Editor, Ceres Courier,

We are landowners within the Copper Trails Specific Plan Area and appreciate your positive coverage of the project thus far. We also appreciate the public input received to date and wanted to provide additional perspective on the benefits we believe Copper Trails will bring to the City of Ceres. These points are particularly important to highlight given the apparent misconception that this project will financially burden — or even bankrupt — the city.

We wanted to take a moment to clearly outline why the Copper Trails Specific Plan represents a significant opportunity for the City of Ceres — one that delivers meaningful infrastructure, long-term fiscal strength, and a high likelihood of successful execution, all without placing a financial burden on the city.

1. Over $193 million in infrastructure – at zero cost to the city.

Copper Trails will deliver over $193 million in backbone infrastructure and public facilities, including major roadway improvements, traffic signals, walkable trails, park and upgraded sewer and water systems.

Importantly, this infrastructure will cost the city $0.

All improvements will be funded through a combination of:

• Existing development impact fees;

• A new Copper Trails Specific Plan (CTSP) fee program;

• Land-secured bonds (CFDs) backed by future homeowners;

• Private developer capital.

This structure ensures that existing residents are not burdened, consistent with the City’s financing policies.

2. Strong positive fiscal impact to the city’s General Fund.

At full buildout, Copper Trails includes approximately 1.2 million square feet of commercial, office and hotel development. Because of this balanced land use mix, the project is projected to:

• Generate $8.06 million in annual General Fund revenue;

• Require only $4.65 million in annual service costs;

• Result in an annual General Fund surplus of approximately $3.41 million.

That equates to a 73% surplus relative to service costs, meaning Copper Trails is not just fiscally neutral — it is a net financial contributor to the City.

Additionally, the project is expected to generate $1.75 million annually in Measure H public safety revenue.

3. Designed for successful execution (unlike prior projects)

Unlike prior approved projects such as West Landing—which has not delivered any housing—Copper Trails is uniquely positioned for success:

• Includes 2,392 residential units and a balanced housing mix;

• Incorporates schools, parks, and community infrastructure within the plan; 

• Located directly along the Highway 99 corridor;

• Adjacent to existing retail, including major commercial anchors;

•Situated near existing City infrastructure and services.

Because of these factors, Copper Trails is not speculative — it is market-aligned and infrastructure-ready, significantly increasing the likelihood it will fully build out and deliver on its vision.

4. Supports smart growth and strengthens Ceres’ identity.

The project advances key City goals by:

• Expanding housing supply within the City’s Sphere of Influence;

• Creating new commercial and job-generating opportunities;

• Delivering a master-planned community with identity and cohesion;

• Helping Ceres better compete with neighboring cities like Modesto and Turlock.

5. A more appropriate long-term use of the land.

While agriculture remains critical to Stanislaus County, farming at the edge of urban growth presents ongoing challenges:

• Increased regulatory pressure;

• Encroachment conflicts;

• Illegal dumping and urban interface issues

Transitioning this land into a planned community represents a more sustainable and economically productive long-term use, while relieving pressure on existing agricultural operations.

In summary, Copper Trails delivers:

• $193 million+ in infrastructure at no cost to the city;

• Strong ongoing General Fund surplus (~73%);

• High likelihood of execution due to location and design;

• Meaningful economic, housing, and community benefits.

This is a rare opportunity where the city can grow responsibly, strengthen its financial position, and enhance its long-term identity — all without financial risk.

Nancy Fontana,

Susan Fontana Hackett 

LETTERS POLICY: Letters will be considered for publication but must be signed and include an address and phone number. Letters should be 250 words or less and be void of libel. Email to jeffb@cerescourier.com.