Sonoma Developmental Center Parcel 2

Plans to Transfer Lands Move Ahead

by Pat Eliot

A study of the Sonoma Developmental Center’s Parcel 2 and adjacent lands has been given the green light by state agencies, and should be completed early this summer.

LSA, an environmental consultant working under a California Department of General Services (DGS) contract and acting upon a letter from Bob Sleppy, Program Manager, for the Real Estate Services Division of the DGS, has agreed to draft an abbreviated feasibility plan for Sonoma Developmental Center's Parcel 2.

According to Mr. Sleppy, the study area includes "the triangular area that extends from approximately the southeastern edge of Fern Lake diagonally to Sonoma Creek near the edge of the center's property. All the lands north of this line to the creek which forms the northern edge of the state property should be included within the study area."

Mr. Sleppy's letter mandates a study area that includes Parcel 2, as well as additional lands lying outside of Parcel 2, such as Fern Lake. In addition, LSA has been asked to give consideration to lands reserved for watershed protection, operation of Camp Via, protection of an old-growth redwood, shared recreation opportunities with parks, and habitat protection.

Planned public workshops and meetings have been dropped from the contract. However, a public meeting sponsored by DGS to review the plan and allow for public comment will take place after the document is completed at the end of June 2001.

SMPG has worked closely with Senator Wes Chesbro, Assembly members Pat Wiggins and Joe Nation, and their staffs to keep this process moving along. Pat Wiggins has assured us that Department of Developmental Disabilities Director Cliff Allenby and Department of General Services Director Barry Keene, as well as California Parks Director Rusty Arias, are in support of an agency transfer of surplus Parcel 2 from DGS to Jack London State Historical Park.