DIXON, CA — A private school has abandoned plans for a new campus near downtown Dixon amid disagreements over zoning requirements, according to The Independent Voice.
Valley of the Sacred Heart Academy pulled its application in October after the City Council delayed a decision on the proposed site at North Second and East A streets, across from St. Peter Catholic Church.
The school had sought approval to construct an 11,539-square-foot building on a half-acre parcel, the newspaper reported.
However, the city designated the property for downtown mixed use under its 2024 zoning map. The project would have required a zoning amendment to allow a private school at the location.
School Director Chris Simpson told The Independent Voice that the academy remains interested in expanding and could consider a land exchange with the city or purchasing another property.
The academy has leased classrooms at St. Peter's since opening in 2013.
School representatives said they had previously consulted city officials about the property's zoning before purchasing the land nearly a decade ago. However, the project still required formal approval.
The school has spent more than $200,000 on the proposal, including city fees, traffic studies and other expenses, according to the report.
Jill Orr, president of the Downtown Dixon Business Association, opposed the proposed zoning change, citing the importance of maintaining downtown's business district.
The academy serves students ages 3 to 18 and is exploring other locations to accommodate its growing programs.
Read the original report from The Independent Voice.
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