Preservation Commission Meeting Summary - June 17, 2020

The Sacramento Preservation Commission held a virtual meeting on June 17, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting included a consent calendar, two major discussion items (the Draft West Broadway Specific Plan and Memorial Auditorium Loading Dock Improvements), and several receive-and-file items. The commission received extensive public comment on the West Broadway Specific Plan, which addresses the future of the New Helvetia Historic District and adjacent public housing. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 19, 2020): Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Miller, passed unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 – West Broadway Specific Plan:
  • Lora Grievious (attorney, nonprofit legal services) expressed opposition to demolition of public housing, citing displacement risks from the Twin Rivers project. She argued that rehabilitation and density increases are possible without demolition and that tenants lack adequate relocation protections.
  • William Burg (President, Preservation Sacramento) supported preserving New Helvetia as a city historic district, stating that the city’s EIR frames demolition as the preferred alternative. He noted that infill and density can be achieved while maintaining the historic district.
  • Loree Stetson (Upper Land Park Neighbors) clarified that the historic district nomination was intended to preserve the community, not limit density. She argued that the city’s proposed street grid would guarantee demolition of historic buildings and urged the commission to reject the plan as drafted.
• Item 3 – Memorial Auditorium Loading Dock:
  • Richard C. (Friends of Memorial Auditorium) raised concerns about color and design compatibility, suggesting the proposed terracotta and concrete panels do not complement the historic brick. He requested further refinements to the design.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: Draft West Broadway Specific Plan (LP18-009) – The commission reviewed and commented on the plan’s goals and policies. Staff presented the plan’s vision for a connected street grid, infill development, and preservation of historic resources. A key issue was the future of the New Helvetia Historic District (Alder Grove public housing). Commissioners and public speakers debated whether the plan’s assumption of eventual demolition is appropriate. Commissioners expressed concerns that the plan encourages demolition over rehabilitation and that the street grid is incompatible with historic preservation. Several commissioners urged the city to study a preservation alternative (the “Cody Anderson” plan) and to list New Helvetia in the Sacramento Register. Commissioner Lemon recused himself due to a conflict of interest. No vote was taken; the item was for review and comment only.
• Item 3: Memorial Auditorium Loading Dock Improvements (M20-005) – The commission reviewed a concept design to make the temporary loading dock permanent. The design uses terracotta, concrete, and copper panels to complement the historic building while remaining reversible. Public comment raised concerns about color and the reuse of historic doors. Commissioners suggested simplifying the panelized system, adding a cornice element, and reconsidering the reuse of historic doors. No vote was taken.
• Item 4: Preservation Director’s Comments on State Resources Building Replacement Project Draft EIR – Carson Anderson summarized his comment letter, which criticized the EIR for not fully analyzing a rehabilitation alternative. The item was received and filed. Commissioners Lemon, Cruiess-Miller, and Valania recused themselves.
• Item 5: Final Certified Local Government 2018-2019 Annual Report – The commission received and filed the final report, which had been reviewed in prior draft meetings.
• Item 6: Director’s Report – Carson Anderson reported on the virtual California Preservation Conference (May 2020) and noted upcoming topics for August, including development review streamlining related to SB 35 and SB 330. He also mentioned reappointment delays due to council subcommittee inactivity and two submissions for CPF Preservation Design Awards (Shasta Hotel and Bellevue Apartments). The report was received and filed.

Key Outcomes

• West Broadway Specific Plan: Commissioners expressed strong support for preserving the New Helvetia Historic District and urged the city to study a preservation alternative and consider a Sacramento Register listing. Individual commissioners will submit written comments to staff.
• Memorial Auditorium Loading Dock: Commissioners provided design suggestions (simplify paneling, add cornice, avoid reusing historic doors on the facade) but no formal vote was taken.
• Other Items: The meeting included no votes on discussion items; only receive-and-file actions occurred. The commission will next meet in August 2020.