Lytton Rancheria project gains momentum

Water and sewer access agreed upon by council
The discussion between the Lytton Rancheria Tribe of California and the Town of Windsor surrounding the extension of water and sewer connections outside of the districts boundaries has come to an end with the approval of new codes that will allow the tribe to connect its proposed 147-unit housing project to Windsor’s Water District hook-ups.
The housing project, which also includes a tribal center, retreat facilities and spiritual roundhouse, plans to convert 124-acres of land bordering Windsor into a home for the Lytton Pomo tribe.
The council voted 5-0 last Wednesday evening to amend the district’s water code and to move forward with plans to connect services outside of urban growth boundaries for tribal use. The amendments clarify that the Water District is a separate entity from the Town of Windsor as well as will add an additional section regarding services to lands.
“Concurrently we are drafting a pledge agreement, and it is important to know that the pledge agreement will provide an absolute permanent prohibition in perpetuity on the tribe building any casinos or gaming anywhere in or around the vicinity of Windsor,” said Town Manager Linda Kelly.
Moving forward, the tribe will be required to gain approval by residents of Windsor for the deal to be complete.
The tribe has plans to circulate an initiative petition to the residents of Windsor asking voters to extend the water and sewer services. The petition will circulate in time for a June 2015 special public election.
Not only will the petition include language agreeing not to develop public gaming in Windsor but will also outline plans for a public pool at Keiser Park, paid for by the tribe.
The entire project will not move forward until the land is removed from fee-based property holding into a federal trust and an outside service area agreement is made.
“This is just one step in the process that we are undertaking with the Lytton Rancheria,” said Kelly.