Summary
This approval lets the Virginia Smith Trust subdivision move forward with 197 lots on 58 acres, part of a 3,560-home master-planned community near UC Merced. Conditions cover parks, a school site, wall screening along Campus Parkway, and an agricultural buffer.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
Development impact fees under the VST Development Agreement fund parks, roads, police, fire, and other services, with a Community Facilities District covering ongoing maintenance.
Future homebuyers, including affordable-housing buyers through the plan's options for below-market units and a UC Workers First program.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority — April 20, 2026
The council was scheduled to consider amending the deposit and reimbursement agreement tied to annexing 290 acres at Bellevue and Lake roads into the city. This shapes how a major growth area develops on Merced's northwest edge.
Planning Commission — March 4, 2026
This approval lets the Virginia Smith Trust subdivision move forward with 197 lots on 58 acres, part of a 3,560-home master-planned community near UC Merced. Conditions cover parks, a school site, wall screening along Campus Parkway, and an agricultural buffer.
Related development
Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Phase 1D
197 more homes are on hold until the corrected map comes back next month.
University Vista Annexation (Annexation #22-02)
Annexing this 290-acre block would bring a major growth area into city limits, setting up future development, services, and infrastructure obligations on Merced's northwest side.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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