TRANSIT-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT: Cohousing is an example of a transit-friendly infill development that reduces suburban sprawl by using our land resources more intelligently. Transit-friendly developments also strengthen transit (more riders) and local businesses (more customers). Sycamore Village is within 1/8 mile of a bus stop. The Walkability Map shows the proximity of Sycamore Village to transit and shopping. There are also two schools within easy walking distance. Read WalkSacramento endorsement letter. Transit use will be encouraged with a Transit Pass Discount.
According to Land Use Policy LU-14 of the Sacramento County General Plan, land within 1/8 mile of a bus stop should have a minimum density of 10 homes per acre. In conformance with LU-14, Sycamore Village proposes 35 homes on 3.5 acres.
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: Sycamore Village is designed with extensive green features, including energy-efficient design and generous open space. Read about Sustainable Living. Sycamore Village has a smaller footprint and preserves more oak trees than a conventional cul-de-sac development (RD-4). The project has been endorsed by ECOS (Environmental Council of Sacramento), the Sierra Club, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQ), and the Sacramento County Physicians.
Read endorsement letters: ECOS Sierra Club SMAQ Sacramento County Physicians
BETTER FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Neighbors benefit in many ways, including improved safety, reduced traffic, and improved property values. The Common House is available for meetings and gatherings. Read more ...
REDUCES TRAFFIC PERMANENTLY: Unlike road widening, which only reduces traffic temporarily, cohousing and other smart growth projects reduce traffic permanently. Read Mark Dempsey letter to the Orangevale News. The 35 homes of Sycamore Village will not impact traffic significantly. In comparison, the two schools on Illinois have a combined enrollment of 1350 students. Cohousing residents tend to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus whenever possible. More about traffic...
REDUCES URBAN SPRAWL (Smart Growth): As the region grows, we need to concentrate infill in commercial corridors to reduce urban sprawl and to revitalize existing businesses. Read letters to the Bee from future resident Marty Maskall and current property owner Tony Recchia. Both letters point out that the land to the South, on Thelen Court, was rezoned more than 25 years ago, from AR1 (1 home per acre) to RD4 (4 homes per acre), so that the current residents could buy homes there. It is ironic that some of these residents object to any future rezoning.
In order to build 35 homes at a density of 4 homes per acre, 9 acres would be required. In contrast, Sycamore Village, at a density of 10 homes per acre, only needs 3 1/2 acres, thus saving 5 1/2 acres from development. Read more about smart growth and your quality of life.
OFFERS CHOICES FOR SENIORS: Many senior citizens want choices of housing other than assisted living. By having supportive neighbors, seniors can stay active in their own homes much longer. Orangevale will be strengthened by having a new type of housing (cohousing) that is not currently available. Cohousing is particularly attractive to seniors because of the close-knit community, thus meeting an emerging need and enabling retiress to stay in the Orangevale area.
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