Valleys Edge - More Urban Sprawl?

    Over the course of the last week I've been keeping my eye out for local news to write about, and I came upon a article talking about the Chico Planning Commission receiving a lengthy presentation on Chico's largest proposed development plan, called the Valleys Edge.

https://www.chicoer.com/2022/12/02/chico-planning-commission-hears-details-on-valleys-edge/

    

    Valleys Edge per their website is "a proposed mixed use plan of housing, commercial, parks, trails, and open space, is part of the 2030 General Plan to help the city grow in a way that’s good for Chico." Also listed on the site are the perks the development promises to offer, including respect and conservation of nature and Chico's natural landscape, heritage, housing, kids, family, community, and play. 

https://chicovalleysedge.com/

    After searching around I also found a website that promotes a green and environmental friendly growth for Chico, which is appropriately called smartgrowthchico.org. This websites message to defeat the development of Valley's Edge is quick to mention that the downsides of this development vastly outweigh the upsides.

https://www.smartgrowthchico.org/

    

    With the annexation of 1,448 acres of southeastern foothills on which 2,777 housing units will be built, the idea or thought of sustainability does not seem to exist anywhere in the proposed development. Smart Growth Advocates estimate the development of these single family homes will involve "cutting down approximately 1000 slow-growing blue oaks, interferring with vernal pools, and destroying the habitat for many wild animals, birds and native plants."

    With the building of these new housing units, population is expected to increase by 5,000 in Chico. This Smart Growth Advocates estimate an increase of 23,000 more car trips a day entering from the Bruce Rd, Honey Run, and 20th Street area. Traffic congestion is already an issue in Chico due to urban sprawl. 

    Surely the idea of sustainability should include the thought of increased water usage, which this development plan doesn't even pretend to consider. The water "will come from Cal Water's wells tapping into the groundwater of the Lower Tuscan Aquifer (Vina Subbasin) that currently is providing for the water needs of the residents of Chico" Have they seen our Lake Shasta reservoir? Are they aware that California has been in its worst drought in decades?

    It's easy to see this development is meant to be attractive for wealthy would be homeowners who would like to escape the high cost housing in bigger cities. There is basically no consideration for Nature, lacking any concept of sustainability with water usage or the wildlife it would displace. There is no consideration for Chico's heritage as a growing city with a small town vibe/feel. There is no consideration for affordable housing, which is what Chico wants and needs, not more urban sprawl.