Guest Commentary – The intent of Oak Rose Apartments is good but the location, site design set the project up for failure
By Rod Brewer |
Elk Grove needs to step up with supportive housing for homeless individuals, but a current proposal to do just that in Old Town Elk Grove misses the mark on how best to achieve that goal.
Last month, I received information about the proposed Oak Rose Apartments from my friend, longtime resident of East Elk Grove, Randy Bekker. The purpose of the three story, 67-bed apartment complex is geared towards connecting homeless individuals with mental health challenges with supportive housing services through HOPE Collaborative. However, the proposed property location in Old Town Elk Grove and other technical issues present policy and safety challenges that make this proposal not feasible.
In my 12 years on the Cosumnes CSD Board, I have learned that communication with all interested stakeholders, on any issue, is a key ingredient towards coming to a pragmatic solution. In this case, based on the facts presented by city staff to the Elk Grove Planning Commission, rejecting the applicant’s proposal was the best option.
I was there for the June 2 Planning Commission meeting seated right next to Randy. I believe the Planning Commissioners were correct. Further, it is also my understanding that the project applicants did not provide outreach with community and business leaders in Old Town to discuss the project, its intentions, or how they can provide behavioral health services for its tenants who are looking to get their lives back on track. This becomes especially concerning to me when I think about just how close people who may be struggling with addiction will be to bars and microbreweries.
From my perspective, the intent of the program is good, however, the location and site design set the project up for failure. It is important for the project applicant to collaborate with all the aforementioned parties to find a solution that better meets the community’s needs and allows for the protection of the integrity of Old Town Elk Grove.
While I agree with the Planning Commission about this particular proposal to help our unhoused residents, I will continue to listen, learn and look for balanced solutions and engage with our community and elected leaders to identify ways to help get more people on the path toward self-reliance.
Rod Brewer is an elected member of the Cosumnes Community Services District Board of Directors and candidate for District 2 on the Elk Grove City Council.
