The Howard Ranch virtually surrounds the small town of Ione, about 20 miles east of Elk Grove. JTS Communities is already building within Ione … and is one of the names mentioned as showing some interest in the property, along with Angelo Tsakopoulos, Reynen & Bardis, and others. Any development of Howard ranch would face challenges. Water is scarce, and there would be a need for wastewater treatment. There might be environmental issues as well. 

Ione has a visioning committee, whose chair, Sharon Long, says residents are concerned by the type of growth they’ve seen in Elk Grove.