On March 25, Santa Barbara County planners held the first public comment meeting as the environmental phase began on the Solomon Hills project.  The mammoth multi-use development, proposed on 4200 acres in the Solomon Hills south of Orcutt, would include 4000 homes, retail outlets including a grocery store, post office, pharmacy, elementary school, fire and sheriff stations, a 20,000 square foot park and 950 acres of trails and open space. 

          County Senior Planner Shannon Reece calls “the largest project the County of Santa Barbara has accepted an application for.”

The meeting at the Betteravia Government Center was the first opportunity for public comment regarding what should be included in the environment impact report. Klas Hasbo, the chief executive officer for Solstra Communities California LLC, commented on the “urgent need for quality jobs and housing by creating a well thought out and sustainable and vibrant community.  Residents would not only live there, but they also work and play there.”  

          About 15 people spoke about densities, fire hazards, protection of the view and the need for housing.   Ken Dalebout, representing Dignity Health, addressed the need for housing to support medical staff.   John Blanchard, president of Santa Maria Valley Open Space, noted the need for adequate trails and open space.  

         The deadline to submit comments on the EIR is 5pm, April 17.  E-mail PADSolomonhills@countyofsb.org.  To mail:  Planning and Development Department, 624 W. Foster Rd, Suite C, Santa Maria CA 93455