Orcutt finds itself in an odd position with this annexation. We have to forward our concerns to the city, not the county. We have to rely on the city to support us even though they may hold other interests. Not an even playing field.
This annexation process has been compared to a hostile takeover. I’ve heard one city official blame Orcutt for its water situation and another for not developing the site sooner. Officials ask why Orcutt isn’t working successfully with the investors. Yet, the city, which has the discretion to provide supplemental water needed for this project to proceed in the county, will not provide it. I’ve listened to another claim to be connected to and care about Orcutt say he would invoke “builder’s remedy” (700-plus units) if annexation is denied.
The city of Santa Maria Planning Commission during their October hearing credited Richards Ranch for time, effort, and money spent. Nothing was said about Orcutt residents’ time and effort spent despite lacking the resources, expertise, and money of Richards Ranch.
At that hearing, Richards Ranch objected to how long the EIR took to complete. Orcutt residents did what government officials ask of residents—we participated. The EIR took longer simply because we submitted constructive comments.
Does this preview how Orcutt residents surrounding this site will be treated if the property is annexed? Are local governments competing?
We could focus on how we all agree to build housing on this site. The groundwork is laid. The EIR is complete (can be used in the county).
The city can break a decades-old cycle of resentment and pull together Richards Ranch and the county and all work together to build this needed housing in the Orcutt community.
Susan Bryant
Orcutt
This article appears in Oct 17-27, 2024.
