BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: July 24, 2012
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA Steering Committee Meeting
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Lori Christensen
Kelly Cohen
Gay Jones
Jim Morgan
Stan Mofjeld
Mary Ann Winters
1. Welcome from the Chair Gay Jones
2. Guest Speaker Judy Robinson, County of Sacramento, Folsom Blvd. the Next 10 Years
Judy Robinson, with Sacramento County, spoke about the recent Folsom Blvd. – the Next 10 Years project. She stated that the County had received a $1 million grant for further planning along transit corridors. By way of background, she stated that the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) did an enormous study of regional travel patterns and growth. The “as is” scenario showed loss of open space, people living everywhere, and horrible congestion. SACOG developed a “blueprint” for a different growth plan that connected land use with transportation. It indicated where to put employment and residential, more intense land use, and more use of existing roadways. In general, it would put residential and employment closer together to reduce commuting. Both need to be closer to transit. Multimodal transportation, including mass transit, walking, and bicycling were emphasized.
Ms. Robinson pointed to the proposed Riverstone Square project as an example of a place for higher densities. Regarding the current state of the Riverstone Square project, she stated that there is no active developer ready to use the site. However, the zoning is in place, and the subdivision map has been granted an extension to 2015.
In response to a question regarding why more money for planning, Ms. Robinson stated that the grant was to examine infrastructure (roads, water, and sewer) to find areas where more intense development would need improved infrastructure. They would then seek additional grants to do construction work. This could include installing or improving sidewalks, including trees and bike lanes.
In response to a question regarding the proposed high-rise residential structure at the Butterfield Light Rail Station parking lot, Ms. Robinson stated that there is no developer for the project, and that altered market conditions did not support the project.
Ms. Robinson stated that the Folsom Blvd. corridor provides the greatest opportunity for more intense development and the Light Rail line is underutilized. There were a number of comments from BRECA members to the effect that the impact on the Butterfield area is excessive. Two BRECA members stated opposition to the proposed pedestrian crossing at the Butterfield Light Rail Station, as the increase in traffic congestion would outweigh benefits to pedestrians at this time. It was suggested that there should be a Light Rail stop at the Rancho Cordova Library.
In response to a question about The Landing proposal, Ms. Robinson that there is no activity on the proposal at this time. They are having a discussion with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) about connecting the FTB site through to Bradshaw Rd. Also, the owners of the The Landing site have purchased a parcel across Oates Dr. from the site in an effort to resolve problems concerning use of Oates Dr. Gay Jones noted that the permit for The Landing ends in 2013 unless they start construction.
In additional discussion about the proposed high-rise at the Butterfield Light Rail Station, Stan Mofjeld stated that he would like to see the policy supporting the project removed.
Ms. Robinson stated that there is a draft Environmental Impact Report being prepared for the Folsom Blvd. Corridor Plan.
3. Minutes of June 26, 2012
Joe O’Connor requested the term “intervenors” be changed to “parties” in the Cal Am Water discussion. Lori Christensen made a motion to adopt the amended minutes. Kelly Cohen seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously.
4. Due to the late hour, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on Friday, August 24, 2012, at the Rancho Cordova Library