Residents oppose Riverwalk project as city extends EIR comment period

Several residents urged the Riverbank City Council and Local Redevelopment Authority to reconsider the proposed Riverwalk project and its placement on agricultural land during public comment at the April 23 meeting.

Karen Conrado, a Hoag Road resident, said, "I oppose the proposed Riverwalk project. It's prime ag land. It's going to be built on a flood plain." She listed concerns including effects on wildlife habitat and corridors, sewer and water infrastructure, traffic, pollution and housing affordability, and told council that many neighbors oppose the plan.

Jamie Ager, calling from the unincorporated area within the Riverwalk boundary, said residents both inside and outside city limits were preparing an urban limit initiative in response to the project, saying the public would return with “an urban limit initiative stronger, not only stronger, but bigger.” Another commenter framed the concern in environmental terms and referenced historical debates about land use.

City staff reminded the council that the Riverwalk draft environmental impact report (EIR) and a traffic impact study are available for review. Staff said they extended the public comment period for the Riverwalk traffic study and draft EIR to Thursday, May 16 to allow additional review and public input.

The comments occurred during the meeting’s public-comment period; the council did not take a project-level action at the meeting but later considered related items and updates. The extension of the public comment period gives residents additional time to submit written comments and review the posted traffic analysis; staff noted the EIR and related materials are available on the city’s project web page and in the staff report.

What’s next: The extended public comment period closes May 16. The council will receive and consider any submitted comments as part of the EIR process and future agenda items; no construction approvals were recorded at the April 23 meeting.