After a rough start, the billionaire backers behind a mysterious Solano County development project are hoping for a do-over. California Forever – the company that wants to create a new city near Travis Air Force Base – unveiled new details about its plans on Wednesday. You can view the map they released here.
The company is pushing a ballot initiative that would need to be approved by Solano County voters in November. To get on the ballot, the organizers need 13,000 signatures.
According to the investors, the new city would be “one of the most walkable and sustainable communities in the United States.”
The 30-square-mile town would be home to 20,000 residences. It would be home to around 50,000 people, with room to accommodate up to 350,000 more. Twenty percent of the town would be reserved for parks and open space. Also promised is a bustling downtown area and plenty of public transportation options.
According to the developers, the town would lead to the creation of at least 15,000 jobs. They’re vowing to provide $400 million in assistance to help locals buy homes there, and they promise no new taxes on Solano County residents. Priority for down payment assistance would be given to working families, including teachers, police, firefighters, and those in construction.
The investors even have an idea to allay some of the national security concerns that have come up because of the town’s proximity to the air force base. They’re proposing a “Travis Security Zone” that would increase the base’s buffer from 8,000 to 15,000 acres.
If this all sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is, says Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). The congressman, who has been a leading critic of the project from day one, calls California Forever’s plans a “pipe dream.”