The Yucca Valley Planning Commission voted on the side of public safety regarding new construction on La Contenta Road. Here is reporter Adeline J. Wells with details from last night’s meeting.
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission erred on the side of caution when approving a Conditional Use Permit for Time Warner Cable. The permit concerned the construction of a new, unmanned building that will be a hub for fiber optics. Time Warner Cable sought a waiver for the required infrastructure improvements that accompany the permit, including widening the road and installing sidewalks along the full length of the property, citing a desire to keep the building obscure for safety reasons. The site’s location near La Contenta Middle School and Black Rock High School raised concern with the Commission; Chair Clint Stoker pushed back at the applicant’s desire to deter unwanted foot traffic, noting most of the foot traffic was by children.
“If you were to go sit here on this site at 2 o’clock, it’s not transients walking down here; it’s kids walking home. They’re walking through the dirt, right in front of this unmanned facility.”
The Commission voted to approve the Conditional Use Permit but denied the waiver that would have prevented infrastructure improvements along the length of the property.
“I feel that sidewalks are a benefit to everyone walking. We’ve had a town-wide effort to add more sidewalks around schools. I disagree with the notion that this isn’t a commercial building; if anything our internet, communications, and television is about as commercial as it gets. It’s important that we have these sidewalks.”
The Planning Commission also reviewed an application by Snake Bite Roadhouse seeking approval for an exterior color change, statuary installation, and design features. The Commission approved the rope swings, lighting fixtures, and black exterior wall currently present at the restaurant. The request to install a statuary motorcycle along Highway 62 was put on hold pending further staff research as to whether the location falls within the jurisdiction of Yucca Valley or Caltrans.
