Stone Beetland-Delta Shores transit-oriented development approved by Sacramento City Council
A housing development adjacent to the Delta Shores in south Sacramento designated as a transit-oriented project was unanimously approved last night by the Sacramento City Council.
The 140-acre development on the north side of Cosumnes River Boulevard east of Interstate 5 will consist of a minimum1,100 housing units, of which over 20 percent have been designated affordable. The project is a transit priority project under 2008’s Senate Bill 375.
Appearing before the city council was land use attorney Nick Avdis, representing developer Taylor Builders, who said this is “one of the largest transit priority projects in the region capitalizing on investments from Regional Transit on the Morrison Creek Light rail station.”
Avdis also noted the project would provide connectivity via streets, pedestrian, and bike trails to the Detroit neighborhood to its north. That neighborhood has only one access point on Meadowview Road.
Additionally, Advis told the council that two-thirds of the residents are within one-half of a mile of the Regional Transit Morrison Creek light rail station. As a transit-oriented plan, four villages will be within the development with higher-density housing closer to the light rail station.
During deliberations, City Councilmember Mai Vang, representing the district, noted the extensive community outreach in developing plans and gathering stakeholder suggestions.
“I want to thank all the community members who have participated,” Vang said. “When there was concern through the process, I appreciate staff and Nick [Advis} and your team in working with our residents so that we can address their concerns.”
Vang also praised the transit-oriented nature of the development. She cited benefits like reduced vehicle miles traveled, neighborhood connectivity, and the addition of affordable housing units.
“This project is going to allow connectivity to [the] Detroit neighborhood,” she added.
Interestingly, Mayor Darrell Steinberg shepherded SB 375 through its 2011 approval and reminisced about a debate with then California State Senator Tom McClintock, now a U.S. Congressman.
“He said, ‘This is the worst bill in history because it is going to discourage development,'” Steinberg said. “He might have referred to it as socialism.”
See Steinberg’s commentary below.
