Proposed "glamping" site in Napa sparks debate between residents, developers
A proposed "glamping" resort in Napa Valley has sparked a fiery debate between residents who argue that the campsite would create an environmental hazard and developers who say the site would create an economic boom.
The Grange Campground, owned by Auto Camp, would cover 12 acres and include up to 100 luxury trailers near Milliken Creek in Napa. Developers anticipate building fire pits, a clubhouse and walking trails too.
But thousands of nearby residents, including Judi Buffington, believe the site would exacerbate flooding and wildfire issues common near the location.
"We have to, we have to mitigate for fires every year. We have to mow. We — It's always an issue every year and flooding," Buffington said.
Several petitions opposing the campsite have popped up to block the development. Residents Against Glamping Establishments, or RAGE, started an online petition that gathered 1,710 signatures as of Tuesday night.
The group listed heavy traffic, noise pollution and environmental disasters among their chief concerns.
Critics also argued that zoning laws don't permit a commercial business to be built on the proposed site. That decision comes down to city council members Tuesday night.
Developer, Greg Pitts and Bernie Correa with Auto Camp, told CBS News Bay Area, that the site is compliant with zoning.
"We've spent two years working on this," Pitts said. "Initially, when we spoke to the planning commission about the idea they love the use for this parcel."
Pitts also told KPIX cameras that the resort was prepared for weather events that lead to flooding and fires.
"The reality is, auto camp has dealt with that at almost every one of their properties," Pitt said.
Both Correa and Pitts insist that residents are overlooking possible economic benefits the campsite could bring to the city.
"Many restauranteurs that we know, that are friends and folks that we know are very supportive of it, because they need more people," Pitts said.
Napa Valley tourism took a nosedive after the pandemic, but recent numbers do show that city has rebounded.
A report from Visit Napa Valley showed the total number of visitors in 2023 was just five percent lower than 2018.
But still, Buffington said she anticipates the council's decision with a heavy heart.
"I'm not at all confident. None of us are," she said.
