The future of a contentious Chico scrapyard advances to the city council, after the city’s planning commission failed to take conclusive action last week.
It’s doubtful the council will have the final say. The owners have spent years fighting efforts to force a move. Any council decision is likely to be challenged in court and at the ballot box.
Brendan Vieg is a principal planner with Chico’s Community Development Department
“These are one of these classic Chico land use issues,” Vieg said.
Chico Scrap Metal opponents say the neighborhood has changed since it took over a former two acre wrecking yard in 1983. Much of that, with city incentives and investments geared toward making a formerly industrial pocket more residential.
The council would have to modify an official neighborhood plan and the city’s general plan to allow it to stay.
Scrapyard supporters contend that the city already forced it to move once, and despite that happening decades ago, requiring a second move would be unfair. Supporters say the business provides jobs and is a good neighbor.
“The question that’s more difficult than any is, is it good or is it bad. That’s a tough one,” Vieg said.
The scrapyard’s fate will likely wind up before the council May 3. Opponents with the group “Move the Junkyard” have vowed to take the issue to the public with a citywide referendum if the council lets the scrapyard stay put.