Elk Grove Planning Commission Rejects Catholic Church Project

The Elk Grove Planning Commission rejected an application for a new parish during its Thursday night meeting.

The Sacramento Roman Catholic Diocese is hoping to build St. Maria Goretti, a new 1,000-seat parish and Kindergarten through 8th Grade school on Bradshaw Road just north of Sheldon. The dioceses' said the church would be built out over phases as the needs and membership of the parish grow.

The church has been a lightening rod of controversy for nearby neighbors who content that the facility would increase traffic and is inappropriate for the ag-res area. This was made evident during the public comment section of the hearing.

Ester York who lives directly north of the proposed project said the area does have productive agricultural use in spite of what the environmental impact report says. York said she raises over 30 head of sheep.

"You only need to approve one project and it will kill the the area," York said.

Lynn Wheat said the project was inconsistent with the general plan for the area. "We can not allow for any encroachment," Wheat said.

Among those who spoke in favor of the project was Tom Waltman who said the project would be a good addition to the community. "Your not going to a better neighbor out there in Sheldon," Waltman said. "This project will take pressure of public [school] funding."

After nearly four hours of testimony, public comment and deliberation, the commissioners unanimously voted down the application. Although the application was turned down, the church can take the application up with the city council who has the final decision.