At the 2-4-13 CCPAC meeting held at the Copper Fire station, Committee members and the community in attendance hashed out the proper wording for the policies that will be submitted to the county for implementation into the General Plan for the Copperopolis Community.
The following are the policies that were worked on, some of the wording has been changed....the final product will be released within the next two weeks after approval from the Planning Department.
1.The scenic value of the community’s key natural resources (rolling hills, oak woodlands, creeks and rock formations) and visual resources (Flowers Mountain, Copperopolis Mountains, Table Mountain, Gopher Ridge, Lake Tulloch) should not be occluded or disrupted by new development.
*Discussion of the ridgelines and their names occurred.
2. Achieve a harmonious relationship between the developed environment and its natural surroundings by preserving open space, ridgelines, oak woodlands, and agriculture/range lands.
*Discussion of the use of the word preserving occured and it was ultimately removed.
3. Entryways to Copperopolis should be architecturally distinctive and embrace the historic character of Copperopolis. Monument-style designs should be avoided.
*Monument style was removed and a clearer definition of architecture was discussed.
4. Historic design elements that evoke and compliment the old town mining character of historic Copperopolis should be reflected in new development.
*Questions were raised regarding the meaning of 'old town mining character' suggestions were made to change the wording to rural character.
5. New commercial development should first consider locating in or adjacent to the existing Historic Old Town. If not feasible, new commercial development should be located with residential development in clustered village centers surrounded by undeveloped open space. “Strip” development should be avoided.
*Discussion about tying hands of those who already own commercial property and their potential to develop at all. Also clarification of village center meaning each development have a center within their development for possible retail, inns, etc.
6. Accepted uses within a village center include residences, small businesses, shops, restaurants, offices, recreation and public facilities.
*Changed was 'retail' added to shops.
7. Development within village centers should be pedestrian-friendly and provide trails/pathways for non-motorized access to uses within and outside the centers.
8. Favorably consider new business and light industrial applications within the Community Plan area.
9. Community-wide facilities (e.g. a community center, library) should be located centrally, not within individual residential subdivisions.
10. The circulation network within Copperopolis should emphasize two-lane roads (versus 4-lane roads) and include visual setbacks and safe routes for pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle lanes. To re-mediate new traffic noise, natural sound attenuation mechanisms (e.g. setbacks, triple-paned windows, vegetative buffers, berms) are preferred to more traditional hardscape sound walls.
11. Favorably support access from the Community Plan area to the west side of New Melones Reservoir.
*Outspoken for and outspoken against. Committee in favor of 'for.'
As soon as the revision is available the Copper Gazette will post it.
Current Vision statement:
Vision Statement
Twenty years from now, Copperopolis will continue to
have a small town atmosphere defined by the greenbelts of Flower and
Copperopolis Mountains.
The Community’s rich agricultural and
rangeland heritage is maintained through the preservation of prominent
natural resources and open space vistas. Lake Tulloch flourishes as a
Community attraction. Housing, commercial and employment opportunities
are diverse and integrated with the natural resources and open space
elements of the Community.
Revitalization efforts have turned
“historic” Copperopolis into a vibrant, attractive town center and
tourist destination with community events, and neighborhood and
tourist-serving opportunities.
Circulation in Copperopolis provides
safe and attractive access to all areas of the Community. Residents,
young and old, take advantage of the Community’s pedestrian, equestrian
and bicycle pathways that tie into the Community’s centers and
recreational amenities.
People who visit Copperopolis leave with the impression that it is a beautiful place and a friendly town.
