Lisa Mailhot | October 1, 2024
Buyers
In Rancho Cordova, the American River has long been a cherished natural and cultural landmark, valued by both locals and the native community. However, a proposed housing development by Trumark Homes is now stirring up controversy as residents and advocates work to protect this vital area from significant changes.
The developer aims to build over 400 housing units on a 40-acre plot, including $30 million homes overlooking the river. Twenty acres of this development would be in a designated floodway, drawing concerns from environmentalists, cultural advocates, and local citizens. Mark Berry of the Preserve the American River group has voiced his concerns, emphasizing that this proposal would involve building a six-foot-high retaining wall near the river bluff. This plan could significantly alter the landscape.
While housing development is necessary, especially in California’s booming market, Vince LaPena, a guest speaker at a local event organized by the Preserve the American River group, argued for a more thoughtful approach. He pointed out that the proposed area serves as a cultural landscape native peoples use for food, traditional medicine, and basket-making materials. LaPena and other advocates believe that while development is essential, it should not come at the cost of erasing cultural heritage and damaging wildlife habitats.
Despite Trumark Homes submitting the project under Senate Bill 330, which allows for expedited housing development, local opposition continues to grow. The city of Rancho Cordova has not yet approved the proposal, citing concerns about the inability to meet objective standards, including the restrictions on filling floodways. The debate over this development raises important questions about balancing housing needs with environmental protection and cultural preservation.
The community’s resilience in protecting the American River reminds them of the deep-rooted ties people have to the land and their willingness to stand up for its future.
If you’re considering moving to Orange County and value community and preservation, let’s connect. Your future home awaits, and so does the chance to be a part of a mindful, sustainable future.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is repealing the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, a policy designed to address housing discrimi… Read more
Thinking about paying your mortgage with a credit card? While it might sound convenient, there are risks and rewards to consider. In this blog, we dive into why it's b… Read more
Discover the prime time to list your home for sale in Orange County with insights from Zillow's latest report. Late May emerges as a golden window, promising significa… Read more
Mortgage rates are falling, but is it enough to jumpstart homebuyer demand? Inventory is growing, but pending sales remain sluggish. Explore the latest housing market … Read more
Soaring property taxes in states like New York, Illinois, and Texas are pushing retirees to more tax-friendly areas in the South and West. With affordability and quali… Read more
Thinking of selling your home—or just want to enjoy it more? 2025 home renovation trends focus on comfort, electrification, and curb appeal. From kitchen remodels to b… Read more
Want to sell your home for top dollar? Staging isn’t just about making a space look pretty—it’s a powerful marketing tool that can dramatically impact how buyers perce… Read more
Zombie foreclosures are seeing a modest rise, with over 7,000 vacant pre-foreclosure homes across the U.S. Explore what zombie foreclosures are, why they’re increasing… Read more
The Palisades real estate market is heating up as wildfire-affected lots hit the market, with experts predicting up to 750 listings in the coming years. With land pric… Read more
Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most