Rural resident advocates for area's legacy; Elk Grove City Councilman Spease commended
Ms. Conley also commended District 3 City Councilman Kevin Spease for advocating for the protection of the rural area
During the May 28, 2025, Elk Grove City Council meeting, a resident of Elk Grove's rural area reminded the mayor and city council of the area's legacy. Speaking during public comment on non-agenda items and the consent calendar, Connie Conley noted that the city has long promised to protect the rural nature of its eastern area.
Ms. Conley also commended District 3 City Councilman Kevin Spease for advocating for the protection of the rural area. Although she did not specify it during her comments (see video below for the entire commentary), residents of rural areas have started expressing concern about a proposed high-density housing project located near Sheldon and Waterman roads.
If a zoning change to the city's General Plan is approved, the Summer Villas project would have 486 units on 116 acres, of which 40 acres (under high-tension power lines) will be designated open space.
The upcoming battle is a test to see if Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and three of her city council members, Rod Brewer, Sergio Robles, and Darren Suen, are willing to adhere to the General Plan and preserve the rural area or yield to pressure from housing developers. In 2023, Suen was tacitly dismissive of protecting the rural area.
During her comments, Conley also commended Councilman Kevin Spease. Although he has not commented on the specifics of the project, Spease has long advocated for the rural area, filling the void left by former City Councilman Pat Hume, who was elected to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and had been a longtime advocate for the rural area residents.
