Sacramento commission approves annexing 472 acres. Residents are concerned
The Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission unanimously approved next steps Wednesday night for a project to bring warehouses, hotels, restaurants and other businesses to the region through a new section of annexed land currently located outside the city of Sacramento’s limits.
The project spans 472.4 acres of undeveloped agricultural land, the commission wrote in the project description. The site is bound to the north by Interstate 5, to the east of the city of Sacramento and west of Powerline Road. To the south of the project is Paso Verde school and other agricultural land. This land is classified as an annexation, which will take the land and incorporate it into city’s territory through legal acquisition.
The commission oversees growth management and city limits within the region. It monitors urban growth and development in Sacramento County. Commissioners opted to not have a full public comment because the project was discussed at its meeting in April.
“I understand its staff’s recommendation to allow public comment, but I for one don’t believe its necessary on this item,” said Commissioner Rich Desmond. “I think we can do what we decided to do, and what council said we would be able to do at this meeting, which is deliberate and make a final decision on this item.”
Since amendments were added to the plan, county staff recommend the commission hear public comment to “prevent the rise of litigation in the future.” Vice Chair Chris Little limited public comment to allow 10 speakers, five in support and five in opposition. Toward the end of the meeting, Little allowed the remaining speakers to voice their opinions in public comment, with a majority criticizing the project.
Community concerns about project
Sacramento residents, including former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, were against the project altogether, saying it’s too close to schools and other residential areas. Residents were concerned about construction and the annex will have environmentally, especially with the Natomas Basin Conservation habitat plan.
Daniel McKelvey, who lives on Garden Highway, said the project goes against the reason he moved to Sacramento. Coming from the Bay Area, he and his family moved to the Sacramento Valley for a quieter life. He said, if pursued, the project would overrun the area with traffic and people.
“I ask you to take into consideration what these projects are gonna do,” McKelvey said “Not just this one, but other ones around the area and make sure they don’t turn this beautiful area into an undesirable location.”
In support of the project were members of Local Labor 1805, adorned in orange shirts. Members said the project would boost job opportunities. Daniel Garcia remarked the plan as “strategically positioned for industrial development.” He added that due to proximity to major highways and the Sacramento International Airport, the project would boost employment.
“This project will create enormous job opportunities during construction and long term, strengthening our region’s economic stability for everyone,” Garcia said.
The meeting filled with passionate residents who said the project would have severe environmental impacts to the region, the meeting ended with residents telling the commission: “shame on you.”
The city will need to approve the annexation at an upcoming meeting.
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
