County Approves Sufism Reoriented’s
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This article appeared originally in the spring 2010 Saranap Community Newsletter. |
 The county Department of Conservation and Development has agreed to Sufism Reoriented’s request for an environmental impact report (EIR) for its proposed sanctuary on Boulevard Way. |
An EIR is a more thorough assessment of possible environmental impacts of a project than an initial study, the course Sufism Reoriented was pursuing when it decided in February to request an EIR instead. |
In a newsletter distributed throughout the Saranap, the church stated that while information from its consultants suggests that an EIR wouldn’t be required, “we have concluded that it is in our best interest for the county to proceed with an EIR at this time, rather than the smaller environmental study that they might choose to do for a project like ours with a low likelihood of environmental impact.” |
Bob Carpenter, Sufism Reoriented’s project manager for the land-use permit process, says three factors entered into the decision to ask for an EIR. “The county could decide to require an EIR at any point in the approval process. Doing it now will save us considerable money and time over what it might cost us later.” He estimates that an EIR will add about $40,000 to the cost and take about two-and-a-half months longer than an initial study, but adds that “we won’t know for sure until the contract is finalized.” |
Carpenter says that an EIR will “reassure our neighbors that all potential environmental impacts have been addressed and that the project will meet CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) standards.” An EIR, he continues, will also “provide the county with more information on which to base their decision.” |
The county on March 9 mailed a “notice of preparation” informing government agencies and departments that an EIR is being written. The notice was also sent to members of the public who had expressed an interest in the project either by writing letters to the county or signing petitions or letters of support. |
A “scoping session” was held March 22 to provide information about the project to government agencies that will or may be involved in the EIR. This was also an opportunity for members of the public to comment on topics relating to “environmental concerns resulting from implementation of the proposed project.” Comments can be submitted in writing until April 8. |
In conjunction with the scoping meeting, the SCA forwarded to the county a summary of environmental concerns raised at the two Community Meetings it has held on the project. |
The EIR will be written by an environmental consulting firm, CirclePoint. The first product of the EIR process will be a draft of the report, which the county estimates will be completed in June or July. Publication of the draft will initiate a 45-day period during which the public can comment on Circle Point’s findings. The SCA will hold its third Community Meeting on Sufism Reoriented’s application during this comment period. Comments taken at that meeting will be forwarded to the county. |
Following the comment period, CirclePoint will write a final draft of the report. This will incorporate input from agencies involved in the study, public comments, and the planning staff’s response to those comments. |
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These two documents will be the basis of a public hearing before the planning commission, which the county expects will take place in late summer or early fall. |
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