Jan Sramek, a Czech Republic native and tech enthusiast, is leading a group of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs in an ambitious plan to build a new city in Northern California. However, the project faces numerous challenges and obstacles before becoming a reality.
The first hurdle is a slow-growth ordinance in Solano County that would need to be overridden by county voters. If the project clears this hurdle, it will then face environmental rules, potential lawsuits, and conflicts with various government agencies at the state and local levels.
While some experienced developers are skeptical of the project’s feasibility, the group behind it is determined to move forward. They have hired political consultants and reached out to elected officials and government agencies to gain support.
Solano County, where the new city would be located, is the poorest county in the Bay Area. The project could bring economic development and job opportunities to the region, which could motivate voters to support it.
Flannery Associates, the company involved in purchasing the land for the project, has spent around $900 million buying agricultural land in Solano County over the past five years. The purchases have raised concerns among elected officials and prompted federal investigations.
Residents in the area are still processing the potential impact of the project. Some worry about the lack of public utilities in the area and the secrecy surrounding the land sales. Others are concerned about the possibility of gentrification and increased land prices.
The project’s success will depend on addressing these concerns and gaining support from various stakeholders, including labor unions, environmental groups, and local residents. The process could take years to navigate.
Political consultant David Townsend predicts significant local opposition to the project, as many longtime residents moved to Solano County to escape development and traffic.
