Yamanee Midrise Approved Again

Round two of the Yamanee approval saga was a mighty blow to those trying to protect midtown from 14-story midrise. This last stand for preservationist and neighborhood associations ended as it began, with the city standing behind the proposal. The united City Council voted in favor of the condominium project despite its height, which would be about 76 feet taller than an apartment complex across the street.

The developer now needs to get financial backing and permits before demolition of the existing buildings can begin. If all goes as planned, the developer hopes to break ground in spring of 2017. As I have said before, this project along with others in the proposal process might not get built because of slowing market conditions, but this seems to be a common occurrence here in Sacramento where economic cycles peak about the time when many developers begin the proposal process. The last cycle left more than a dozen projects on the drawing board downtown as the economy took a dive.

Third Party Appeal: Yamanee Mixed-Use Project

After gaining approval to build from the city’s Planning and Design Commission on May 12, the city Council will hear a third party appeal lead by William Burg, President, Preservation Sacramento Board of Directors. William who is a self-proclaimed “Hindrance to Development” on several local forums has cobbled together several people and small activist groups who strongly oppose the project. While on the other hand, support for the project is solid and encompasses many small business and residence in the area.

Support for this project is broad; it’s being praised for its architecture, smart density, more housing, and bring an up upscale development to midtown. The public hearing scheduled for next Tuesday the 14^th and should be a hoot. The City Council usually does not overrule the commission, so the preservation and neighborhood associations will have an uphill battle to sway the council. 

City Council hearing agenda for June 14th