Point person for Oak Rose supportive housing opponents thanks Elk Grove mayor, city staff for moving project
Even though the final details have not been revealed, much less approved, opponents of the controversial Oak Rose supportive housing project declared victory during the January 10, 2024, Elk Grove City Council meeting.
Elk Grove activist Randy Bekker, the defacto point person for opponents of the affordable supportive housing project, spoke during public comment. Mr. Bekker thanked Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, her four city councilmen, her city manager Jason Berhmann, and her city attorney Jonathan Hobbs for moving the project out of Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove (see video below).
Some opponents of the Oak Rose project characterized the possible residents of the facility as child molesters, rapists, and drug addicts. They said the facility should be moved to another location in Elk Grove to ensure safety for Old Town residents and businesses.
Based on the demands the Oak Rose opponents placed on them, even though they faced a lawsuit from the project’s developer, Long Beach, Calif.-based Excelerate Housing, the mayor and city council announced on Tuesday, January 9, they had convinced them to accept a land swap. The parcels and the terms the city has offered have not been released.
When announcing the negotiations breakthrough, it was said to be a “settlement in principle.” It has been emphasized that the settlement is not finalized, and details will be revealed at the city council’s January 24 meeting.
Calls to Excelerate Housing seeking verification of the city’s claim there is a “settlement in principle” have not been returned.
While Bekker was the main speaker, another opponent thanked the city for moving what many said would be a menacing presence in their neighborhood.
“I would like to thank the council members for all the hard work that they put in to our endeavors of doing what we need to do and how we need to do it in our little town that we have,” Brian Coulson said to a round of applause.
