New Copperopolis center on the rise

Published: November 15, 2006

By ABBE SMITH

The Union Democrat

Construction workers are toiling away to prepare the Copperopolis Town Square for its projected grand opening next July.

The 28-acre shopping and residential development, west of the historic town center and near Highway 4 and Little John Road, was approved earlier this year by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors.

"It's coming along nicely," said Billie B. Kane, director of properties for developer Castle and Cooke Calaveras, Inc.

Three commercial buildings are already up and foundations have been laid for two more. Earlier this fall, workers planted six oak trees, each weighing between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds, Kane said.

Supporters of the project say it could boost the west county's economy and give residents and visitors a new place to shop.

The center will include specialty grocery and clothing stores, antique and jewelry shops, a bakery, office spaces, town homes, residential lofts, a park and a town square.

Kane declined to discuss what specific stores might sign onto the project.

The town square park area — with its gazebo, lawns, seating and walkways — is expected to be finished by the end of November. Kane said the square will be the centerpiece of the development.

"A place to enjoy these fabulous sunsets we have in Copperopolis," she added.

But the outlook for completion of the project by this summer wasn't always so bright.

Calaveras County Water District directors in April placed a ban on new sewer service agreements in Copperopolis because its sewage storage pond was nearly full.

Paul Stein, vice president of land planning for Castle and Cooke, at the time called the ban "debilitating."

Since then, Castle and Cooke helped CCWD acquire a permit — issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board — to discharge treated wastewater on the town's Saddle Creek Golf Course.

The goal is to lower the district's at-capacity Copper Cove wastewater treatment ponds by the spring and be able to lift the ban. At that point, CCWD could create a sewer service agreement with Castle and Cooke for the town square project.

That plan, however, is no guarantee.

"We're still going to have go through this winter keeping our fingers crossed," said Dave Andres, CCWD general manager. "Barring some catastrophe, we're in good shape."

The catastrophe would be another flood year that could fill storage ponds to the brink and put the district at risk for a hefty violation fine if a spill should occur.

Andres said Castle and Cooke was told it could proceed with construction at its own risk.

Dave Haley, vice president of Castle and Cooke Calaveras, said the developer is working closely with the district to forge an agreement.

"We are confident and we are moving forward," Haley said.

Russ Thomas, who will be the county's new District 5 supervisor at the start of the year, has said the new Copperopolis Town Square will be a key part of the revitalization of historic Copperopolis.

Outgoing District 5 Supervisor Victoria Erickson has also supported the project.

Some residents, too, are excited.

"It's a darned good thing," said Betsy Duncan, a real estate agent who has lived in town for 16 years.

Duncan said the project should draw people to the community. She added that Copperopolis has been without a central gathering place for too long.

"I can't see anything bad about it," she said.

 

Contact Abbe Smith at asmith@uniondemocrat.com or 736-1234.