Problem: A major development Northeast of Shepherd and Fowler in Clovis is in the works. This will encompass 952 acres with 507 acres of that being the Vista Ranch housing development. A notice was sent to nearby residents that proposes 2,172 residential units. The environmental report states up to 3,286 residential units are possible. That is a potential for 6,500 to 10,000 new neighbors (3 residents average per home). That means 4,000 to 6,000 new vehicles in your neighborhood. That means 237 to 360 million gallons of water consumption per year. This means increased strain on schools and possible shifting of school boundary lines. This development comes with a high cost to our community, far beyond the price of construction, that will change this area forever.

CALL TO ACTION:

1. Respectfully voice your opinion at ALL public meetings in person. This is essential! If residents don't speak up and unite, this project will proceed unchecked by the community. See website for details www.CityofClovis.com/vistaranch 
2. Respectfully contact the City of Clovis Planning Department, (the project manager is Mckencie Perez (559) 324-2310  mckenciep@cityofclovis.com),  Clovis City Council members , and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors via email and phone (Nathan Magsig represents the area (559) 600-5000 and email at  District5@fresnocountyca.gov. )
3. Contact Wilson Homes and voice your opposition to this project by reaching out to Loren Smith (559) 325-7676 or Jeff Harris    (559)224-7550    jharris@wilsonhomes.com
4. Have your entire family sign the petition, share your comments and share your email so we can keep you up to date (we may have yard signs in the future). 
5. Share this petition with your neighbors and family (You do not need to donate any money to this cause, just spread the word.)

Learn more about the proposed project by clicking this City of Clovis link: Vista Ranch

Let your voice be heard!!!

MAJOR PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS:

• Traffic Congestion and Safety: The proposed development will exacerbate existing traffic issues on Shepherd, Fowler, and Behymer roads. There is a risk of extended road closures, as seen previously with Shepherd Avenue. Perrin, Behymer and Fowler Ave. are not safe as it is, and these county roads are not equipped to handle the increased traffic. The necessary upgrades are not planned. The increased traffic will cause traffic delays, road destruction, accidents, serious injuries and potentially lives.
• Water Concerns: Over 100 million gallons+/- of storm runoff will be redirected to downgradient recharge basins, reducing the water available to existing wells that residents rely on. This diversion worsens the already poor water situation for many nearby residents, even without drought conditions. If this development progresses, there must be a plan for a upgradient water basin.
• Increased Pollution: The project will lead to unavoidable increases in air, water, and noise pollution. Significant CO2 emissions and smog levels are expected to rise, as noted in the ecological report.
•  Loss of Natural Beauty: The development will obstruct miles of scenic views of the Sierras and rolling hills. Many current residents will lose their views due to the construction of high-density, two-story homes throughout the area.
•  Destruction of Animal Habitat: The natural habitat for various animals, including the severely threatened Tiger Salamander, will be destroyed. Fox and coyote dens will be bulldozed, and food sources for owls and hawks will disappear, thus the beautiful birds of prey will disappear from the area as well.
• Decreased Property Values: The property values and desirability for many current residents are likely to decline due to the development.
• Loss of Privacy and Enjoyment: The proposed high-density residential units are not consistent with current zoning allowances, particularly near existing rural residential lots. Some homeowners will find 10 to 20 new homes bordering their property, significantly impacting their privacy and the enjoyment of their homes. The currently proposed density next to current residents is outrageous. If the project is to move forward, at a minimum, one acre lots should border existing homes and higher density homes could phase in as the neighborhood moves east.
• CRIME: Increased residential density will obviously lead to higher crime rates on the area. The addition of a large subdivision will put extra strain on local law enforcement resources, potentially resulting in slower response times and less effective policing.
• Unwanted Annexation: Some County residents could find themselves being annexed to the City of Clovis by force and will be subject to abandon their wells and forced into city utility services and rules.