Politics & Government

Clayton Historical Society Objects to Community Church Project

In a letter responding to the draft environmental review of the Clayton Community Church building project, the Clayton Historical Society says the complex would disturb archaeological deposits and destroy a historic building.

The  board of directors is concerned that the proposed  project will cause archaeological damage and destroy an important historic building.

The concerns were presented to the city in a seven-page letter responding to the environmental impact report for the project. (Click the the PDF image to read the letter).

The project, which hasn't been approved, calls for the evangelical Presbyterian church to build a four-building, 42,000-square-foot complex on Main Street adjacent to Clayton Road. To be approved, the City Council must make changes to Clayton's Town Center Specific Plan. The issue, which is arguably one of the most controversial the council has faced in years, is expected to be decided this fall.

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The Clayton Historical Society submitted its concerns during the public comment period for the draft EIR of the project. The city asked for feedback specifically on the completeness, accuracy and clarity of the draft EIR and is expected to respond to the comments, including the Clayton Historical Society's concerns, by the end of August.

The Clayton Historical Society objects to statements in the EIR about the project's impact on paleontological and cultural resources.

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Specifically, the society believes where the complex will be located is part of the Keller Ranch archaeological area, which was studied in the 1970s and '80s. Citing a 1982 report (the Holman Report), the society states,"The site appears to have significant cultural deposits from habitation over approximately 3,000 years."

The second objection is to the proposed demolition of what was the Pioneer Inn but is now the Clayton Community Church building on Main Street.

In the draft EIR, the building is not considered a historic resource, but the society argues in its letter that it is.

What also troubles the society is that it says the draft EIR proposes to "de-list" the building as a "historic resource" in the Town Center Specific Plan. Doing so would be a dangerous precedent when it comes to protecting the city's historical resources, the society says.

The letter was submitted by the four board members: Richard Ellis, John Rubiales, Mary Spryer and Renee Wing.

Ted Meriam, president of the Clayton Historical Society, did not know of the content of the letter and has recused himself from meetings on the topic, the society's board of directors said, because he sits on the Planning Commission. His appointed term expires at the end of July.


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