Santa Barbara County and the Chumash tribe reached a tentative deal over the tribe’s controversial plans to develop some of its land in the Santa Ynez Valley.
A county committee has been negotiating with the tribe over the future of what’s known as the Camp 4 property, some 1400 acres of land off of Highway 246.
County and tribal officials announced the agreement last night at a community meeting. More than 140 one acre lots for homes would be developed, with 30 acres set aside for tribal buildings. Some residents are upset more information wasn’t released, but it’s expected more details of the pact will be released later this week.
Tribal officials say they want to build housing on the property, but some residents fear it will also be used for an expansion of the Chumash Casino.
The agreement is seen by the county and the tribe as a compromise. Because of the tribe’s sovereign status, it can do whatever it wants with the property.
