Wildwood Q&A:

1. What is the Wildwood Project?
The Wildwood Project is a proposed 100-unit development by Alamo Pintado Lots, LLC, located at the corner of Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Drive in Solvang, California.

2. What are the key details of the project?
The project proposes to build 2- and 3-story buildings on 5.48 acres, with only 20 of the 100 units designated as affordable housing.

3. What are the environmental concerns associated with the project?
Approximately 3 acres of the site are steep, sensitive to erosion, and within a designated viewshed aimed at preserving Solvang’s scenic character. Additionally, the project threatens local environmental integrity, including the Mission Aqueduct, a historic site vital to Solvang’s heritage.

4. How will this project impact traffic?
The project is expected to worsen traffic congestion at the busy intersection of Alamo Pintado and Mission Drive, potentially straining local emergency services and infrastructure.

5. Has the community been involved in the planning process?
Yes, local residents worked for over two years with Solvang’s government to develop a balanced Housing Element, but their input was largely ignored in the current proposal, which is being fast-tracked under the Builder’s Remedy.

6. What are the proposed changes to setbacks?
The developer seeks to reduce required setbacks from 20 feet to 10 feet, which compromises future improvements and worsens traffic conditions for this already congested intersection.

7. How many affordable housing units will be included in the project?
Out of the 100 units proposed, only 20 will be classified as affordable, which is far below the 36 affordable units required by the General Plan.

8. Why is this project moving forward despite community concerns?
The developer is exploiting a legal loophole called the Builder’s Remedy, due to Solvang’s failure to meet state housing deadlines. This allows them to bypass local zoning laws, ignoring the community’s opposition and concerns.

9. What staffing issues has the city faced?
Solvang has experienced significant staffing challenges, including the absence of a permanent Planning Manager for over three years, which contributed to the missed state deadline.

10. What steps is the Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council (SYVCC) taking?
SYVCC is actively challenging the Builder’s Remedy application, advocating for responsible development, and raising public awareness about the impacts this project could have on the community.

11. How will this project affect local infrastructure?
The project’s inadequate parking and increased density will likely overburden local infrastructure, including roads, emergency services, and local utilities.

12. What historical sites could be impacted?
The development threatens the historic Santa Ynez Mission Aqueduct and local viewsheds, which are integral to Solvang’s cultural heritage.

13. How will community character be affected?
The proposed large, multi-story buildings will overshadow Solvang’s quaint, Danish-inspired architecture, altering the town’s unique charm and character.

14. How can community members take action?
Community members can join SYVCC, attend meetings, participate in events, and raise their voices to ensure that the community’s concerns are heard and addressed.

15. What is the fundraising goal for SYVCC?
SYVCC aims to raise $100,000 for legal fees to challenge this development and ensure it aligns with Solvang’s General Plan and protects the community.

16. How can individuals contribute to the cause?
Contributions are welcome! Every donation helps fund the legal efforts to challenge this project. Donations can be made through the SYVCC website.

17. How is SYVCC raising public awareness?
SYVCC is hosting community meetings, running informational campaigns, and engaging in outreach efforts to ensure that residents are fully informed about the Wildwood Project’s potential impacts.

18. Why is it essential to understand the Builder’s Remedy?
Understanding the Builder’s Remedy is crucial because it allows developers to bypass local regulations and zoning laws, potentially leading to developments that do not reflect the community’s wishes or needs.

19. What actions has the City Council taken regarding the project?
The City Council has not adequately addressed the community’s concerns about this project or challenged the developer’s Builder’s Remedy application. This raises questions about their commitment to protecting Solvang and its residents.

20. What are the risks of inaction?
If approved, the project could lead to permanent changes to Solvang’s character, increased pressure for overbuilding, and a loss of community heritage. This could also pave the way for other large-scale, out-of-scale developments in the future.

21. How can residents stay informed about developments?
Residents are encouraged to follow SYVCC’s updates, attend local meetings, and get involved in community discussions to stay informed and engaged.

22. What is the overall message from SYVCC?
The Wildwood Project is not just about one development; it’s about the future of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Together, we can advocate for responsible growth that preserves the charm and beauty of our community.

23. What can individuals do to support this cause?
Individuals can donate, share information, attend meetings, and volunteer to help spread the word about the potential risks of the project and the need for responsible development.

24. Why is community involvement vital?
Community feedback is vital to ensure that local government takes residents’ voices into account and prioritizes development that benefits the community as a whole, without compromising Solvang’s values.

25. How can I donate to support the fight against the Wildwood Project?
Visit the SYVCC website to make a donation and contribute to the legal efforts to ensure that the Wildwood Project aligns with Solvang’s General Plan and preserves the community’s heritage.

Donations can be made through the SYVCC website. Your support is vital in the fight to protect the Santa Ynez Valley!