Sac’s Final Housing Tract Gets All Clear

SACRAMENTO—Sacramento County Local Agency Formation Commission/LAFCo has approved annexation of 589 acres of undeveloped land known as The Panhandle, located in the North Natomas community north of Del Paso Road, south of Elkhorn Boulevard, and bordered by city land on the east and west. This is the last urban residential in-fill area within the city limits and identified in Sacramento’s new growth area.

The 30-day appeal period after the LAFCo vote has passed, so the project has the all clear to move forward with development. The annexation of this property has been in the North Natomas Community Plan for more than 20 years and implements the vision of Sacramento’s general plan by providing for a variety of move-up housing options.

The plan features more than two miles of walking and equestrian trails, bike paths, extended vehicle and pedestrian access, and two school sites. Tentative maps which will divide the property into 1,600 individual residential lots are currently in process with the goal of initial construction starting as early as 2020. John Hodgson, project manager who represents the property owners, Panhandle Owners Group, says the group is talking with homebuilders now and the land is fully entitled with environmental impact reports but the infrastructure may be a year off.

The project will generate an $8 to $9 million contribution to the Sacramento Housing Trust Fund for affordable and inclusive housing. Its location is highly desirable for move-up housing with its diverse lot sizes.

“This in-fill project optimizes land use potential within the city of Sacramento, clearing the path for high-quality homebuilders to build a unique and attractive new community close to major freeways, employment centers and recreation,” said Hodgson.

The Panhandle complements the positive economic factors in North Natomas including the Centene development, which will add up to 5,000 well-paying jobs, and the addition of nearby retail and office commercial. Natomas has the highest percentage population growth in Sacramento, with schools at capacity and summer programs, community events including a Farmers’ Market, a Summer Concert Series, Movie Nights that attract 2,000 on average, and a recent Easter Egg Drop that drew 8,000 community members.

Hodgson says the land was almost approved 11 years ago before the last recession changed all of that.

“Something called the Great Recession hit and the bottom dropped out,” he tells GlobeSt.com. “There was also a flood moratorium in effect. The area grew tremendously during that time and the moratorium was lifted three to four years ago. The city of Sacramento is on a roll right now with many age groups, but Millennials think it’s a lot cooler now. We are ready to rock and roll with this land.”