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Farmland Divided In Central California

Posted by: Nate Berg

28 September 2006 - 7:00am

2,800 acres of Central California farmland has been effectively split into a collection of 40-acre parcels, all of which have been zoned to contain up to two residential units. Many in the nearby community are upset at the loss of farmland.

The Stanislaus County Planning Commission approved the subdivision of 2,843 acres of almond farm into 71 40-acre parcels. The farmland is set to be transformed into residential land, with zoning laws allowing up to two housing units per parcel. Many in the agricultural community are disappointed because they see the development of housing as destruction of viable farmland.

"Owner Mike Kooyman had proposed a plan that would include selling the parcels and requiring the new owners to lease back 38.5 acres to a farm operator."

"That would keep most of the 2,843 acres in agriculture during the 25-year lease and allow the owners to build homes in an agricultural setting."

"Although the 40-acre parcels are allowed in the agricultural zone, the planning staff recommended against the parcel split. The Planning Commission decided to approve the project despite the staff recommendation."

Full Story: Ranch parceling gets county's OK
Source: Modesto Bee, September 11, 2006
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"Traditionally, the federal government has had very clearly defined roles for states, but not for cities," said Rohit Aggarwala, director of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability for New York City. "That's a problem."
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