FEMA’s plans to house 250 families in manufactured homes near Chico Municipal Airport and use a long abandoned industrial site to transfer fire debris onto railcars ran into a welter of criticism last night, as local residents complained of traffic, noise, dust and disruption.
The two plans were presented to the Chico City Council at a special meeting. Presented as information, elected leaders could take no formal action, though several refused to endorse plans to use the abandoned Diamond Match Company site as a transfer station for concrete and metal debris.
Wes Mindermann, Supervising Waste Management Engineer said after Sonoma County fires crews removed an average 70 tons of concrete and 10 tons of metal debris per-parcel.
“What that equates to roughly is about 250 to 500 trucks per day, assuming six days a week for 52 weeks.” Mindermann said.
Councilwoman Kasey Reynolds said that was unacceptable.
“We’ve got to do something, we cannot put this through this neighborhood.” Reynolds said.
Residents of the adjacent Barber’s Yard neighborhood and a nearby industrial zone where most truck traffic would be routed predicted severe consequences.
Councilwoman Ann Schwab urged officials to look elsewhere.
“Find a site that you can operate 24/7 away from neighbors that are not going to bother anybody and then you’re going to meet your 12 month-18 month obligation.” Schwab said.
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or CalOES, said the site, the nearest industrial location with rail access, will speed the cleanup of Paradise. Evacuees can’t return home until the cleanup is completed.
North Chico residents were themselves outraged over plans for 250 families to reside in manufactured homes or trailers along Eaton Road. Dozens of speakers complained of inadequate roads, speeding traffic and lack of sidewalks or streetlights. Some said a site near the base of Skyway, with its proximity to home improvement stores and other businesses would be a better fit.
But FEMA officials countered that the site will only house about a tenth of those in need, with similar sites, possibly in Gridley, Red Bluff and Oroville to be announced in coming days. Officials said they were in discussions with Caltrans about expediting road repairs and improvements, including additional signals and roundabouts in the vicinity.
David Samaniego, Federal Coordinating Officer at FEMA made no promises, but said he heard the criticism and some plans could shift.
“We’ll go back and discuss it and look at all other options before we pull the trigger.” Samaniego said.