City Council Gives Approval, Takes It Back

SACRAMENTO-The Sacramento City Council reversed its recent approval of a Target shopping center in North Natomas at a meeting this week, telling the developers to redesign the project to make it compatible with a planned light rail station next door.

This reversal came three weeks after the city council voted 6-3 to give approval to the Target center. Since the original decision, the council has been hit with harsh criticism from the public for approving the project, despite the negative effect it would have on the North Natomas Community Plan. Transit officials also complained that it would hinder plans for a new light rail project connecting downtown to the airport.

The developer, E.J. Plesko & Assoc., originally proposed rezoning a 25-acre parcel on Truxel Road to build a 125,000-sf Target store, as well as several smaller stores and restaurants.

The shopping center would be beneficial to the area, according to the developer, because it would bring in sales tax revenues and provide a much-needed shopping area for North Natomas residents.

Transit officials immediately expressed concern to the city council that the project, which would include a large parking lot next to the planned light rail station, would hamper the light rail project by decreasing the area’s chances for federal funds.

Finally a compromise agreement was reached at last night’s city council meeting. A revised project was recommended, which could include retail, offices and housing that are designed in a way that will not reduce the planned light rail project.

It is up to the developers to come up with an alternate plan that will gain council approval…again.