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Rancho Arroyo and Bidwell Ranch
The developers of the 750 acre Rancho Arroyo project first sought approval for their project in 1982. The project was approved, then soundly rejected in 1988 by citizen referendum. The referendum was the culmination of the "No Way San Jose" campaign waged by BEC's Michael McGinnis and Kelly Meagher in November 1987 in opposition to the massive project adjacent to Upper Bidwell Park.
In 1991 Rancho Arroyo appeared again as the renamed Bidwell Ranch development, a down-scaled proposal with a 200-acre buffer area to separate the development from neighboring Bidwell Park.
Bill Brouhard, spokesman for Bidwell Ranch said the new project "integrates the concerns and comments" local citizens had aired over the ten year effort to go further with the development. The number of residential dwellings was reduced from 4,600 units to 2,954 then finally to a maximum of 1,500 units. Bidwell Ranch also included an extensive pedestrian and bike trail-way system and 450 acres of open space, but is still not approved or developed.
BEC's volunteers, interns and staff have worked diligently for sixteen years, writing letters, attending planning meetings and organizing opposition to any development adjacent to Chico's precious Bidwell Park.
To prevent approval of the project, and the inevitable referendum to oppose it, BEC proposed that the City of Chico acquire the Bidwell Ranch land and combine it with the adjacent Drake Homes mitigation site to form a 1,000 acre wetland preserve. The site is covered with vernal pools, provides groundwater recharge, protects a critical watershed and viewshed, and leaves intact a wildlife corridor connected to Bidwell Park. The establishment of this preserve would also provide one continuous wetland area, as opposed to the standard patchwork preserves that are often too small to remain viable. In 1997, the City of Chico purchased Bidwell Ranch.
Bidwell Ranch Historical Timeline
1982 |
The Rancho Arroyo (a.k.a. Bidwell Ranch) specific plan adopted by the City Council and the environmental impact report (EIR) is certified for 4,668 housing units and 180,000 square feet of commercial development. |
1987 |
The specific plan is amended to 2,994 residential units. |
1988 |
BEC leaders lead a successful referendum where 58 percent of Chico voters overturn the adopted specific plan in a referendum, even though the project proponents outspent the project opponents $275,000 to $10,000. |
1989 |
The City and developer reach a settlement to reduce densities to no more than 1,500 housing units. |
1991 |
A new specific plan is presented with 1,500 residential units and 14 acres of commercial development. |
1992 |
The developer halts processing of the specific plan. |
1994 |
A revised specific plan and a draft EIR surface and move slowly through the review process, even as the out-of-town developer partnership collapses from bankruptcy. |
1995 |
BEC approaches the City with a plan to acquire the site, and receives approval from the City Council to collaborate with City staff on seeking funding sources. Create Acquiring Bidwell Ranch: A Status Report and present to the City Council. |
1996 |
The City begins negotiations with the bankruptcy court to purchase the site. |
1997 |
The Bidwell Ranch parcel is purchased by the City in February. |
1998 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. |
1999 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. |
2000 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. |
2001 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. |
2002 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. BEC leads agency tour of local wetlands including Bidwell Ranch. |
2003 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. BEC leads agency tour of local wetlands including Bidwell Ranch. Request City obstruct or halt illegal off road vehicle destruction on the property. |
2004 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. BEC leads agency tour of local wetlands including Bidwell Ranch. BEC instigates multiple tours of property and discussions trying to resolve off road vehicle issue. |
2005 |
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours. BEC insurance covers the event. BEC leads agency tour of local wetlands including Bidwell Ranch. BEC still pursuing cessation of off road vehicles and suggests management options. Power Point presentation for management discussion with agencies. |
2005 |
April 5, 2005 City Council votes to move towards rezone to open space! |
Articles
Bidwell Ranch Protected!
Summer/Fall 2005 issue of Environmental News
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