Sacramento Planning & Design Commission Meeting - June 13, 2024

The Planning and Design Commission met on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 5:34 p.m. (adjourned at 9:06 p.m.) to consider a consent calendar and eight public hearing items, including several alcohol sales permits, a private school, a hotel development, and a third-party appeal of a large mixed-use high-rise project near the American River Parkway. The meeting included a land acknowledgement, pledge of allegiance, and the director's report.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Minutes (May 23, 2024): Approved by a vote of 8-0-1 (Chair Wallace abstained, Commissioners Chase, Lamas, and Macias Reed absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 – Gateway Oaks Hotel: Alexander Hampton (North Cal Carpenters Union) expressed concern about worker mistreatment and wage theft, urging the developer to ensure fair labor practices.
• Item 5 – Alma Wine Bar & Shop: Two speakers (L'Orielle Pinky and C. Jeff Newton) opposed the project, citing oversaturation of alcohol licenses (28 of 4 allowed in the area), proximity to William Land Elementary School and a church, and potential impacts on the historic Richmond Grove neighborhood. They noted the area's residential character and the need to preserve it.
• Item 8 – American River One (Third-Party Appeal): Seven speakers: Penelope Larry (pastor) supported the project for housing, economic development, and jobs; Matt Kelly (North Cal Carpenters) voiced cautious optimism but raised concerns about construction worker treatment; Robert Habean (architect) supported the project as a sustainable, well-funded gateway development; Devin Strucker (River District executive director and resident) urged approval, noting the project's catalytic potential and proximity to transit; Betsy Wyland (Save the American River Association) opposed the appeal, arguing the project would harm the parkway through visual intrusion, noise, light pollution, and increased human activity; attorney Matt Chalmers argued the project lacks proper CEQA review and consistency with the American River Parkway Preservation Act.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – The Market at The Mill (Alcohol & Tobacco): Staff recommended approval of alcohol sales (Type 21 license) and denial of tobacco sales due to proximity to schools and parks. The applicant emphasized limited alcohol selection and focus on fresh food. Approved without public comment. Vote: 9-1 (Commissioner Lamas abstained, Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 3 – Capital Innovations Academy (Private School): Staff recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a 6th-12th grade private school operating without a permit since 2015. No public comments. Approved unanimously 10-0 (Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 4 – Gateway Oaks Hotel: Staff recommended approval of a PUD amendment and site plan for a 200-room, 115,606 sq ft hotel. Commissioner Lamas noted participation in an email thread with community members. Public comment raised labor concerns. Approved unanimously 10-0 (Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 5 – Alma Wine Bar & Shop: Staff recommended approval of a Type 42 license for a wine bar with a focus on education and community. Multiple commissioners disclosed ex parte contacts. Public comment opposed the project. Discussion focused on oversaturation, community character, and police department conditions. Approved 10-0 (Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 6 – Guru Farms Market Alcohol Sales: Staff recommended approval to add distilled spirits to existing beer/wine sales. The applicant noted no disciplinary history in 25 years. No public comments. Approved unanimously 10-0 (Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 7 – Gold Star Market Alcohol Sales: Staff recommended approval to add distilled spirits. Two opposition comments received. Discussion clarified police department recommendations (limiting container sizes, lighting, etc.). Approved unanimously 10-0 (Chase and Macias Reed absent).
• Item 8 – American River One (Third-Party Appeal): Staff recommended denial of the appeal and approval of the project (787-unit mixed-use high-rise, deviations, tree permit). The appellant argued the project is not exempt from CEQA and violates the American River Parkway Preservation Act. The city attorney and staff defended the statutory exemption under CEQA Section 21155.4 (Sustainable Communities Project) and noted prior environmental review. Commissioner Kadin recused himself. Extensive discussion on impacts to the parkway, housing need, and legal exemptions. Approved 9-0 (Kadin recused, Chase and Macias Reed absent).

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Consent Calendar approved (8-0-1).
• Item 2: Approved alcohol CUP, denied tobacco CUP (9-1).
• Item 3: Capital Innovations Academy CUP approved (10-0).
• Item 4: Gateway Oaks Hotel PUD amendment and site plan approved (10-0).
• Item 5: Alma Wine Bar & Shop CUP approved (10-0).
• Item 6: Guru Farms Market distilled spirits CUP approved (10-0).
• Item 7: Gold Star Market distilled spirits CUP approved (10-0).
• Item 8: Third-party appeal denied, project approved (9-0, with Commissioner Kadin recused).

Director's Report

• Greg Sandlund noted the city council adopted the new fiscal year budget, which included reshuffling staff to create a senior planner focused on housing policy and restored funding for the Neighborhood Development Action Team.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioner Blunt wished a happy Father's Day and acknowledged the passing of Joan Burke, advocate for homeless families.

Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda

• None.