Norco council hears strong resident opposition to Bluff Street annexation; agrees to seek water protections and study sewer assistance

Mayor Grenmeier opened a public hearing on a reconsideration of the Bluff Street (Annexation '27) proposal and asked staff to summarize the city's prior approvals and options. Kolbe Cataldi, director of community development, said the annexation would bring approximately 20 properties (about 56 acres) into Norco and that earlier council actions included resolutions approving the annexation, a general plan amendment and a zone change; Cataldi noted no application has yet been submitted to the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

Residents from the affected area spoke in force. Roger Vanderlaan, a Bluff Street resident, told the council, “I live at 5236 Bluff Street. I am opposing the Block 77 annexation into Norco,” and said his neighborhood values its long-standing volunteer organizations and independence. Others, including Inger Delay and Mary Roberts, warned that mandatory sewer connections on sale and different building-code requirements could impose large, unanticipated costs on homeowners. Roberts also calculated that annexation would increase city tax revenue from the affected parcels by about $1,000 per year, and said that figure would be “a mere pittance” for a city the size of Norco.

Councilmembers acknowledged the strength of the opposition while describing the broader policy context. Council Member Basch told the residents, “You are not an island,” arguing that some regional and state pressures on lot sizes and housing could leave such pockets vulnerable. Mayor Grenmeier said the council understands residents’ concerns and proposed an olive branch: he moved to agendize a separate resolution to protect Block 77’s water cooperative and wells, a motion Council Member Basch seconded; the motion passed on a roll call vote. The council also approved a separate motion directing staff to return with options regarding sewer lateral costs and potential financing or payment plans; that motion passed 4–1.

No council action was taken that rescinded prior approvals at the meeting, and the mayor said that, as a result, the prior annexation approvals remain in effect and staff will proceed with paperwork to LAFCO unless the council takes further formal steps. The council instructed staff to return with a draft resolution addressing the water cooperative's protections and with options for addressing sewer-lateral financial burdens for affected homeowners.