They’re Back (Update + How You Can Help)
Over the past few weeks, many neighbors have asked us:
“I thought this project was already stopped?”
“Is it really coming back?”
“What’s going on?”
“How can I help?”
If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Here’s an update on what’s happening—and why the next few weeks matter.
What’s Happening
The proposed Green Valley Family Apartments project is back.
This is the same developer who previously proposed the “Bass Lake Apartments,” now returning with a revised approach.
The current proposal includes:
About 128 apartment units
Six multi-story buildings (mostly three stories)
Built on land zoned for Commercial Professional Office (CPO)
This type of zoning was originally meant for lower-impact uses like offices—not large apartment complexes.
Site Plans Source: https://engageeldorado.us.engagementhq.com/green-valley-family-apartments
Why Is It Back Now?
The developer is trying again because of recent changes to state law using AB 2011 and AB 893.
First: What is AB 2011?
AB 2011 is a California law designed to increase housing by allowing certain high-density residential projects on commercially zoned land. It also allows qualifying projects to go through a faster approval process, which limits how much local governments can deny or modify them. However, projects must still meet all required criteria to qualify.
What Changed in 2026
A newer law, AB 893 (effective January 1, 2026), changed how sites are evaluated under AB 2011.
Under this law:
The County can only evaluate the specific areas that will be physically disturbed by construction
Other parts of the property may not be considered
The developer appears to be using this change to argue that the project qualifies, by focusing only on part of the site, rather than the full property that raised concerns previously.
What Has NOT Changed
While the legal approach is different, many of the same concerns remain.
Environmental Concerns
Even within the disturbed area, there are still:
Wetlands and sensitive environmental areas
Habitat for protected species
These are important factors in determining whether a project qualifies under state law.
Traffic & Safety
Neighbors continue to raise concerns about:
Traffic congestion (especially near an already impacted school drop-off area)
Emergency access and evacuation routes
Whether local infrastructure can support this level of density
Fit with the Community
This level of development was not what CPO zoning was designed for, raising concerns about:
Compatibility with nearby homes
Scale and visual impact
Long-term planning alignment
Why This Moment Matters
The County is expected to make a decision by June 5th, 2026. That means the next few weeks are critical. This is one of the few moments where the project is still being evaluated, concerns can still be raised, and community input can still make a difference.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
This effort is being led by regular neighbors—not a large organization.
A small group of residents has:
Reviewed the proposal
Organized communication
Hired an attorney with experience in these exact laws
Everyone involved is volunteering their time, and many are contributing their own money to support this effort.
We Need Your Help
To be direct: we can’t do this without the community.
We’ve hired an experienced attorney, but we need to raise several thousand dollars in the next few weeks to continue this work.
👉 https://www.opposebla.com/donate
Even $25 or $50 makes a real difference right now.
“Legal review is one of the only effective ways to ensure the project is properly evaluated under these laws. We need to raise several thousand dollars to support this effort.”
A Note on Funding
Projects like this may receive public funding and tax credits meant to support housing.
Those programs can be helpful—but they are meant for sites that are safe, appropriate, and aligned with their intent.
At the same time, local residents are funding their own effort just to make sure this project is properly reviewed.
Common Questions
“Didn’t this already get stopped?”
A previous version faced major challenges. The developer is now trying again under a different approach.
“Is this definitely happening?”
No. The County has not made a final decision.
“Is this about opposing housing?”
No. Many residents support responsible housing. There are already several housing developments nearby. This is about whether this specific site is appropriate.
“Can we still have a voice?”
Yes—and right now is when it matters most.
How You Can Help (Right Now)
1. Donate
👉 https://www.opposebla.com/donate
This helps cover legal costs before the June 5 deadline.
2. Email the County
You don’t need to write anything complicated.
You can copy and paste this: “I’m a local resident and I’m concerned about the Green Valley Apartments project due to safety, environmental, and traffic impacts. Based on environmental review, I don’t believe this project qualifies for AB2011 streamlined, ministerial process. Please ensure a thorough review before approval.”
Send to:
bosone@edcgov.us
bostwo@edcgov.us
bosthree@edcgov.us
bosfour@edcgov.us
bosfive@edcgov.us
greenvalleyfamilyapts@edcgov.us
3. Spread the Word
Talk to neighbors
Share on Nextdoor or Facebook
Forward this to others
Sign up for our email newsletter
Closing
This effort is not about stopping development. It’s about making sure that any development is:
Carefully reviewed
Transparent
Safe and appropriate for this location
We’re a small group of neighbors doing everything we can to ensure that happens.
If you’ve been wondering how to help—this is the moment.
Thank you for being part of this community.
P.S.
We’re about 25% of the way to our goal, and the County’s decision is expected by June 5.
This is a neighbor-led effort, and many of us are contributing personally.
If you’re able to help—even a small amount—it truly makes a difference right now.