Plenty of public comment – many airing concerns about safety issues – was featured in a lengthy Escalon City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 3 regarding the proposed 72-unit Murphy Ranch subdivision. The residential project is planned at the southeast corner of Brennan Road and Highway 120 and the session ran late into the night before the council ultimately approved the annexation and subdivision map for the project, along with related planning entitlements.

Council members also directed city staff to implement a number of interim safety improvements at the intersection – which has seen a number of major injury and fatal accidents as cars attempt to access the highway from Brennan – while Caltrans develops and implements permanent safety measures for the intersection.

City Manager Jaylen French outlined the proposal prior to the option for public comment and indicated that the development covers an estimated 18 acres and includes 72 single family residential lots, landscaping improvements, an expansion of the existing Shadowood Park and more. There would be eight moderate income units integrated throughout the development, and French said all 72 units would count toward the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Florsheim Homes would be putting in the residential units.

Comment from more than two dozen speakers at the public hearing included those in support of the project and those with concerns. Some of those who spoke in favor also highlighted concerns with traffic safety in the area, and stressed the need for improvements by the railroad and Caltrans to make for smoother traffic flow as Brennan exits on to the highway.

Council members said they were appreciative of the public input and agreed to move forward on a 4-1 vote with Mayor Andy Hagan, Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker, council member Jeremy Engle and council member Jeff Kay voting yes, council member Shawn Strohman voting no. Included in the motion made by Engle and seconded by Kay is working in cooperation with Caltrans on a northbound right turn only at Brennan Road while awaiting the permanent Caltrans improvements at the intersection, whether that is installation of a traffic signal or use of a roundabout.