Sacramento’s Planning and Design Commission unanimously approved a proposed six-story, 332-unit apartment building in East Sacramento after hours of public comment Thursday night. A decision that drew strong reactions from both opponents and supporters.The project would occupy nearly an entire block along Alhambra Boulevard between C and D streets, replacing the former Mary Ann’s Bakery warehouses and several vacant homes, according to the proposal presented to the commission.Residents who spoke against the development said the scale of the project would change the character of the neighborhood and worsen traffic and safety conditions.“Why would you destabilize a stable neighborhood?” Rick Stevenson, an opponent of the project, told the commission.Meghan McKenna, also opposing the project, said neighbors would bear the impacts.“We’re the ones who have to contend with the traffic, the unsafe streets that would be caused by this project,” she said.Others urged commissioners to approve the development, arguing the city needs more housing and that locating apartments near schools, parks and businesses is beneficial. One speaker told commissioners it would be “the best way” to support Sacramento’s future.Kate Rodgers of House Sacramento said some concerns are understandable, but that denser housing in urban areas can reduce driving demand.“Change is scary,” Rodgers said, adding that building in dense areas “actually reduces traffic and reduces the need for parking.”Commissioners said changes in state law limited their ability to deny certain housing proposals, and they discussed concerns about the project’s planned 344-space parking garage.Even after the vote, some opponents said they hope developers will modify the plan. Stevenson said residents want the project “rescaled to something appropriate that isn’t something that can devastate a neighborhood.”The Sacramento City Council does not need to approve the project, but it would have to vote if the commission’s approval is appealed.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Sacramento’s Planning and Design Commission unanimously approved a proposed six-story, 332-unit apartment building in East Sacramento after hours of public comment Thursday night. A decision that drew strong reactions from both opponents and supporters.
The project would occupy nearly an entire block along Alhambra Boulevard between C and D streets, replacing the former Mary Ann’s Bakery warehouses and several vacant homes, according to the proposal presented to the commission.
Residents who spoke against the development said the scale of the project would change the character of the neighborhood and worsen traffic and safety conditions.
“Why would you destabilize a stable neighborhood?” Rick Stevenson, an opponent of the project, told the commission.
Meghan McKenna, also opposing the project, said neighbors would bear the impacts.
“We’re the ones who have to contend with the traffic, the unsafe streets that would be caused by this project,” she said.
Others urged commissioners to approve the development, arguing the city needs more housing and that locating apartments near schools, parks and businesses is beneficial. One speaker told commissioners it would be “the best way” to support Sacramento’s future.
Kate Rodgers of House Sacramento said some concerns are understandable, but that denser housing in urban areas can reduce driving demand.
“Change is scary,” Rodgers said, adding that building in dense areas “actually reduces traffic and reduces the need for parking.”
Commissioners said changes in state law limited their ability to deny certain housing proposals, and they discussed concerns about the project’s planned 344-space parking garage.
Even after the vote, some opponents said they hope developers will modify the plan.
Stevenson said residents want the project “rescaled to something appropriate that isn’t something that can devastate a neighborhood.”
The Sacramento City Council does not need to approve the project, but it would have to vote if the commission’s approval is appealed.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel