ELK GROVE, Calif. — After a nearly 5-hour discussion, Elk Grove's new zoo is moving forward with construction at their new home.
Elk Grove City Council approved the project Wednesday night. The move means the current 97-year-old zoo will be seeing some big upgrades.
About 40 people registered to speak at the council meeting, the majority of speakers urged a “yes” vote, but there were some who casted doubt about the funding for the project, specifically how the city would pay for it.
On Monday, zoo officials shared updates and new design proposals.
"We could do so much more if we had more land, and that's what we're here to talk about, the fact that we've been planning this new zoo since September of 2021 with our partners with the city of Elk Grove," said Jason Jacobs, Sacramento Zoo director.
Right now, the zoo sits on almost 15 acres of land at William Land Park, but the plan is to build the new zoo near Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway, which would expand it to 65 acres.
For Mindi Dimaano and others in her Elk Grove neighborhood, the project is more or less in their backyard.
"When they're up here, I don't want this area (to) smell like a zoo. That's my concern. So, environmental issues like air, pollution and I know it's like zoos are one of the main polluters...," said Dimaano.
Another concern was how the project will be funded.
Zoo Director Jason Jacobs said they've already been able to secure well over eight figures in donations from the community.
"There is a finance plan for the project. Total cost estimate right now is about $302 million, that includes both onsite and offsite facilities," said Christopher Jordan, Elk Grove strategic planning and innovation director.
The plan includes four primary funding sources which will include:
- 5% from developer impact fees
- 31% from the City of Elk Grove Reserve funds
- 26% from community partnerships
- 38% from bond financing
However, some residents said they don't feel they should have to foot the bill if the project moves forward.
Councilmember Kevin Spease said he could support most of the aspects around the zoo, but he couldn’t support the financing portion as written, noting Elk Grove’s history with the “ghost mall.” He called for protections in regard to financing that meant no construction prior to cash in hand, but it sparked strong debate among councilmembers.
Ultimately, councilmembers approved the project and financing with an ad hoc oversight committee for their share of the funding.
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