Of SOI and Floodplains: WAG’s Letter to Elk Grove Council Member Gary Davis

The following letter form the Wilton Action Group was addressed to Council Member Gary Davis and copied to the other Elk Grove City Council members as well as several media outlets.

March 17, 2010

Gary Davis, Councilmember
Elk Grove City Hall
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758

Dear Gary,

The Wilton Action Group (WAG) welcomes your proposal to schedule for discussion on April 14 removing the Cosumnes/Deer Creek floodplain from Elk Grove’s SOI. This discussion could lay the basis for resolving an issue that has taken on a costly and contentious life of its own. We appreciate the fact that for a long time, you have questioned the sensibility of including the floodplain in the SOI, especially considering the fact that Elk Grove is organized to provide urban services, not to manage working landscapes.

We are convinced that an Elk Grove expansion South and Southeast into the floodplain and up to the North/Northwest boundary of the Cosumnes River is a threat to the rural community of Wilton. We believe that the floodplain should remain under the jurisdiction of the County, an entity more qualified and better suited than the City of Elk Grove to manage and protect the agricultural lands, open space and habitat along the Cosumnes corridor.

The Wilton Action Group’s point of view is, and always has been, that if the floodplain is removed from the SOI, WAG will not oppose the remainder of an amended SOI request. From day one of the SOI request, we have been very clear, upfront, and transparent about our position. We believe your move to discuss removal of the floodplain next month is wise and appropriate. There is strong sentiment among not only Wilton but also among many Elk Grove residents, as well as other communities in our region and the environmental community…………all saying the same thing………… The floodplain does not belong in the SOI.

We appreciate your efforts to address this issue in a timely way. And we want to reiterate so it is perfectly clear: If the Council’s discussion results in an action to remove the floodplain from the SOI, WAG will not oppose the revised SOI request.

Sincerely,

Bill Kutzer

Wilton Action Group