Birth Center Clarification

Sonora, CA — Changes proposed to a controversial new birthing center in Sonora have postponed a decision on a special use permit for the project.

At Tuesday’s Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors meeting, applicant Ellen Jasmer told the board the plans have changed from six birthing rooms to three at a residence on 16500 block of Draper Mine Road in Soulsbyville.

Some nearby residents are against the project citing increased traffic, fire safety and parking for the facility.  One spoke out criticizing the changes as confusing.

“It just keeps going on and on,” says Roy Spears a neighbor, “Every time I come to one of these meeting we’ve got this change or that change. Why don’t they get it together before they do anything?”

The Board of Supervisors also acknowledged the plans were a bit confusing.  The staff was directed to clarify the changes in a written proposal for the board to make a final decision at its May 20 meeting.  However, the public hearing on the issue was closed and will not be reopened for the upcoming meeting.

The Planning Commission approved the project in February, but an appeal was made to the Board of Supervisors.