This map shows the location of the proposed college housing project in Palo Cedro.

The Shasta County Planning Commission will on August 12, 2010 consider a creative new use for a 1980s vintage Palo Cedro group home. The current owners of the former Shoffner’s Green Pastures group home on Silver Bridge Road—Annalee Jones and Ken Mariette–are requesting approval of a use permit to house “young professionals attending local colleges and universities” in the various cottages on the 7.91-acre property. According to the conditions of the use permit, no more than 24 students would reside at the location along with the owner/managers and their children.

The initial environmental study prepared by Senior Planner Bill Walker found that the project is worthy of a Negative Declaration, with the only possible impact being a slightly increased ambient noise level due to the 24 additional persons living on the property.

The Planning Commission will also consider a second east valley project, a three-parcel land division of a 133.53-acre property owned by Carla Smith on the west side of Fern Road East approximately one mile north of its intersection of Whitmore Road in Whitmore.

All documents associated with these projects are available for review through the Planning Division, 1855 Placer Street, Ste. 103, Redding CA 96001. Call 225-5532. Written comments should be submitted at least three days before the Planning Commission meeting to ensure that they are included in the Commissioners’ packets.

The Planning Commission meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers in the County Administration Building, 1450 Court Street, Redding.