A significant housing project known as Grandpark Southwest is moving forward with its environmental review, a development that could have a notable impact on our community here in Rio Linda.
The 1,871-acre Grandpark Southwest project, located immediately north of North Natomas and south of the Sutter County line, is in the initial stages of its entitlement review with Sacramento County. This massive undertaking proposes over 8,500 new residential units, along with substantial allocations for health and hospitality services, commercial spaces, office development, schools, and parks.
As originally reported by the Sacramento Business Journal, Local landowner Doug Ose emphasized the urgent need for new housing in California. “I think the timing is perfect for this notice of preparation to come forward,” Ose stated. He highlighted the thousands of homes lost in recent wildfires and the state’s growing population, stressing that California is “behind the eight ball” when it comes to housing supply. While the fires were in Southern California, Ose believes there will be a ripple effect on the entire state’s housing market.
In addition to Grandpark Southwest, another related project, Grandpark Brookfield, is also undergoing county review. This even larger project, encompassing approximately 3,484 acres east of Highway 99 and north of Sacramento city limits, is planned for nearly 16,000 residential units.
Historically, the “Grandpark” area (which is now split into these two projects) has been considered the “City of Rio Linda” growth expansion area in previous incorporation plans. This indicates that the development of this land has long been seen as integral to the potential future growth and identity of Rio Linda.
The Grandpark projects are located within the Rio Linda/Elverta Recreation and Park District (RLERPD). This means that if these areas are developed, the RLERPD will be responsible for park maintenance and recreation programs for these new residents. This directly links the future of these developments to the services provided in Rio Linda.
Potential Impacts on Rio Linda:
- Increased Traffic: Thousands of new homes will inevitably lead to a significant increase in traffic on roads that serve both the new developments and existing communities like Rio Linda.
- Strain on Resources: While the plans include new schools and services within Grandpark, a large influx of population can still strain existing infrastructure and services in neighboring areas, including water, sewer, and emergency services.
- Changes in Character: The development of such a large urban area so close to the more rural character of Rio Linda could lead to changes in the overall feel and environment of the region.
- Economic Opportunities: On the flip side, the new developments could bring economic opportunities to Rio Linda through new businesses, jobs, and increased demand for local services.
- Housing Market Ripple Effect: As Doug Ose noted, the creation of thousands of new homes in the region can have a ripple effect on the broader housing market, potentially impacting housing availability and affordability in Rio Linda.
In essence, Grandpark is not just a neighboring development; it’s a massive expansion of the urban footprint that is directly adjacent to and has historically been considered part of the future growth of the Rio Linda area. Its development will undoubtedly have both direct and indirect consequences for the residents and services of Rio Linda.
This project’s close proximity to Rio Linda means it’s a development worth watching closely. The initial step, a notice of preparation, allows for public review before a draft environmental impact report is released. The timeline for that next phase is still unknown.
