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Neighboring Northstar, Martis Camp subdivisions at a crossroads

Margaret Moran
mmoran@sierrasun.com

TRUCKEE, Calif. — A request by a Northstar subdivision to not allow public use of its two roadways could impact area travel for adjoining Martis Camp residents.

Last month, the Placer County Board of Supervisors directed staff to do more study on an abandonment request at the Retreat at Northstar for Mill Site Road and Cross Cut Court.

“It was never intended to be a through street,” said Mike Mayon, president of the Retreat at Northstar Owner’s Association, referring to Mill Site Road — which connects with the Schaffer Mill Road and Big Springs Drive.



The association says the 2003 adopted Martis Valley Community Plan states the proposed roadway system between Shaffer Mill Road and Northstar includes transit and emergency access only.

Yet, according to the county, the Retreat offered both roadways within the development for dedication to the public, which was accepted by the county’s Board of Supervisors in May 2006.



The Martis Camp development and Martis Camp Community Association oppose the abandonment because closing Mill Site Road would deprive residents of “the safest, shortest and most environmentally efficient rout to the Village of Northstar,” according to a letter from an attorney representing both.

Further, lot owners in Martis Camp would have to take Schaffer Mill Road to get onto Highway 267 before turning onto Northstar Drive to enter the village, according to the letter, which would increase round-trip travel to the village for some residents as much as six to 14 miles.

The letter goes on to state such extended trips could cause unnecessary greenhouse gas emission, fuel consumption, traffic loads and noise generation.

Analysis of potential environmental impacts is being done, said Ken Grehm, director of public works for Placer County. It’s unknown when the Board of Supervisors will revisit the item.

Visit http://www.placer.ca.gov/bos/agenda and click on the Dec. 9, 2014, agenda to learn more.


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