In the wake of the “California Forever” project led by tech billionaires, a new initiative primarily backed by tech professionals is set to develop a utopian community in Cloverdale, located in Sonoma County. This latest effort is drawing attention amid the ongoing discussions about urban development in the Bay Area.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the proposed project, named “Esmeralda,” aims to occupy 267 acres southeast of Cloverdale, adjacent to Highway 101. The vision is to create a tech utopia infused with Italian aesthetics. Although still in its conceptual phase, the idea has already generated significant interest.

Devon Zuegel, the founder of the Esmeralda development group, recently shared a series of videos and visual plans on social media platform X, illustrating the community’s concept. Zuegel, a Stanford University graduate and software engineer, previously served as editor of the Stanford Review, an independent publication founded by venture capitalist Peter Thiel.

On X, Zuegel stated, “If you dream of living in a town with many creative and determined individuals, we are building that dream home for you.”

The Chronicle reported that “Esmeralda” represents yet another attempt by Silicon Valley tech insiders to establish a new community in the agricultural lands of the Bay Area, targeting individuals looking to escape urban life while retaining metropolitan conveniences.

For decades, Cloverdale officials have been encouraging development on the land Zuegel’s team intends to purchase. The parcel previously hosted an old lumber mill, and various developers have pitched ideas for resorts and golf courses, all of which failed to materialize. City Manager David Kelley mentioned that Esmeralda Land Co. is currently engaged in due diligence before acquiring the land.

While “Esmeralda” draws parallels to the “California Forever” concept, it differs significantly in its approach. The latter’s secretive land acquisitions in Solano County led to rumors and distrust, culminating in resistance from residents and officials. In contrast, the Cloverdale community appears to be more supportive of the “Esmeralda” initiative. Neena Hanchett, the executive director of the local chamber of commerce, expressed her excitement over the developers’ interest in Cloverdale, a town that has long been regarded as a remote area at the end of a dirt road.

However, critics argue that the vision for “Esmeralda,” centered around upscale hotels and a wealthy community, threatens to erode Cloverdale’s status as one of Sonoma County’s last bastions of affordable housing.

Cloverdale, with a population of under 10,000, mostly comprises middle-class and blue-collar residents. Nancy Reyes, a local cleaner, voiced her concerns, stating, “It sounds like they want to make this place like Healdsburg, which feels unsuitable for people like me.”

Previously, the Mercury News reported on a disparaging assessment of the “California Forever” project, which aimed to construct a utopian city from scratch near Fairfield, supported by Silicon Valley billionaires. Just days after a negative report in July, the company behind the “California Forever” initiative withdrew its proposal for a public vote scheduled for November.