Today, the Nevada County Planning Department released the staff report and notice of public hearing for the proposed Idaho Maryland Mine – Rise Grass Valley Project scheduled for public hearing at the Board of Supervisors Special Meeting on Feb. 15.
At this upcoming meeting, the Board of Supervisors will hear presentations from staff and the applicant as well as take public comment. The Board is expected to ask questions of the staff and the applicant before entering deliberations on whether to approve or deny the application to reopen the Idaho Maryland Mine – Rise Grass Valley.
This Special Board Meeting follows the May 10-11, 2023, Planning Commission Public Hearing, where the Commission recommended that Supervisors deny the project and the Final Environmental Impact Report.
To encourage public participation and attendance, the Board will extend their meeting into the evening on Thursday, Feb. 15, ending at approximately 7 p.m. Members of the public who cannot attend during work hours are urged to attend in the evening.
The public can submit written comments by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 14, to be considered by the Board before they make their determination. Written comments submitted after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14 (including written comments submitted during the meeting) will not be considered by the Board prior to their deliberations. However, all written comments submitted by the conclusion of the hearing will become part of the public record.
Public Hearing Details:
o Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m., and may continue to Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m., if needed.
o Eric Rood Administrative Center, Board of Supervisor Chamber, First Floor, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City.
o View live online on Nevada County’s YouTube Channel.
Public Hearing Schedule:
o Presentations from the applicant and from County staff related to the Project and the Final Environmental Impact Report.
o Public comment. Members of the public who wish to address the Board of Supervisors should attend the Feb. 15 meeting as there may not be a second day of public comment on Feb. 16. Please see the “How to Participate” section below.
o Board questions and comments.
o Board deliberations. The Board will then make a final determination on whether to approve or deny the project.
How to Participate in Public Comment:
Verbal Comment:
o Community members will be given the opportunity to address the Board of Supervisors. Each speaker will be given up to three minutes to comment.
o To provide public comment, members of the public should obtain a number from staff outside the Supervisors' Chambers. Public comment numbers will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. on Feb. 15.
o Speakers will provide public comment to the Board of Supervisors within Chambers in groups of ten.
Written Comment:
Members of the public may submit written comments several ways and are encouraged to submit written comments by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, to be reviewed by the Board before they make their determination. Comments submitted after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14 (including comments submitted during the meeting) will not be considered by the Board prior to their deliberations. However, all written comments submitted by the conclusion of the hearing will become part of the public record.
o Email comments to BOS.PublicComment@nevadacountyca.gov.
o Mail comments to the Nevada County Clerk of the Board at 950 Maidu Ave, Suite 200, Nevada City, CA 95959.
o Submit eComment online (only available Friday, Feb. 9 through Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.)
o Written comments and printed copies of comments may be submitted to staff in the lobby during the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing.
Parking and Transit:
o Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited.
Food:
o Java John’s Nevada County Café will be open both days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide food and drinks for purchase.
Where to Find Project Documents:
The public can review the project-related documents and Final EIR at www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/IMMRise
