Abandonment request sparks debate over levee access rights

In a recent government meeting, the board held a public hearing regarding a request to abandon a portion of the levee along the old Walnut Grove Thornton Road in the Delta community. The proposal, presented by Jody Hashigami Conchures from County Engineering, aims to relinquish the right of way while reserving underlying public utility and private easements for continued access.

The abandonment request affects two properties adjacent to the old road. The Mariah's family trust, identified by APN 15 6002-0064, currently relies on this road for primary access, while the property owned by John B. Marias, APN 105 602-1001, uses the new alignment of Walnut Grove Thornton Road for primary access, with the old alignment serving as secondary access.

Conchures noted that letters from various utility purveyors and departments—including the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and the Departments of Planning, Transportation, and Water Resources—indicated no objections to the abandonment. The environmental determination for this action is categorized as an exemption.

The board is expected to recognize the exemption status and adopt the attached resolution, following the conclusion of the presentation. Questions from board members were welcomed, with representatives from the Department of Transportation available for further clarification.