City Council backs McKinley Village after marathon debate

Sacramento Business Times

From the article:

A high-profile housing development won approval from a divided Sacramento City Council on Tuesday night after a passionate debate about how it could change surrounding neighborhoods — and what sacrifices the city should make to fight sprawl.

After five hours of testimony and discussion, six council members voted in favor of McKinley Village — with the area's representative, Steve Cohn, opposing it along with Kevin McCarty and Angelique Ashby.

Residents — most adamantly critical — filled the chamber. Many said the $130 million infill project would snarl traffic in McKinley Park, East Sacramento and midtown. They also said they worried about effects on the environment and the health of future residents.

Said resident Terry Kastanis: "I agree infill is an honorable goal — but not for this site. ... This project shouldn't be proposed for anyone's backyard."

Former state treasurer Phil Angelides and partners, including The New Home Co., proposed the 336-home project for a 49-acre industrial site wedged between a Union Pacific rail line and the Capital City Freeway north of East Sacramento.

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