Lagoon Valley Development Opponents Say Impacts Will Be Widespread

VACAVILLE, CA- Locals have rallied to support a ‘Save the Lagoon’ movement in hopes of blocking development in the area adjacent to the Lagoon Valley park and pond in Vacaville. A development that the city says has been in the works since 1990.

Residents and neighboring community members say that the open space is valued for wildlife and enjoyable green space views of the rolling hills on their hikes, both of which they believe will be impacted by the development.

City of Vacaville spokesperson Mark Mazzaferro explained that the project was proposed in 1990, scaled back in 2004, and halted in 2006 following the downturn in the economy.

“Things have improved and the developer is ready to move forward with the project, as many other housing developments are now moving forward in the City,” he said.

In a letter to the City Council, Lagoon Valley Conservancy argues that the City is relying on a decade old Environmental Impact Report (EIR), stating:

“Much has changed in over a quarter of a century since this project first came to light and without fail each item requiring mitigation in the original plan has become more challenging: Noise, Traffic, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Schools, Public Services, and Economic Considerations. None of these factors are adequately addressed by the expired and obsolete development plan or EIR.”

Mazzaferro told Patch, “The project involves the southern or lower part of Lagoon Valley, the part that is privately owned. The upper part of Lagoon Valley – the lagoon, parks, hiking trails, paths, disc golf, model airplane airport, etc. etc. etc. will be untouched.”

However, he says, “There may be some impacts during construction as water and sewer lines will be installed, and the public will be given ample notice of this when it occurs, but the part of the park owned by the city will not be touched and remain available.”

The city approved a building permit that runs along the nearly 500-acre Lagoon Valley Park that will allow 800 to 1,000 upscale homes, along with a golf course and shopping centers.

Opponents of the development have created an online petition that surfaced on social media Wednesday with approximately 50 signatures, as of today, it has been electronically signed by more than 4,300 petition supporters.

Photo via Facebook