A major development is coming to Loomis, and local residents can have a say in the project – and comment on setbacks for creeks and waterways – by attending two community workshops.

“The town is very interested in getting more people involved in the process of developing the rules and regulations and plans for the town,” said Loomis Mayor Walt Scherer.

The first workshop will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Loomis Train Depot. It will deal with the treatment of lands adjacent to waterways and creeks.

Under the Loomis General Plan, no development can occur within 100 feet of waterways such as Secret Ravine and Antelope Creek that are on official U.S. Geological Survey maps. Protection of other creeks will be discussed. The workshop will be conducted by Loomis Parks and Open Space Commission members.

“People who don’t live in town are welcome to come participate,” Scherer said. “After all, the streams and creeks don’t know geographical boundaries.”

The workshop on The Village at Loomis will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, and will also take place at the Loomis Depot.

The developer of The Village plans a 54-acre mixed-use development of homes, shops, offices, open space, nature trails and parks.

According to Scherer, representatives from the Local Government Commission will conduct a community preference survey among participants at the Feb. 7 workshop to solicit preferences on how the area should be developed. The workshop will include an educational component conducted by Sacramento Area Council of Government representatives on the growth taking place in the region.

Scherer emphasized the importance of business owners, homeowners, renters and property owners to attend both workshops.

“They need to participate in this important, upfront, part of the process,” he said.

“Not many towns would ever hold meetings like this to encourage the public to participate.”

While reservations are not required to attend either workshop, it will help the town to plan for seating and refreshments if those planning to participate call the town at 652-1840.