Key Concerns

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In the Draft Environmental Impact Report (page 310), it says, "The 1806 Monticello Road (Bishop) and Foster Road proposed housing sites are partially within a special flood hazard zone."

• If it is acknowledged that we live in a special flood hazard zone, won't these new affordable homes be negatively affected? And how would these new home owners, who need affordable housing, be able to pay a premium for not only fire insurance, but also flood insurance? 

As we all know, this site is in a high risk fire area. A 100+ increase in households on our narrow Hedgeside road will adds hundreds of cars to a fire evacuation, thus putting many of us in an unsafe situation. 

• What studies are being done to insure that we have adequate traffic safety in the event of a fire evacuation? As the road currently is, there is only unprotected left-hand and right-hand turns that will already be flooded in traffic by those traveling from the Silverado Resort (and above) areas.
• Will there be a study done to show if there is an increase in fire risk for those that currently live on Hedgeside? If there is high-density residential built in a currently open field, will that pose a higher fire insurance premium for those who already pay an exorbitant amount each year? 

Due to the numerous fires in Napa County over the years, we have all experienced a significant increase in insurance premiums - some of us even being dropped from our insurance. 

• If the goal is to build affordable housing, is it responsible to build homes in high fire risk areas where insurance is not affordable and puts these new home owners at risk of losing everything?
• From the Draft Environmental Impact report: "In the areas that have the highest fire risk, wildfire insurance is estimated to see costs rise by 18 percent by 2055 and the fraction of property insured would decrease" (page 247, data was from 2018). This data is inaccurate as neighbors on Hedgeside have already seen premiums go beyond this, and thus is not reflective with current data.

Hedgeside is a small road with no sidewalks or space for bike lanes. There are also no lights to protect turns on the busy Monticello Road.

• Hedgeside Avenue was not built for 1,250+ additional car trips per day. What plans are in place to make the road sufficient for a large increase in traffic?
• The blind curve adjacent to the proposed project site is currently dangerous, and is a poses a major danger when traffic volume increases with this project. Is there a plan to make this part of the roadway more safe for motorists and pedestrians?
• Ingress and Egress onto Monticello Road (HWY 121) From Hedgeside Ave is currently dangerous as there is no left hand turn lane.  Additional traffic will put left hand turn vehicles in danger without improvements.  Does the DEIR indicate how traffic safety will be improved at this intersection?

Hedgeside Avenue is home to Milliken creek, one of the few tributaries to the Napa river that runs year round.

Milliken Creek is important spawning and refuge habitat for many endangered and threatened species, like Steelhead Trout, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, California Roach, Three-Spined Stickleback, Western Pond Turtle, River Otter and many other sensitive species.  

• High density development threatens the survival of these key species and the health of our watershed.  How will this project preserve and protect this valuable resource? 
• Several turtles have been hit and killed by cars over the years crossing the road from the Milliken Creek bridge into the uplands. How does this project seek to mitigate for Western Pond Turtle nesting sites?  
• Western Pond Turtles have been seen nesting more than 325 ft from the stream and in areas that would cross the project site.  How would increased traffic along Hedgeside Avenue and on the project site impact Western Pond Turtle nesting habitat in the Spring and Summer months?