Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Report Prepared by: Jonnie Lan, Principal Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Report to Introduce Annexation and Pre-zoning Application #23-03, General Plan Amendment #23-04, and Environmental Review #23-44 for the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Property, Generally Located at the northeast corner of Cardella and Lake Roads
ACTION
No action required.
SUMMARY
This is an information session on the VST Annexation. On December 20, 2023, the Planning Commission will be asked to evaluate Annexation and Pre-zoning Application #23-03, General Plan Amendment #23-04, and Environmental Review #23-44 for the Virginia Smith Trust property and make a recommendation to the City Council.
Body
DISCUSSION
Project Description
This project proposes 654 acres of mixed-use development, including 4,000 dwelling units, approximately 800,000 square feet of commercial/office space, 76 acres of parks and 25 acres of open space and trails, all at the northeast corner of Cardella and Lake Roads (Attachment A).
Background
VST provided land in support of the University of California Merced Campus development. VST also provides college scholarships to graduates from high schools within Merced County. The Board of Directors of the County Office of Education (MCOE) oversees the assets of VST.
As you may have heard before, the City of Merced, Merced County, UC Merced, and the Virginia Smith Trust have been engaged in land planning activities for many years related to the University Community Plan (UCP). This plan essentially covers the non-campus land area between Yosemite Ave, Lake Road, and the UC Merced campus. The UCP planning process started in 2000 and was approved in 2004. The UCP area is within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) and has an approved EIR.
Assembly Bill 3312 allows for the City of Merced to annex the UC Merced Campus. It also allows for the potential subsequent annexation of a portion of the UCP which includes VST. However, the VST land is currently within the jurisdiction of Merced County.
The applicants are submitting an annexation and pre-zone application, a general plan amendment application, and an environmental review. Stephen Peck will explain the project and answer questions the Commission or public may have. A copy of the presentation is provided as Attachment C. At the Planning Commission meeting on December 20, 2023, the Planning Commission will hold the Public Hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council, who will take final action on the applications.
ATTACHMENTS
A. VST Location Map
B. VST Adopted Draft Specific Plan
C. VST Presentation