ST. PATRICK GREEN Update
by Art Wright, Steward of Stewardship Formation
May 2008

Many people have asked the question, “What’s happening on the Amador Catholic Center (ACC) development project in Jackson?” Well, for starters, the overall project name was changed from the ACC project to St. Patrick Green in order to better identify our stated intent to produce a modern, ‘green’ community in Amador County. This community will encompass the new Amador Catholic Center located within a neighborhood of housing and light commercial development. For all who have shown an interest, the project to develop the church property (57 acres) in Jackson is still moving forward toward our first necessary goal of obtaining entitlements to build.  It should be understood that “The Church” is not in the business of land development.  Yet, we recognize that by preparing a detailed development plan to present to a developer, the Church can maximize its profits. With entitlements in place, we can dictate the type of neighborhood that will surround the new Catholic Center.  The plan envisions selling the majority of the land, and using the proceeds to build and support the new Catholic Center which will be situated on the remaining approximately thirteen-acre, choice parcel.  As one might guess, this is a slow, sometimes frustrating, and always expensive endeavor.  Nonetheless, progress is being made and the following new information may be of interest.

First, our project map (plan) has taken on a new look, with roads, sidewalks, walking paths, etc., with many of the building units drawn in place. This gives us a better visual idea of what the overall finished project will look like once it is built. A second page of the plan shows detailed infrastructure necessary for such a large project, as well as locations of walls to support dirt embankments. In addition to working with Jackson City officials, State and local Agencies, and Cal Trans to meet their specific requirements, our engineer-planner has continued to engineer the project plan in greater detail.

Secondly, in the past three months, representatives from the Diocese Properties Committee have twice visited Jackson, joining with us in this project and to meet with Fr. Tom and myself, along with his ‘oversight committee’, consisting of Chairman Steve Routt, parishioners John Gonsalves (St. Patrick) and Bruce Baracco (Immaculate Conception).  Diocesan Committee members acknowledged that this project is one of the largest, most complex, and sophisticated projects they have yet encountered.  Many aspects of the project were discussed, including the best use of the land, local political hurdles, sale-ability as planned, market timing, etc. A suggestion from the Diocesan committee was to substitute an “assisted living community” in place of one large block of townhouses, currently planned. This suggestion is being followed up on by the Diocese.  Such a community could serve the needs of seniors in Amador County who make up nearly a quarter of our County population. An assisted living community would attract more doctors to our area and, in turn, help support our local hospital. It might even attract an HMO into our area.

Upon reaching entitlements, approximately six to seven months away, a decision will need to be made on how best to dispose of the land.  That is, to sell the land (excepting the parcel held for the new Catholic Center) with the entitlements only, or to further develop the plans prior to selling.  The more ‘developed’ the plans at the time of sale, the greater our potential profit. Of course, each step of development planning entails greater cost that must be measured against any potential gain. With the Diocese now actively sharing in the decision making, Fr. Seabridge no longer has to give lengthy explanations when requesting funds from the Diocese for this project.

As we continue to move closer to the reality of tri-parish, we recognize the urgent need for this project to help us successfully reach Bishop Weigand’s and Fr. Seabridge’s ultimate goal of building an Amador Catholic Center where all Catholics of Amador County can gather and worship together. We welcome your prayers to this end.