Development Around RM Back Lakes Off the Table
Jan 10, 2025 04:51PM ● By Gail Bullen, River Valley Times Reporter
The most recent application filed with Sacramento County by Rancho Murieta Properties on Jan. 9 shows that Rancho Murieta Properties has dropped its plan to develop around the back lakes. The area is shown on the map as Lot 11. Courtesy photo
RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Murieta Properties confirmed that it has abandoned plans to develop 139 residential lots in the Rancho North subdivision on land rich with trails and wildlife surrounding the back lakes.
John Merchant, who is vice-president of Save Our Lakes and Open Spaces (SOLOS), made the initial announcement on social media on Jan. 9 after meeting with three Rancho Murieta Properties representatives earlier in the day.
“I believe this action spells ‘compromise,’ and I hope we have opened up a line of communication to the developers that will expand as we work through the process,” Merchant said in his post.
Greg Dyer, who is the chief operating officer for Rancho Murieta Properties, confirmed Merchant’s report to the River Valley Times on Jan. 10. He also explained why the investment group made that decision.
Dyer explained that the primary challenge was the difficulty of developing the property due to its slope and drainage issues on that side of the lake.
“The big problem is we couldn’t get enough houses to make it worth it at the same time being able to meet the environment aspects of the drainage and trees and open spaces,” Dyer said.
Merchant also reported in his social media post that 39 acres next to the Rancho Murieta Community Services District office have been removed from the development. The tentative proposal was for 88 residential units and 160 apartments.
Dyer noted that the property has been removed “for now.” He explained that it was not technically part of the Rancho North development and was initially designated as a Commercial Zone. Dyer also highlighted that accessing the site from the Jackson Highway intersection would be “very problematic.”
The River Valley Times asked Dyer if Rancho Murieta Properties had discussed the availability of water for the remaining 561 residential lots that are still in the county application. He described the water discussion as “vague,” noting that the topic was brought up shortly before he had to leave.
“But that discussion will continue at some point,” Dyer said.
Asked if he planned further dialogue with Merchant and with the entire Community Services District board, Dyer said, “Definitely.”
Dyer stated that the decision to remove Villages D, E, F and G from the county application “was actually made in October.” Dyer added that he announced the plan publicly during a question-and-answer session at the Murieta Inn in early December. (However, the public was not notified of that meeting, nor was the Rancho Murieta Country Club Board invited, even though the second half of the private meeting focused on the club, according to Rancho Murieta Country Club Board President Eric Dutton.)
Dyer expressed surprise that Merchant had publicly shared details about their meeting.
“I didn’t know it was a matter of public record,” Dyer said.
Dyer said that the meeting was arranged after Merchant met with Bob Keil, the developer of the Residences currently under construction. When Keil realized that Merchant was unaware of the most recent application, according to Dyer, Keil asked Dyer if a meeting could be arranged. Dyer said he agreed and shared his availability. Rancho Murieta Properties representatives Tony Valez and Jeff Pearson also attended the meeting.