Documented by Jackie Schuster
What happened: At its Tuesday meeting, the Visalia City Council took steps toward annexing 95 acres into the northern city limits for the development of a 541-home subdivision.
The D.R. Horton project is planned for mostly vacant land previously used for ag located north of Riverway Drive on the west and east sides of Mooney Boulevard.
The council unanimously approved the initial study and initiated proceedings for annexation and a general plan amendment changing the zoning from very low density residential to low and medium density residential and parks and recreation.
At the Aug. 7 planning commission meeting, three neighbors to the property voiced concerns about home values, water, wells, project density, and traffic. The planning commission moved to tentatively approve most of the entitlements and allow the city council to approve the rest.
The development plan also includes 8.3 acres of parks and open space.
And also: The council approved the reappointment of City Attorney Kenneth J. Richardson from the Peltzer Richardson law firm for an additional term of two years at a monthly rate of $48,685 for in-scope/routine matters and $187.25 per hour for special services.
Up next: The Visalia City Council will meet again on Aug. 18.