East Sacramento neighbors appeal approval of proposed 6-story apartment project

The future of a proposed six-story apartment complex in East Sacramento could be decided this week as the Sacramento City Council prepares to hear an appeal from residents who say the project is too large for the neighborhood.The development is planned for Alhambra Boulevard between C and D streets and would bring 332 market-rate apartment units to the area. The project would replace the former Mary Ann’s Bakery warehouses and several vacant homes on a block that has sat largely empty for years.The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission approved the project in February, saying it would add much-needed housing. But two separate groups have since appealed that decision to the city council, arguing the building is too tall and incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.Residents who live nearby said they are not opposed to development on the site. Instead, they say they want a project that better matches the scale and character of East Sacramento.“We would love to see something go in on that corner. It’s been empty, and it’s an eyesore,” said Anne Davis, a longtime East Sacramento resident.Still, neighbors said the current proposal would bring significant changes to an area made up mostly of single-family homes.“It would just be a really big change for this neighborhood,” said Erin O’Leary, who lives nearby. “There’s already a lot of traffic coming through here. It’s difficult to find parking sometimes.”Opponents of the project said their concerns include increased traffic, limited parking, privacy, and the overall fit of a six-story building in the neighborhood. Some said they would support a smaller project instead.“It’s going to impact the lighting. You’re going to be able to see in my backyard from the top of that building,” Davis said. “I would be happy to have a three- or a four-story building go up.”Wendy Langsdon, another nearby resident, said she would welcome redevelopment if it were scaled back.“I would love to see something beautifully developed here,” Langsdon said. “But not six stories.”Some neighbors have also taken formal steps to challenge the approval.“We did get someone that did hire an attorney that’s helping us out, and we’re very grateful for that because, you know, it’s just the wrong thing,” said Susan Z’berg, a nearby resident involved in the appeal effort.When the project was approved earlier this year, commissioners said state housing laws limited their ability to reject qualifying developments.“There are some rules that are in place at the state level now, between SB 330 and the Housing Accountability Act, that really do effectively limit the discretion of this commission to say no to housing projects,” Planning Commissioner Dov Kadin said during the February meeting.As the appeal heads to the city council, neighbors said they hope city leaders and developers will still consider changes to the project.“I would hope that the people who are doing this project would just continue to be open to listening to the voices of the neighbors,” O’Leary said.The Sacramento City Council is expected to hear arguments on the appeal during its meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

The future of a proposed six-story apartment complex in East Sacramento could be decided this week as the Sacramento City Council prepares to hear an appeal from residents who say the project is too large for the neighborhood.

The development is planned for Alhambra Boulevard between C and D streets and would bring 332 market-rate apartment units to the area.

The project would replace the former Mary Ann’s Bakery warehouses and several vacant homes on a block that has sat largely empty for years.

The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission approved the project in February, saying it would add much-needed housing. But two separate groups have since appealed that decision to the city council, arguing the building is too tall and incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

Residents who live nearby said they are not opposed to development on the site. Instead, they say they want a project that better matches the scale and character of East Sacramento.

“We would love to see something go in on that corner. It’s been empty, and it’s an eyesore,” said Anne Davis, a longtime East Sacramento resident.

Still, neighbors said the current proposal would bring significant changes to an area made up mostly of single-family homes.

“It would just be a really big change for this neighborhood,” said Erin O’Leary, who lives nearby. “There’s already a lot of traffic coming through here. It’s difficult to find parking sometimes.”

Opponents of the project said their concerns include increased traffic, limited parking, privacy, and the overall fit of a six-story building in the neighborhood. Some said they would support a smaller project instead.

“It’s going to impact the lighting. You’re going to be able to see in my backyard from the top of that building,” Davis said. “I would be happy to have a three- or a four-story building go up.”

Wendy Langsdon, another nearby resident, said she would welcome redevelopment if it were scaled back.

“I would love to see something beautifully developed here,” Langsdon said. “But not six stories.”

Some neighbors have also taken formal steps to challenge the approval.

“We did get someone that did hire an attorney that’s helping us out, and we’re very grateful for that because, you know, it’s just the wrong thing,” said Susan Z’berg, a nearby resident involved in the appeal effort.

When the project was approved earlier this year, commissioners said state housing laws limited their ability to reject qualifying developments.

“There are some rules that are in place at the state level now, between SB 330 and the Housing Accountability Act, that really do effectively limit the discretion of this commission to say no to housing projects,” Planning Commissioner Dov Kadin said during the February meeting.

As the appeal heads to the city council, neighbors said they hope city leaders and developers will still consider changes to the project.

“I would hope that the people who are doing this project would just continue to be open to listening to the voices of the neighbors,” O’Leary said.

The Sacramento City Council is expected to hear arguments on the appeal during its meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m.