San Juan Bautista looking to build new subdivision

The small city of San Juan Bautista could be in for a population boom in the next few years. That’s because the city is working on a plan to build an 86-unit subdivision, however not everyone is grateful for the growth.

“The city of San Juan Bautista has only issued 6-9 permits over the last 15 years,” said Roger Grimsley, city manager of San Juan Bautista.

Yet Grimsley said the city needs to grow to make more money. That’s how the idea of Rancho Vista was born. North of the main drag and behind the Creekbridge subdivision, this 28-acre development would feature playgrounds and parks for neighbors.

Neighbors told NewsChannel 5 one of their concerns is sustainable growth. The city said it has the water to support the new subdivision, but there are concerns that one day there could be too much water.

“I’m all for growth if we have the infrastructure for it and they do it in the right place,” longtime resident Russell Alnas said.

The Alnas family has lived in the area for generations.

“That area up there up north, talking to my grandparents and parents who have been there for years said that used to flood back when we do get substantial rains,” Alnas said, “So I wonder if it’s the best place in town to put a subdivision.”

City leaders are well aware and said it’s up to the developer to protect the homes.

“A portion of it sits on the west fork of the San Juan Creek,” Grimsley said. “There’s a portion that floods periodically and the developer will have to address that with gradings and dikes and detention ponds.”

The city will hold its second and final reading of the proposal on March 17. If everything goes as planned, crews could begin construction on Rancho Vista within the next few months.