Davis Planning Commission Special Meeting on Village Farms Project – December 17, 2025

The Planning Commission held a special meeting on December 17, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM, to conduct a public hearing on the Village Farms Davis project, a proposed 1,800-unit development on 497.6 acres. After presentations from staff and the applicant, extensive public comment, and deliberation, the Commission voted to recommend that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approve the associated entitlements, subject to several additional recommendations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Supporters (e.g., Chris Theg, Alan Prior, Leslie Blevins, Cody Westergaard, Aaron Teague, Charlene Agatistri, Daniel Stein, Val Garrett, Luanna Villanueva, Brittany, Deanna Gallagher, Kristen, Julia Mell, Pammy Thomas, Rachel Barge, Frankie, Leslie Bullman, Greg Francis, Nick, Jamie, Michelle) argued that Davis urgently needs housing to prevent school closures, support local businesses, and provide opportunities for young families and teachers. Many emphasized that the project should go to a vote in June 2026.
• Opponents (e.g., Margie Longo, Mary Ann Hernandez, Jim Flanagan, Ziv Lang, Jim Watson, John Cooper, David McLaughlin, Glenn Holstein, Lisbith Ray, Richard McCann, Rena Neyer, Trudy Learner, Katherine Keller, Matt Williams, VJ Kumar, Elizabeth Colbreth, Eileen Samets, Judy Ennis, Alan Bonnet, Dan Ray, Gene Jackman, Nadine Cronkite, Carol, Tim Hoben, Eileen) cited an incomplete EIR, flood risk, toxic contamination from the adjacent landfill and burn dump, traffic congestion, unaffordable housing, and a rushed process. Many urged the Commission not to certify the EIR and to consider a smaller footprint below Channel A.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Principal Planner Dara Dungworth presented the project, including changes since the October workshop (affordable housing land dedication increased to 16 acres, $6 million contribution, grade-separated crossings). Ryan Chapman addressed bike/pedestrian infrastructure. EIR consultant Nick Papani reviewed the CEQA process, significant unavoidable impacts, and the partially recirculated draft EIR on wastewater capacity.
• Applicant Presentation: Rochelle Swanson highlighted community benefits (open space, habitat preservation, transportation improvements), changes in affordable housing, and the project's 10–15 year buildout. She emphasized the team's local roots and lessons learned from previous projects.
• Clarifying Questions: Commissioners asked about the Covell grade-separated crossing feasibility study, CEQA certification without a final EIR, the wastewater treatment plant capacity, floodplain mitigation, soil restoration enforcement, the cannery traffic circle connection, affordable housing details, and lot sizes for ADUs.
• Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the project's strengths and weaknesses. Greg Rowe expressed strong opposition due to flood risk and project scale. Catherine Brinkley advocated for higher density or a smaller footprint to reduce VMT. Georgina Valencia sought down payment assistance for moderate-income buyers. Vince McLaughlin proposed requiring the Covell crossing feasibility study in baseline features. The Commission adopted several recommendations.

Key Outcomes

1. Resolution 1 – Recommend Certification of Final EIR (Motion by Vince McLaughlin, seconded by Greg Rowe): Approved 5–2 (Rowe, Johannes Troost opposed). The Commission recommended that the City Council certify the Final EIR, make CEQA findings, adopt a statement of overriding considerations, and adopt a mitigation monitoring plan, based on the documents available as of December 17, 2025.
2. Resolution 2 – Recommend Entitlements (General Plan Amendment, Pre-Zoning, Development Agreement) (Motion by Vince McLaughlin, seconded by Alan Bennett): Approved 6–1 (Johannes Troost opposed). The resolution included the following six additional recommendations for City Council consideration:
   • Add a feasibility study for the Covell Boulevard grade-separated crossing to the baseline project features (Item 8).
   • Change references from "duplex" to "half-plex" (units on separate lots to allow individual ownership).
   • Require drought-tolerant plantings (no turf) in front yards of single-family homes.
   • Include a solar capacity study to maximize rooftop solar potential.
   • Plan lot sizes to accommodate future ADUs.
   • Consider down payment assistance for 20% of half-plex units in North Village, funded by the applicant.

• The Commission did not approve motions to adopt the environmentally superior alternative (higher density, smaller footprint), require edible landscaping, or modify the general plan language on population caps.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:45 AM on December 18, 2025.