Alamo Pintado Wildwood Development

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Wildwood Project

Help Us Ensure Responsible Development for Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley

The Wildwood Project, located at the intersection of Alamo Pintado Road and Old Mission Drive in Solvang, California, has sparked significant concern among residents and local advocacy groups. This large-scale residential development, also known as Site C, is being fast-tracked under the state law known as the Builder’s Remedy, bypassing local zoning laws and disregarding the community’s wishes. The Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council (SYVCC) is working to ensure that this project is re-submitted and aligns with Solvang’s General Plan Housing Element. 

What is the Builder’s Remedy?

The Builder’s Remedy is a provision in California’s housing laws that allows developers to override local zoning regulations and city plans if the municipality fails to meet state-mandated housing goals. Although intended to address California’s housing shortage, the Builder’s Remedy has been misused in some cases, resulting in developments that do not align with the needs or desires of the local community.

This legal provision allows developers to bypass local control and build projects that might not adhere to a city’s zoning laws or general plan. In Solvang, the Wildwood Project is being fast-tracked under this provision, despite strong community opposition and concerns about its scale and impact.

Why Is the Builder’s Remedy Problematic for Solvang?

While the intention behind the Builder’s Remedy is to address the housing crisis, it has unintended consequences, especially in communities like Solvang. Here’s why the Wildwood Project—currently being fast-tracked under this law—poses a problem for the town and its residents:

• Disregard      for Community Input: The Wildwood Project bypasses the community’s      voices by ignoring the Solvang General Plan and zoning laws. The community      overwhelmingly opposes the scale and impact of this project, but the      Builder’s Remedy allows the city to move forward with it despite this      opposition.
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• Out-of-Scale      Development: The project proposes 100 apartment units in multiple      buildings covering the hillsides.  This high-density development, with three      large buildings, is out of scale with the small-town atmosphere that makes      Solvang so unique.
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• Strain      on Local Infrastructure: The project threatens to overwhelm Solvang’s      infrastructure, especially with its impact on traffic, emergency services,      and local resources such as schools and utilities. The project’s location      at a congested intersection would increase traffic and pose safety      concerns for residents and visitors.
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• Environmental      and Historical Concerns: The development threatens local viewsheds and      historic landmarks, including the Mission Aqueduct, which is integral to      Solvang’s heritage. The environmental impacts of this project have not      been fully addressed, and the area’s historic and scenic beauty is at      risk.

• Undermining      Local Control: The Builder’s Remedy removes the city’s ability to      regulate its own growth, bypassing the years of thoughtful planning that      went into creating the Solvang 2045 General Plan. This project disregards      the goals of sustainable, community-driven development, undermining the      work that has been done to shape the future of the city.

The Consequences of the Wildwood Project Under the Builder’s Remedy

The Alamo Pintado Wildwood Project is being fast-tracked under the Builder’s Remedy, despite its clear violations of Solvang’s zoning laws and the desires of local residents. The proposed project would place three-story buildings in an area traditionally zoned for low-density development, changing the character of Solvang and putting a strain on local infrastructure. This project also threatens the environmental integrity of the area and overlooks important historical sites.

While the Builder’s Remedy aims to provide affordable housing, its application in this case shows how it can lead to developments that are not in line with the community’s needs. We believe in responsible, balanced growth that respects the unique character of Solvang and the surrounding areas, and this project should be re-submitted under the General Plan Housing Element to align with the community’s goals.

How You Can Help

The Santa Ynez Valley Citizens Council is working tirelessly to challenge this project and ensure it is re-submitted in compliance with the General Plan Housing Element. We are advocating for a solution that respects the character of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley, while also addressing the need for affordable housing.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate:      Your contributions will fund legal efforts, expert consultations, and      public outreach to ensure that this project is reviewed and approved under      the correct guidelines. Send your      check to SYVCC with the notation “legal fund” or go to our website at https://syvcc.betterworld.org/donate
  
   
• Spread      the Word: Share this message with your friends, family, and neighbors.      The more people know about the impact of this project, the more pressure      we can put on the city to take the right actions.
• Get      Involved: Attend meetings, volunteer with the SYVCC, and participate      in community events. The more involved we all are, the stronger our voice      will be in shaping the future of Solvang. To join SYVCC go to our website      at :  https://syvcitizenscouncil.org/membership 

Together, We Can Ensure Responsible Development in Solvang and the SYV

This is not just about one project—it’s about the future of our entire community. We must ensure that Solvang’s growth is responsible, sustainable, and in line with the values of its residents.

With your support, we can ensure that this project is re-submitted under the General Housing Element, allowing for responsible development that benefits the entire community. Let’s work together to protect the Solvang we all love and preserve the charm, safety, and character of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Donate Today to help us advocate for a better, more sustainable future for Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.

For more information or to get involved, Contact Us