The town has few retail businesses and only one small strip mall. It has a single tiny park and no community center. Patrick Borin, president of the Robla Community Association, said he agreed that the community needs Hansen Lakes. But not everyone in Robla thinks it's a good idea. Connielee Masterman, who lives across the street from the proposed development, said she fears the potential dangers.
Some critics say the thirst for growth and taxes can blind local officials to flood threats.
They see growth as a means to resolve shortfalls in finances. Sometimes, that can play tricks on you. That can mean allowing development right up against rivers. Hansen Lakes is particularly controversial because it would invade something known as the floodway. The floodway is the trough between two levees that control Rio Linda Creek and Dry Creek.