A group of Elk Grove residents has announced efforts to slow the city's push to expand its southern boundaries by 8,000 acres of mostly agricultural land.
The grassroots citizens group, calling itself GRASP, announced it seeks to unite neighborhoods with the common goal of circulating a petition to present to the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission.
GRASP, which organizers said represents the slogan, "A better Elk Grove is within our grasp,) said residents are deeply concerned about the continued decline in home values, lack of infill development and market data suggesting falling demand for growth, among other issues.
The group called the city's expansion plans "unnecessary" and complained that the effort will mean adding more rooftops, strip mall centers and unrestrained urban sprawl.
Organizing partner Lynn Wheat said in a press announcement that residents who want to participate in the effort are encouraged to visit the GRASP Facebook page or email the group at eg.grasp@gmail.com.
The city has applied to LAFCO to expand its sphere of influence - its probable area of future growth - to the mostly open land south of Kammerer Road. A sphere of influence typically precedes a request for annexation.
Environmentalists have long warned that southward expansion would threaten agriculture and environmentally sensitive lands.
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