Ferrini Ranch Subdivision and Merrill / Wayland Subdivision are two new proposals located in the Toro Area

Despite the new general plan that was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October, 2010, many projects are being considered using the 1982 General Plan including the Ferrini Ranch subdivision and the Merrill / Wayland subdivision. LandWatch successfully negotiated restrictions on further subdivision in the Toro area in the new 2010 General Plan, but these two subdivisions get a “pass” from those restrictions.

• The Ferrini Ranch proposal is a huge, sprawling subdivision located on the south side of Highway 68 between River Road and San Benancio Road near Toro County Park. This development would subdivide about 866 acres into 212 lots and cut down up to 921 protected oak trees. This project has been in the works for years so it is regulated under the outdated policies of the 1982 General Plan, and it’s starting to move through the planning process right now.
  
  
• The Merrill / Wayland subdivisions were overwhelmingly denied by the Planning Commission and that decision was appealed to the Supervisors. At the appeal hearing on May 3rd, the developers asked for more time to test the arsenic-laden well. Five years of water quality tests of the project’s well have already shown arsenic levels above legal limits, but the Supervisors allowed a hearing continuance until January 2012. This proposal includes subdividing two 38-acre parcels into 9 lots along Highway 68 near Boots Road. The developer is requesting permits from the county to allow removal of 39 mature oak tress, development on slopes greater than 30%, and development in a visually sensitive area. LandWatch will continue to monitor this project.

[Return to Ferrini Ranch Issues and Actions]

Posted 05.31.11