Over the last few months HomeCA/Native Directions (NDI), the developers of the proposed facilities off Deer Valley Ct, have been requesting the county (EDC) grant them an exemption to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. HomeCA seems to believe the county should grant this exemption without a detailed investigation into all the areas of possible environmental or safety concerns. We, of course, disagree and we believe the county should deny these construction permits due to the extreme mismatch of zoning and their proposed commercial facilities serving 80 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) patients in Rescue.
To that end we continue to monitor closely the progress of the requested permits for 2761 Sands Road (previously 3335 Deer Valley Ct) and 3480 Deer Valley Ct. In June EDC counsel, David Livingston, sent a detailed request to HomeCA/NDI that implied the county believes the projects need to meet local zoning, and of course would require appropriate environmental and safety reviews prior to granting any permits. HomeCA/NDI have not addressed these concerns. They point to promised construction items that would meet local codes, which of course is a minimum for any new construction, but ignore the facts that their commercial treatment facilities are not appropriate for land designated for rural residential single-family use. They can’t seem to admit they made a mistake buying these properties for this type of development due to their lack of due diligence and collaboration with the community and/or county. You can follow all the communications on our project timeline page here if you want the details.
Today we sent a note from this community reinforcing our request to get these projects denied by EDC. That note is here (text below).
We will continue to fight to get these projects stopped. We need to thank Supervisor Lori Parlin for her transparency and support of open communication to all of us. She continues to post each communication on her District IV website (link). The EDC officials I have had the chance to work with have been open to listening to our concerns and have been transparent on their actions (99% of them).
Hopefully we can persuade the county to stop these projects without further back and forth. If that doesn’t happen, let’s all continue to closely monitor the status and respond appropriately.
Have a Happy Holiday and stay tuned.
Full note text:
To: Karen Garner
CC: Supervisor Parlin, David Livingston
RE: Recent communications from HomeCA/Native Directions concerning proposed project(s) on 2761 Sands Rd.
Once again, HomeCA/Native Directions, Inc. (NDI) is attempting to deflect from the issues raised by El Dorado County (EDC) Counsel on June 7, 2024, regarding their inappropriate selection of 2761 Sands Rd for one of their two proposed commercial facilities off Deer Valley CT in Rescue. As David Livingston clarified, the legislation funding Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) projects does not provide an unconditional exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While AB 133 may streamline local review in some cases, it does not override the process required under Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) §5960.3, which governs BHCIP. Developers remain obligated to address CEQA requirements as determined by the local public entity, in this case El Dorado County.
Furthermore, both governing agencies for this legislation, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), have issued written instructions (2/15/24) requiring that prospective properties must comply with relevant zoning to ensure program and public safety. These directives clearly indicate that projects of this scope and nature are inappropriate for rural residential areas. The proposed commercial substance use disorder (SUD) facilities at 2761 Sands Rd and 3480 Deer Valley Ct fail to meet these standards. They would create serious safety risks and environmental concerns for the existing community while failing to provide a suitable, safe and secure environment for patients, as this group has detailed over the last year. Therefore building permits must not be granted.
It is evident that HomeCA/NDI selected unsuitable properties for these facilities. Their decision to bypass engagement with the local community and county officials BEFORE purchasing these parcels demonstrates a lack of due diligence. While they may appeal for sympathy, the responsibility for this poor site selection lies solely with HomeCA/NDI. Instead of attempting to force this unsafe development on an inappropriate site, they should work with DHCS to relocate these grants to a more suitable property that aligns with the DHCS goal of geographic equity for the communities they aim to serve.
Thank you, El Dorado County, for recognizing the serious community issues associated with this proposal and for standing firm against unreasonable and unsafe development. Please deny these permits.
Sincerely,
Chris Silva
Spokesperson, Rescue Deer Valley Community Group
Link to EDC 7/7/24 Communication to HomeCA/NDI:
https://rescuedeervalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/edc-response-2024-06-07-prado-letter-re-grading-permit-0372970.pdf
Link to 2/15/24 DHCS/CDSS letter to Senator Alvarado-Gil (with commentary):
Rescue Deer Valley! 