Alamo Pintado Wildwood Development

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 Wrong Project for Solvang and SYV

The Alamo Pintado Wildwood Project in Solvang, California, is a controversial large-scale residential development that is being fast-tracked under a state law known as the Builder’s Remedy. This project has raised significant concerns among local residents and advocacy groups, as it bypasses local zoning laws and disregards the voice of the community.

The Builder’s Remedy is a legal loophole in California’s housing laws that allows developers to override local zoning laws and city plans if the municipality fails to meet state-mandated housing goals. The law was designed to address the statewide housing shortage by pushing cities to approve more housing, but it has led to unintended consequences in many communities, including Solvang.

Under the Builder’s Remedy, developers can bypass local control and build projects that do not adhere to a city’s zoning laws, general plan, or community input. This means that even if a community strongly opposes a development, the city is powerless to stop it if the developer meets certain conditions, including building affordable housing units.

While the intent behind the Builder’s Remedy is to address California’s housing crisis by increasing the availability of affordable housing, it is often being misused to push through developments that do not align with the needs or desires of local communities. Here’s why it’s a bad idea:

1. Ignoring Community Voices: The Builder’s Remedy allows developers to bypass local zoning and general plans, effectively silencing the voice of the community. In Solvang, for example, the Alamo Pintado Wildwood Project is moving forward despite overwhelming opposition from local residents who feel the development would harm the character and infrastructure of the area.
    
2. Out-of-Scale Developments: The law incentivizes large, high-density projects that may not be appropriate for the community. The Wildwood Project, for example, proposes 100 apartment units across three large buildings, with only 13 low-income units. This is a dramatic shift from Solvang’s small-town atmosphere and is out of scale with the surrounding area.
    
3. Strain on Local Infrastructure: The law can force cities to approve developments that overwhelm local infrastructure. The Wildwood Project would increase traffic congestion at already busy intersections, strain emergency services, and burden local resources such as schools and utilities.
    
4. Environmental and Historical Damage: The Builder’s Remedy often allows projects to move forward without fully considering their environmental and historical impacts. In Solvang, the Wildwood Project threatens local viewsheds, drainage systems, and historic sites such as the Mission Aqueduct, which are vital to the community’s heritage.
    
5. Loss of Local Control: The Builder’s Remedy essentially removes a city’s ability to regulate the growth of its own community. Solvang’s residents and elected officials have worked hard to craft the Solvang 2045 General Plan, which promotes responsible, sustainable development that respects the community’s character. The Wildwood Project bypasses this plan entirely, undermining years of thoughtful planning.
    

In the case of the Alamo Pintado Wildwood Project, the development is being fast-tracked under the Builder’s Remedy, even though it goes against the city’s zoning laws and the desires of the local community. The project proposes 100 apartment units with only 13 affordable housing units, which is far less than what the community feels is appropriate for this site.

The development would place three-story buildings in an area that is traditionally low-density, thereby altering the character of Solvang, a town known for its quaint, Danish-inspired architecture. Moreover, the project threatens the environmental integrity of the area, including views of the surrounding valley and historic landmarks, while overburdening local infrastructure.

While the intention behind the Builder’s Remedy is to create more affordable housing, its use in cases like the Wildwood Project highlights its flaws:

• Communities are being forced to accept projects that they do not want: Solvang’s residents have made it clear that they want to preserve the small-town charm of the area, but the Builder’s Remedy allows large-scale developments that do not align with the community’s vision.

• It could harm the very people it aims to help: The law’s push for more affordable housing can inadvertently lead to developments that are out of scale with the area, strain local resources, and make the community less livable for everyone—whether they are renters or homeowners.

The Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council (SYVCC) is working hard to challenge this project and stop it from moving forward unchecked. We are contesting the Builder’s Remedy application and advocating for responsible, community-driven development that respects the unique character of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.

However, we need your support to continue the fight. Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Your donation will help us raise funds for legal action, expert consultations, and public awareness campaigns.

• Spread the Word: Share this message with your friends, family, and neighbors to amplify our community’s voice.

• Get Involved: Join us at meetings, volunteer, and help us organize events to ensure that our community remains involved and informed.

The Alamo Pintado Wildwood Project is not just about one development—it’s about the future of our entire community. We must ensure that Solvang’s growth is responsible, sustainable, and aligned with the values of its residents. 

With your support, we can stop this project from moving forward under the Builder’s Remedy and protect the Solvang we all love.

Please donate today and help us protect the Santa Ynez Valley!

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