The central aspect of the value of the Parkway is that of sanctuary, where urban and suburban residents can retreat into the natural environment for recreation, spiritual and psychological refreshment; and buildings (other than nature centers, golf course related structures, the Indian Heritage Center, and public accommodations) should not be allowed.
Our fourth guiding principle (part of our strategy on our website) is clear.
"(4) If it can be seen from the Parkway, it shouldn’t be built along the Parkway.
• Work to ensure visual intrusion by new development is absolutely prohibited forever, with no mitigation.
"Private property owners are not to be faulted for wanting to build large homes or commercial buildings along the Parkway, as it offers some of the most beautiful development sites in our area. However, none of us wants to see the Parkway become Malibuized. Confusion about the building regulations, as now exists, encourages that type of development. National Heritage Area status and the accompanying elevation in oversight will begin to offer the type of protection from visual intrusion caused by new development that current, virtually unregulated, Parkway development is now threatening."
Editorial: No bluffing
County should protect river parkway
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, February 12, 2008
In October of 1964, Sunset magazine ran a story entitled, "How the American River was 'saved'." The story described the efforts of Sacramento-area citizens to "preserve the natural landscape and create recreation opportunities and open space in the midst of a rapidly expanding urban area."
Sacramento County supervisors should read that article. They certainly need to do so before Wednesday, when they are slated to vote on an exemption to county zoning that would allow the construction of more homes close to the beautiful bluffs of the American River Parkway.
Anyone who walks, rides or paddles down the parkway has seen the mansions that loom over the river on highly erodible slopes.
Many of these homes predate a county zoning ordinance that requires new homes to be 70 feet back from such bluffs. But over the years, supervisors have added to the blight by carving out exemptions.
They may do so again Wednesday, when they consider a permit that would allow developer Tim Lien to demolish an existing home in Carmichael and build two homes within 35 feet of the bluff. County supervisors approved the 35-foot setback in 2004 over the objections of the county's Department of Regional Parks.
