Elk Grove police union raises public safety concerns over Summer Villas

ELK GROVE, Calif. — The politically influential union representing Elk Grove police officers has entered the debate over a proposed housing development that could bring nearly 500 homes to the city’s designated rural area.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Elk Grove Police Officers Association said the proposed Summer Villas project deserves additional scrutiny because of its potential effects on infrastructure, agriculture and emergency services.

“The proposal could increase the number of homes from 35 to nearly 500 — a significant increase that deserves careful consideration, particularly regarding infrastructure, agriculture, and most importantly, public safety,” the association said.

The union said the additional homes could increase traffic and generate more calls for police, fire and emergency medical services.

“Our emergency response resources need to be able to keep pace with such significant growth,” the association said. “Before major changes are made to the Rural Area Community Plan and land-use designations, these impacts should be fully considered.”

Although the statement stopped short of explicitly opposing Summer Villas, the association’s intervention could carry considerable political weight with Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and City Council members Darren Suen, Rod Brewer, Kevin Spease and Sergio Robles.

Police union endorsements are highly sought after in Elk Grove municipal campaigns, where candidates frequently highlight support from police officers and other public safety organizations as evidence that they can be trusted on crime and public safety.

The association has endorsed members of the current council in past campaigns. Singh-Allen, Suen and Spease received its backing during the 2020 election, and the union cited its successful working relationship with Suen when announcing its endorsement. Singh-Allen continues to prominently list the association among her organizational endorsements. Spease’s campaign website also identifies the union as an endorser.

The association also promoted Brewer following his successful 2022 City Council campaign. Such support gives the union substantial influence at City Hall, where the council controls police funding, staffing and employment agreements affecting association members.

That political relationship makes the union’s decision to publicly raise concerns about Summer Villas more significant than opposition from a typical community organization. Council members who have valued the association’s endorsements during their campaigns will now face pressure to address its concerns as the project proceeds through the planning process.

The association’s statement follows appeals from rural Elk Grove residents who spoke during the Wednesday, Sept. 9, City Council meeting. Residents urged the council not to amend the city’s General Plan or the Rural Area Community Plan to accommodate the higher-density development.

As previously reported by Elk Grove News, speakers Constance Conley, Elaine Conwell and George Murphy were among six residents who asked the council to reject the proposal. They argued the development would threaten the area’s rural character, increase traffic and undermine long-standing land-use protections.

Residents have also organized a “Rural Roots Sunday” series describing the community’s history and way of life. The stories were compiled into a booklet and presented to council members during the Sept. 9 meeting.

No date has been announced for the Elk Grove Planning Commission or City Council to formally consider Summer Villas. The City Council has final authority over amendments to the General Plan and major development proposals.

The police association said that as the review moves forward, the ability of first responders to serve the additional population must remain a priority.

“The safety of our residents and the ability of first responders to effectively serve our community must remain a priority,” the association said.