RIO VISTA, Calif. — In a bold move northeast of San Francisco, Jan Sramek, CEO of a company supported by Silicon Valley tycoons, has been discreetly acquiring farmland to develop a new city. He presented his vision to voters on Wednesday, proposing a walkable, affordable community designed to reignite the California pride.
Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader leading this city-building venture, revealed his plan to build at least 20,000 homes in rural Solano County, located between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. His vision, however, hinges on a November ballot where county voters must decide to waive 1984 protections that prevent agricultural land from becoming urban areas. Over the years, Sramek’s company, California Forever, has quietly spent over $800 million buying land, causing local unease.
He envisions this project as a significant achievement for California, currently overshadowed by states like Texas and Florida. Sramek, originally from the Czech Republic and now a Solano County resident, believes this initiative could restore the state’s former glory as a symbol of optimism.
The proposed development would offer much-needed affordable housing, particularly for essential community workers like teachers and firefighters. The proximity to Travis Air Force Base also makes it an attractive site for military contractors.
However, the project faces criticism from various quarters, including a congressman and environmental groups like the Sierra Club. The secretive land purchases and lawsuits against local farmers who refused to sell have raised concerns about urban sprawl, potential environmental impacts, and strain on the region’s water resources.
The Solano Farm Bureau, part of a coalition opposing the initiative, criticizes the practice of converting farmland to housing for quick profit.
The 83-page initiative, submitted to county elections, outlines the need for 13,000 signatures from county voters to secure a spot on the November ballot. The campaign, backed by prominent figures like Laurene Powell Jobs and Reid Hoffman, could lead to an expensive ballot fight.
Sramek’s presentation in Rio Vista, near the proposed city’s location, detailed plans for a community of 50,000 people living in multi-story residences with easy access to amenities. The long-term vision could see the city grow to 400,000 residents, conditional on creating high-paying jobs.
The plan also includes a $400 million investment to assist local residents and air force families in purchasing homes, with additional funding for affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and farm workers.
Democratic consultant Bill Carrick notes the challenges in winning over locals amidst widespread voter cynicism and suspicion towards wealthy outsiders.
Despite opposition and skepticism, Sramek is determined to realize his vision, emphasizing the desire for a sustainable community rather than financial motives. Since 2017, California Forever has acquired over 78 square miles of farmland in Solano County. While Sramek’s town hall meetings have tried to address concerns, critics remain vocal about potential infrastructure strains.
Local resident Roxanne Stiles-Donnelly expresses skepticism about the project’s appeal to younger generations, while artist Radhika Lynette from Vallejo appreciates the project’s sustainability and walkability aspects.
Sramek justifies building from scratch, citing high construction costs and inadequate land availability within existing cities as barriers to meeting housing and employment demands.
