By Laura Newell Telegraph staff writer

After more than a decade of planning, the city of Folsom pushed forward on its bid Tuesday night to annex 3,500 acres south of Folsom, voting unanimously to send the expansion plan to the local body empowered to make a final decision.

The issue brought protests from a handful of residents during the hearing, but enthusiastic and lengthy support from members of the development community and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce among others.

He lauded the housing mix and the transit planning that would provide paths for walking, bicycle trails, open space, and parks. “All of that is a home run as far as we are concerned,” McKeever said.

The council vote sends the annexation plan to the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission, perhaps later this year, for a final decision.

The city has worked on the plan for at least the past 10 years. There are seven landowners in the proposed annexation area. But only three own the largest share of property: AKT Development and Carpenter Ranch Partnership own about 41 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Easton Development owns 18 percent.