The public hearing on Affinito's project was continued from Aug. 7.
At that time, the Board of Supervisors decided to hold off on approving the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the two-year time extension on Affinito's tentative subdivision map, which proposes to create 69 residential lots on 17 acres at 6965 and 6925 Hammond Ave.
Community Development Department staff told the board at the Aug. 7 meeting that Affinito's plans include building 57 single-family homes ranging in size from 5,000 to 8,500 square feet; along with 11 lots for duplexes or triplexes/townhouses that are 9,000 square feet each, and nine duplexes for senior housing on a 1.9-acre portion of the site.
At that time, the board decided to continue the hearing until this Tuesday in order to give Affinito time to put in a retaining wall or fix the slope at a 9-foot cut that resulted from grading on the site.
But as of this week, the work hadn't been completed, a fact that didn't sit well with board members.
Community Development Director Rick Coel said his staff had sent three letters to Affinito, saying the retaining wall or other erosion control methods needed to be in place by Oct. 15.
Coel's staff met with Affinito and on Monday straw wattles were put in place in the erosion areas, but Coel said the measures were, in his opinion, “too little, too late.”
“We feel the issues have not been resolved,” Coel said.
Visible erosion is taking place adjacent to a wetland, and the county's next remedy is to abate the problems itself, Coel said.
Coel said his staff suggested the board either continue the item again or deny the time extension. That would mean Affinito would have to reapply to do the project.
Supervisor Rob Brown said he felt the board had made clear in August that they expected Affinito to follow through on the erosion control measures. “I'm not inclined to grant another extension.”
Supervisor Denise Rushing agreed. She said the county has put in effect measures such as the grading ordinance and enforcement on projects to protect against erosion in order to protect the lake.
“This is just one example of the kinds of things that truly affect the watershed,” she said.
Supervisors Ed Robey and Jeff Smith agreed with denying the extension.
“We gave somebody a chance and it wasn't taken advantage of,” said Smith.
Affinito, who appeared at Tuesday's meeting, said he had hired an engineer and a geotechnical firm to address the erosion issues, but that it has taken him longer than expected.
“We made every effort to do the right thing here,” he said.
Affinito said he needed the time extension, otherwise he'll be left with a partially finished project.
“I think this project, if we ever get it going, will be a real star for the community,” said Affinito.
He said he feels he's being painted as “the bad guy.”
Affinito said he didn't want to start from scratch on the project, which could kill it and result in “another eyesore for Lake County.”
Replied Brown, “Don't be fooled by the fancy way I dress, I know a little bit about construction.”
Brown said he felt Affinito's late actions on the matter showed that he isn't very serious about complying. “That's what the real issue is.”
Added Robey, “This project has been going for two years and what has been accomplished so far? A mess.”
Coel said a series of issues on the property still need to be addressed. One of those has to do with a small wetlands on the property, which has changed area and must not be reassessed, which will impact the environmental study.
The board voted 4-0 to deny the time extension, which puts Affinito essentially back to square one, requiring him to reapply for the subdivision map if he wants to continue the project.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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