Expanding Elk Grove: Narrow vote allows city to start considering southern development of farmland, wildlife habitat
Environmentalists and farmers say commission vote opens door to sprawl
By Michael Mott
February 15, 2018
Sacramento News and Review
A regional body of elected officials and residents narrowly approved opening the door to development that farmers and environmentalists say could threaten wildlife habitats and conservation efforts south of Elk Grove.
On February 7, the Sacramento Local Area Formation Commission, or LAFCO, approved landowners’ bid to expand Elk Grove’s “sphere of influence” by 1,156 acres, which could lead to a formal annexation and development process. The commissioners’ 4-3 approval came with an environmental impact report that warned development could cause “significant and unavoidable impacts” to wildlife, habitats and groundwater.
