will file an application for actual development, he said. Charlie Waters, speaking for Fresno Veterans Home, said the Mission Ranch project would not put one person in danger with pesticides in the western part of the city. “We support the project,” he said. “We back it 100 percent.” However, a number of speakers warned not only of pesticide and dust problems, but also the potential of spreading Valley Fever, which is caused by soil-borne pathogens. Some insisted the almond farm planned by Assemi would be safer if the crop was grown organically. One speaker stated that retail development would be much more beneficial to the area. In voicing support for the project, Manuel Cunha Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League in Fresno, said farming does not cause Valley Fever. Cunha added that the project would provide revenue to the city. Police currently have to patrol the area for motocross riding, drugs and crime, Cunha said. A number of small farmers complained that the amendment sets farming operations at 50 acres or more. That, they complained would eliminate specialty farmers on small plots. They would like to see general farming on one-quarter acres or more. Baines said the small-acreage farmers raise valid points, and he would talk to them about ways that small-size farming can be accommodated. Also, regulations planned for 50 acres or less would not begin for another six months. Rules for farms of more than 50 acres would start in 31 days. Local community gardeners also had concerns that they might be left out of the process as well. However, planners amended the recommended zoning change to include some protections for community gardening. One addition states that community gardeners on less than an acre will not be required to obtain a grading permit for installing community gardens.

URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/agriculture/9554-fresno-approves-farming-at-former-running-horse-site

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