Changes to a controversial development project, Dorsey Markletplace, appears to be moving forward as it received the go ahead from the Grass Valley City Council Tuesday evening. The 28 acre project, on the southeast corner of the Dorsey Drive and The Golden Center Freeway, includes almost 100,000 square feet of commercial space along with 172 market-rate apartments. The most recent approval process began at the January 28 meeting, and was continued to the March 24 meeting. However, COVID-19 stay at home orders put a hiccup in the public comment process and the issue was continued until Tuesday’s meeting. The final written commnications voice mail were put in the record. Most of the comments supported the project, but there were others that experssed concerns about energy efficinency, the apparent high rents of the apartments, and concern over retail businesses and the current economic downturn.
Council member, Howard Levine, along with all council members, acknowledged the concerns but also all voiced support of the project.

Mayor Lisa Swarthout also supports Dorsey Marketplace, but asked for additional considerations.

She also asked the developer to be open to any new developments regarding solar energy plans.
The project will not break ground for at least a year and most likely longer- so both the developer and council stated that the effects of the coronoa virus will be better understood and adjustments can be made along the way.