Judge rejects legal challenge to Ukiah Costco project

A Mendocino County judge has rejected a legal challenge to a Ukiah Costco warehouse, removing one of the last major obstacles to construction of the 148,000-square-foot big-box store along Highway 101.

The store could be built by early 2016 if the court decision is unchallenged, Ukiah Assistant City Manager Sage Sangiacomo said.

The plaintiffs in the case have not yet decided whether to appeal Judge Jeanine Nadel’s May 1 ruling that the environmental impact study for the project was adequate, said William Kopper, a Davis-based attorney representing Ukiah Citizens for Safety First.

They have 60 days from the time the decision is finalized to file an appeal, he said.

The lawsuit alleged the Costco environmental impact report failed to adequately study the store’s impacts on traffic, noise levels, energy use and other businesses.

In her 19-page decision, Judge Nadel disagreed.

“The city performed an adequate environmental review of the project and certification of the EIR was appropriate,” she concluded.

City officials welcomed the decision.

“This is great news for the community,” Sangiacomo said.

Ukiah officials have long sought to bring Costco to the city. The store is expected to generate nearly $500,000 in annual revenue for the city and create 175 to 200 jobs, about half of them full-time.

Critics, however, worry the big-box store will negatively impact downtown businesses by drawing shoppers away from the city center.

The lawsuit delayed the project for more than a year. If the ruling is unchallenged, Costco is expected to quickly obtain the necessary city permits and finalize its land purchase for the project. Costco officials could not be reached for comment.

The store can be built but not opened until Ukiah officials complete improvements and alterations to city streets and the nearby Highway 101 interchange at Talmage Road, which are expected to cost in excess of $4 million.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MendoReporter