Angwin, Calif., September 12, 2008 – After two months of listening to concerns and seeking input to improve the proposed Angwin Ecovillage during meetings with a small group of highly respected Angwin residents, including members of Save Rural Angwin, Pacific Union College and Triad Communities today unveiled possible changes to the project at a community meeting.
 
“Based on suggestions from participants at those meetings, we are evaluating additional changes to the ecovillage project,” said Chad Kiltz, project manager for Triad Communities. “If a significant number of community members support the revised project, PUC and Triad will seriously consider amending our project application. Tonight we’re here to listen to the community.” The Angwin Ecovillage application is now pending before Napa County.
 
The changes were discussed with the public at a community meeting at the Howell Mountain School on Tuesday, with another meeting planned for Wednesday evening at the same location.
 
The revised project includes the following changes:

• A reduction in housing units.  The current Ecovillage application includes 380 new units. A revised plan would reduce the number of units to 275.
• A 105-unit Retirement Center would be added to the project and conveniently located for its residents next to shops and services in the Village Square.
• Relocation of housing units. The revised plan removes all units from the ball fields to preserve the view and the open, rural feeling upon entering the Angwin community.
• In response to some residents’ concerns about being relocated to replacement housing, Mobile Manor and Brookside Apartments would remain, with potential upgrades that could include improving infrastructure, landscaping, and phasing out older mobile homes and replacing them with modern units.

 
“The financial implications of these changes will have to be considered by PUC’s Board of Trustees,” said Richard Osborn, president, PUC. “Our goal is create the best possible project for PUC and the community, but we must be certain that a revised plan allows us to grow our endowment to secure the college’s future.”
 
If approved by the County Board of Supervisors, the Angwin Ecovillage will be a national model for sustainable living. A few elements of the ecovillage include: solar power; recycled water for all landscaping and irrigation; electric shuttle busses; preservation of forests, trails and open space; safe walking and bicycle paths; a Village Squarewith new community serving retail; and, no loss of agricultural land. New parks, a new community center and a new Angwin Agricultural Conservancy, a 50-acre organic farm are also part of the project.
 
Past changes have included a reduction in the number of homes from 591 to 380 and a reconfiguration of the project to different areas. Those attending the meeting had the opportunity to speak individually with project representatives as well as to provide opinions about the changes under consideration in a group setting. A new three dimensional model of the project on site depicting the project with and without the changes, maps, drawings and other materials about the project were shown at the meeting.
 
The public also was encouraged to provide opinions and seek additional information on the ecovillage website at www.angwin-ecovillage.com. An identical meeting is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m., at Howell MountainElementary School.