The City of Rocklin’s economic success is intertwined with the entire region and Rocklin views the fiscal health of neighboring municipalities as vital to future growth for all.

On Dec. 20, 2019, the Town of Loomis released a Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) for a proposed Costco project at the southeast corner of Sierra College Blvd. and Brace Rd., immediately adjacent to the Rocklin city limit boundary. Loomis released the RDEIR after reviewing all comments received on the initial project DEIR, which the Town published on June 8, 2018.

Rocklin’s latest comment letters focus on the overall inadequacy of the analysis of traffic impacts, as well as the unreasonableness of identified impacts and recommended mitigation measures to Rocklin streets and intersections. Rocklin officially submitted the documents to Loomis on Feb. 10, prior to the public comment deadline.

In addition to many of the ongoing concerns raised in the City’s letter to the 2018 DEIR, the following concerns were also identified:

• The traffic impact study is fundamentally flawed, including flaws in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) estimations, which undermine the accuracy of impact analyses for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and noise
• The aesthetics analysis fails to evaluate inconsistency with applicable general plan policies and regulations
• The RDEIR’s rejection of alternative sites analysis does not meet CEQA requirements
• The RDEIR fails to consider, let alone evaluate, reasonably foreseeable impacts on public safety that will result from the project

The project could generate millions of dollars in estimated sales tax revenues for Loomis, but the proposed location and site plan present significant challenges to Rocklin’s transportation infrastructure and services.

Rocklin supports regional partners in smart development and understands Loomis’ desire for anchor retail tenants. However, Rocklin must ensure that projects with potentially significant and widespread local impacts are planned meticulously and include realistic projections and solutions to those impacts. Protecting the wise investments in public infrastructure made by Rocklin residents and businesses to develop current and future capacity near Sierra College Blvd and I-80 is the top priority.  

Rocklin looks forward to continued dialogue with Loomis on the Costco project, with the goal of a development that not only benefits both jurisdictions, but the south Placer region as a whole.

Feb 2020 City of Rocklin Response Letter to Town of Loomis - Costco RDEIR

Att. 1 Feb 2020 City of Rocklin Response Letter - Fehr Peers Ltr

Att. 2 Feb 2020 City of Rocklin Response Letter - City Staff

Att. 3 Feb 2020 City of Rocklin Response Letter - Costco Corporate Profile

July 2018 City of Rocklin Response Letter to Town of Loomis - Costco DEIR