District 2 Elk Grove City Council candidate launches anti-supportive housing website
With controversy already stirred on a proposed supportive housing development in Elk Grove’s Old Town Special Planning Area, one candidate for the Elk Grove City Council has leveraged the issue for their campaign.
That candidate is Felipe Martin, who launched the website notooakrose.com, the name of the apartment development on Elk Grove Blvd. That proposed project will offer permanent supportive housing and social services to unhoused individuals.
Since the project surfaced, it has generated substantial opposition from Old Town business owners and nearby residents. As a result, the Elk Grove Planning Commission unanimously denied approval.
Seizing on the issue, Martin posted the following statement on social media:
The Elk Grove Planning Commission voted 5-0 against the Oak Rose Apartments being proposed in Elk Grove next to the New Elk Grove Library. This Oak Rose Apartment project will be presented to the Elk Grove City Council at a future date not yet determined. Get involved and have your voice heard. Ask yourself if this particular location is the best location for the unhoused population. I am sympathetic to the needs of the less fortunate but want to make sure we plan the construction of this facility in a location that is well suited for its residents. I believe it’s necessary to provide temporary shelter and services to get the unhoused population on their feet and off the street. Let your voice be heard. Visit www.notooakrose.com
Like many, Martin says he is sympathetic to the plight of the unhoused population. However, that compassion is qualified based on the location of any facility to help individuals.
This year the District 2 seat will be open with current officeholder Pat Hume running for District 5 of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. The other declared candidate seeking to replace Hume, Consumnes Community Services District Director Rod Brewer, has not publicly commented on the controversy.
Addressing Elk Grove’s expanding homelessness population and this project will be top District 2 and Mayoral election topics this year. Like District 2 candidates, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and other candidates will be confronted by voters on this project and the broader issue of homelessness.
