Press Room
Forum weighs in on possible 3,450-acre annex to Atascadero
By AnnMarie Cornejo — SanLuisObispo.com
September 25, 2008
A preliminary look at a project that could add more than 3,000 acres to the Atascadero city limits is being offered at a public forum tonight.
The 3,450-acre Eagle Ranch project, to the south of Atascadero, includes more than 452 potential future housing lots, an equestrian center and a possible resort.
The Atascadero City Council in May voted to allow staff to begin processing a General Plan amendment and future annexation application for the Eagle Ranch project.
It is potentially the largest annexation in the city’s history.
The specific details of the development have yet to be revealed.
“Before we start to define where and what type of houses will be included in the project, we want to check with the community and give the public an opportunity to voice their concerns and vision for the property,” said Community Development Director Warren Frace.
An additional 3,095 acres of land included in Eagle Ranch will be preserved through a deal with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, with portions operated as a cattle ranch.
The parcel is bordered by Los Padres National Forest to the south and west, including West Cuesta Ridge and Cerro Alto.
Only the portion to be developed will be considered for annexation, Frace said.
Future discussions involving city staff and the developers are expected to include topics such as the city’s need for affordable housing and possible ways to attract tourist dollars into the community.
“The project has to have some sort of economic revenue- generating component to it,” Frace said. “We do see tourism as one of the growing industries and Atascadero is currently not getting its share of that revenue.”
At the meeting a slide presentation of various development possibilities will be presented.
Reach AnnMarie Cornejo at 781-7939.