Pajaro Valley Golf Course Expansion and Subdivision EIR, County of Monterey (in progress)

The proposed project is the expansion of the Pajaro Valley Golf Course from 18 to 27 holes, expansion of the clubhouse, subdivision of 90 single-family lots, and development of 84 townhouses. General plan land use amendments would change several areas of Resource Conservation to residential designations, and result in the distribution of housing throughout the site rather than concentrated in primarily one area under existing land use designations. Major environmental issues being studied include hydrology, biological resources, noise, geology and soils, traffic, and aesthetics. The project site is near Elkhorn Slough in north Monterey County, which has significant biological, groundwater overdraft and traffic congestion issues.

Issues of biological concern include habitat for endangered species such as the California red-legged frog and Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), such as riparian, wetland, and tidal marsh communities. EMC Planning Group Inc. is in the process of working with the applicant and their biologist to reach agreement on the appropriate mitigation scenario.