An expansive swath of undeveloped land that’s been a local political flashpoint for three decades once again goes before the Chico City Council again Tuesday, along with a host of other issues.
Larger than a square mile, the Bidwell Ranch property was purchased by the city after successive plans to subdivide and build as many as 3,000 homes on the site fell through.
The city purchased the property in 1997, nine years after a public referendum spiked plans for 1,500 homes and 14 acres of shops and offices. The area has since been closed to the public.
Several options have coalesced over the years, but none have moved beyond the conceptual stage. Tuesday the council will consider adding the area to Bidwell Park or a number of other options that would leave the property undeveloped, but likely with less public access.
The council will also consider several other issues, including downtown parking, a beer and wine license for a planned upscale tavern in North Chico and an application by Trader Joe’s, which is seeking permission to sell hard liquor.