‘California Forever’ Withdraws Ballot Measure

The company will delay taking its high-tech planned community proposal to Solano County voters to conduct an environmental impact report and work with the city on zoning changes.

1 minute read

July 23, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of large 'lagoon' pool in California Forever planned development.

Rendering of the proposed Crystal Lagoon in California Forever, Solano County, California. | California Forever / East Solano Plan

The company hoping to build a tech-oriented development in Solano County, California has withdrawn a ballot measure that would have put the plan for California Forever before county voters in November, reports Adhiti Bandlamudi for KQED. “Instead, the company has agreed to work with the county on zoning changes and an environmental impact report before re-submitting the proposal to voters.”

Critics of the project question its plan to reply in part on imported water, and a county report found that the development could have a significant negative impact on the Jepson Prairie and vernal pools in the area. “Company spokespeople said those questions could only be answered after voters approved the initiative. Now, the company will have to find those answers within the next two years when it conducts its environmental impact report.”

While California Forever said the community would have no impact on other local taxpayers, a fiscal impact report by the county found that the project could lead the county into a $103.1 million deficit and require over $88 million in firefighting services from the local district.

Monday, July 22, 2024 in KQED

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