The Developers wanting to build  Rincon Del Rio  in the  south county presented their final Environmental Impact Report to the Nevada County Planning Commission today before a packed audience.   The Continuing Care Retirement Community   requires  two amendments to the Nevada County General Plan and a portion of the Zoning Code to accommodate for the new model of retirement living which proponents describe as “more like an insurance product with a health care component that a real estate transaction.”  Unlike Active Adult Retirement Communities, Rincon Del Rio would provide health care services as well as housing in a village style community that encourages socializing with neighbors and walking as opposed to driving.  The buildings would be concentrated on 40 acres of the 215 acre site located a half mile east of highway 49 on Rincon Way, just south of Lake of the Pines. One issue for  residents who live on the adjacent  5 acre Lake of the Pines Ranchos is  road access.  Marty Mortensen says Rodeo Flat Road is not equiped to handle the traffic.

click to hear Marty Mortensen

Engineering Consultant,  Dale Creighton says Rincon Way between Highway 49 and the  senior living project would be improved, and Rodeo Flat would be an emergency access road only.

click to hear Dale Creighton

Rincon Del Rio would be built out in 8  phases.  The first phase would deliver  NID water to the site,   and  waste-water hookup to the plant at Lake of the Pines.  70 percent occupancy would be required before the next phase could be started. Rincon Del Rio is anticipated to generate $1.7 million dollars  annually for Nevada County  and provide 538 full-time jobs at build out.  Lake of the Pines resident Morgan Stoltz attended the hearing and said Rincon Del Rio would provide options for seniors in the county.
click to hear Morgan Stoltz

The County building department is recommending approval of the project to the Nevada County Planning Commission .  A final approval of the project would be required by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors.