Elk Grove to Pursue Phased Development of Old Town Plaza Events Site

Old Town Plaza Elk Grove

December 10, 2015 |

Noting their desire to develop the proposed Old Town Plaza site but acknowledging the lack of funding, the Elk Grove City Council last night directed staff to initiate a phased plan to develop the Old Town facility.

The Old Town Plaza as it is now called is located on a parcel the City of Elk Grove purchased from Union Pacific Railroad. The parcel is located on Elk Grove Boulevard on the east side of the railroad tracks that bisect the Old Town Special Planning area.

During her presentation to the Council, Special Projects Planner Pam Johns laid out a proposed site plan that would include several amenities including an open-air pavilion, a stage, grass area and open areas. That configuration, Smith said, could be developed in phases and after final build-out could accommodate a variety of functions including outdoor concerts, events like the annual chili cook-off and the monthly food truck gatherings.

Council Member Steve Detrick opened deliberations saying he liked the conceptual plan but was concerned how construction would be funded.

"This is something we need to draw people to Old Town," Detrick said. "The issue is the funding mechanism."

Detrick went on to say he would prefer to have the site developed all at once rather than in phases. Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis and Council Member Pat Hume disagreed saying they would prefer to develop the site in phases so some progress can be shown.

After further deliberation, the council unanimously agreed to develop the site in phases. Hume noted that by doing the first phase, the site could get cleaned-up while the city searches for funding.

The staff report estimated the total cost of developing the site is $9.6 million. The first phase, which costs $550,000 is being funded by a Housing-Related Parks Program Grant and from general reserves while the balance is unfunded.

Phase I of the project includes the following:

  • Build a permanent restroom that is easily accessible from Elk Grove Boulevard, including water and sewer lines 
  • Build a new concrete walkway for ADA accessibility; 
  • Remove the existing planter to connect the walkway to the sidewalk
  • Level the existing surfacing in the plaza, allowing for improved use of the site by pedestrians and use as an interim parking lot until the Phase III improvements are completed.

The project will come back to the council in May 2016 as an amendment to the current years's capital improvement projects budget.







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4 comments

Ice Rink said...

I'm glad that this project will take shape. Old Town is a real gem and the shops offer a tremendous selection of nail spas, hair salons, print shop, even a funeral home! Come one, come all!

Anonymous said...

"That configuration, Smith said, could be developed in phases and after final build-out could accommodate a variety of functions including outdoor concerts, events like the annual chili cook-off and the monthly food truck gatherings".

If I'm not mistaken those functions are/have been held the last few years without spending a dime. Bring it back in May..another unfinished project to add to the growing list. I'm beginning to think our council just likes to hear themselves talk.


Anonymous said...

They could build a world class indoor shooting range to attract the Olympic rifle trials.

The facility could be used for self defense training when not in use for the Olympics.

Anonymous said...

waste of tax dollars. money should have been used to build low income appartments.

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