We own a parcel of land with 366 acres bordering Ridgemark. We
have been here for 49 years, just making enough for taxes, with not
much left. In the conditions we are in right now, the county is not
getting much either. The land is so marginal, it is not even
suitable for farming.
It makes sense to develop land that would sit without use otherwise
Dear Editor,
We own a parcel of land with 366 acres bordering Ridgemark. We have been here for 49 years, just making enough for taxes, with not much left. In the conditions we are in right now, the county is not getting much either. The land is so marginal, it is not even suitable for farming.
But with some good resources, with all the many years I’ve been around, I don’t see a place in the county more suitable to develop. We welcome Ridgemark, Vineyard Estates, Granite Rock and Stonegate. We have enjoyed the place, but now that I can’t continue to take care of the place anymore, I decided this will be the right time to do something about it. In the past, we had a map, even sold and option, but because of the Williams Act got in the way, the deal fell through. Then things changed so much in the county that it made it impossible to do anything. We are on a 5-acre zone that in my opinion is waste. To destroy a good parcel like this when it is not much land with this quality, good drainage, plenty of water and sewer would be just plain wrong.
We make an application and ask to change the zone just like Ridgemark, and I feel that was a good development. Like Ridgemark, this development will be much away from public eye. Covered by the ridge, it will be hidden to Highway 25. The land goes back over a mile Bordering Vineyard Estates, which would be connected to Southside Road. That I find a great benefit to the county and the ones living there.
We have been approached by Sunnyslope Water District with interest in serving our place with sewer and water when they are ready with sewer projects they are working on. In case of water, our place has abundance and good quality. As you can see, this can be a profit that would help the county, the economy and create many jobs so needed. There is land to be developed, room for recreation and maybe for a school if necessary.
I wish we could find developers from the county so everything will stay inside the county. I’d like to invite you to pay me a visit and see for yourself that what I am proposing makes sense. In our 49 years in the county and 32 years for the public, I always work to see what is best for the county.
I only hope that you treat us as I always treat the county. My wife and I make this county our country. We feel we have done our share without taking advantage. We hope this turns out for the benefit for all.
Amadeu Lima, Hollister
