Will The Real Susan Hitchcock Please Stand Up!  Part 2

First we need to talk about building permits, E.I.R. (Environmental Impact Report) and study. These are documents that are required by the State of California that insure the safety of the citizens regarding water, air, soil, etc.  A study determines if it’s a viable project. An application for a building permit starts at the planning department.  If it is a small enough project, than the study and E.I.R. can be done by City of Lodi staff.  However, with large projects like Reynolds Ranch, South West & Gate Way, Lodi doesn’t have the staff that can process the study and E.I.R.  Therefore, the City of Lodi and the applicant, usually a developer enter into a contract to hire an outside contractor to process the necessary documentation needed for the application.  The applicant is responsible for paying all expenses.  Furthermore, the applicant enters into this contract at their own risk with no assurances of whether the project will be accepted or denied by the planning department or the council. 

During the regularly scheduled council meeting on August 6th 2008 just such an application came before council.  We will now examine the bizarre behavior and statements made by Council Member Susan Hitchcock regarding this application. 

Susan gave the illusion that this project was a done deal and by approving this contract, we have killed the green belt.  Translated: I have botched the green belt, who can I blame it on?  According to our current General Plan this proposed site is zoned residential reserve which is within Lodi’s sphere of influence.  Susan said that Mayor Joanne Mounce was, “killing any hopes of a green belt.” Oh look, she found her scapegoat! 

Susan’s argument against the application was, it would put a commercial center against low density housing. Let’s review Susan’s past voting record: She voted for the South West project and stated she was voting “yes” because it was within our residential reserve of our General Plan. And Susan voted “Yes” to build Wal-Mart a commercial center up against low density housing.  Susan, didn’t care about the home owners then, why would she care now?

Let’s talk about growth.  The state of California mandates that unless you are landlocked, a city must grow 2%.  Lodians like that small town feeling, however, it is slipping away 2% at a time.  Nevertheless, Lodi’s growth has stayed below the state mandate.  Susan said that you have to keep Lodi smaller.  Susan’s words don’t match the fact that she has voted “yes” to over 3,000 new homes. 

Susan’s next statement reveals a piece of her true character. She compares the Lodi City Council to the pro-growth Council Members of Elk Grove. In the previous paragraph we established that Lodi is under the 2% growth. However, Elk Grove in 2005 was ranked the fastest growing city in the nation according to the U.S. Census Bureau at 12.7%.  During the previous 8 years, Elk Grove has grown a staggering 115%. 

Here’s another piece of her true nature.  Staff responded to Susan’s allegations by assuring her that this was only an application.  Furthermore, staff clarified to the applicant the risks applying for the building permit prior to the updated General Plan.  The risks were explained; if the new General Plan should come back and this proposed site is not zoned for commercial, than the project is dead.  Furthermore, the money spent by the applicant, $360,000.00 was at their own risk.  Yet, the applicant still wanted to take the risk and go forward.  Staff reaffirmed, this is not an endorsement of the project.  The developer is taking a risk with no obligation on the city. Susan proceeded to insult staff by making comments that she was here when they were still in diapers and she voted on the General Plan and knew the true meaning behind the intent of the zoning.  In other words, when you were a kid, I voted on the Plan and now that you’re an expert in your field, college graduate, grown man, you are unable to read a plan.  That sounds like, “I’m right, even when I’m wrong and don’t ever forget that”!

Susan had a slip of the tongue, that by taking out an application it is a guarantee that the project will be approved.  Susan stated, “This is how it’s done on council”. This statement raises ethical questions.  Susan, what deals have you made with South West, Gate Way or L.S.A. the contractor who processed their building applications?  Susan’s voting record was “Yes” to both applications and projects.  Furthermore, it sounds like you already have your opinion made up about the projects before a public hearing.  Are you admitting that you have pre-agreed to vote “yes” on those projects?  Did you cut a deal as you accused the remaining council of doing? 

Susan called Mayor Joanne Mounce a “criminal” because she would vote on an application. Susan’s voting record shows that she has voted for both South West and Gate Way applications. Who’s the criminal? 

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