Loomis Planning Commission opens CEQA scoping for 353‑unit Hidden Grove project amid resident concerns about traffic, schools and tree loss

The Loomis Planning Commission opened a public scoping meeting for the proposed Hidden Grove residential project — described by the applicant and consultant as roughly a 353‑unit development — and invited written and oral comments to shape the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Planning Director Christy said the meeting’s purpose was to gather input on the EIR’s scope and reiterated that “this is not a night where any decisions will be made on the project.” Consultant Rod Stinson of Rainey Planning and Management reviewed the schedule and technical chapters the EIR will include, explaining that the project is proposed under the Housing Crisis Act (SB 330), which constrains local review steps and focuses environmental review on health and safety impacts.

Stinson summarized the proposal as a multi‑unit community that, as presented in the initial study, would include about 204 single‑family lots, a multifamily parcel (roughly 40–49 units) with approximately 85 affordable units, a small town‑center commercial lot (up to nine residences), 12.8 acres of open space and parks (about 10.5 acres of riparian/wetland area and roughly 2.3 acres of active parkland), roadway…