Just weeks before Rocklin voters will decide whether they want a developer to build homes in Clover Valley, a Placer County Indian tribe has announced plans to buy 65 acres along the valley floor.
The sale between the United Auburn Indian Community and developer Rick Massie, for an undisclosed amount of money, would reduce the proposed number of homes from 558 to 404 and preserve more land as public open space.
The deal, however, is contingent on the passage of a Feb. 5 ballot measure about Clover Valley, said tribal spokesman Doug Elmets.
Measure H would ratify the City Council's approval of Massie's plan to build homes, a neighborhood shopping center, fire station and trails in the 622-acre valley.
"The tribe has worked closely with the owners of Clover Valley to ensure our sacred sites are protected," tribal Chairwoman Jessica Tavares said in a released statement. "The potential purchase of the culturally sensitive land and the passage of Measure H are our best options to help manage the future of Clover Valley."
Over the years, several citizens groups have formed to oppose developing Clover Valley, saying it would destroy the natural habitat and historical sites, while adding more traffic and air pollution to the area.
"From what I understand, this deal doesn't stop the 14,000 cars a day that will be on Rocklin streets, and we'll still have that connector road that's going to add traffic to our city," Rocklin resident and project opponent Elaine O'Deegan said.
O'Deegan added that a Measure H defeat would give her group added leverage with the developer.
"A 'no' vote forces the developer to sell off the entire valley to a group who wants to preserve it and save Clover Valley," she said.
Opposition leaders say there has been a lot of interest from possible financiers to purchase the entire valley and preserve it as natural open space.
After the council's approval of the project last summer, opponents gathered enough signatures to qualify a referendum for the ballot.
The tribe plans to purchase land that surrounds the most culturally sensitive sites, including village dwellings, rock art panels, ceremonial sites and four burial grounds that date as far back as 5,000 B.C., according to Elmets.
Plans for a cultural center, where the public can learn about Clover Valley's American Indian history, also are being considered.
Call The Bee's Jennifer K. Morita, (916) 773-7388.
