203 replies to this topic

[supermom]

It isn't my intent to prevent development there, but to make sure when S50 is developed that area contributes towards its fair share of its impacts. It just seems logical to try and incorporate these needs into the initial planning process rather than come back after the fact and allow it into existing neighborhoods where it was never planned to be located.

Remember, the applicant is asking for a rezone, there is NO law that requires the council to do so. The council could just as easily designate this type of zoning S50 in an area prior to approving a Developer agreement for the land. Naturally, the landowners there probably would NOT be very supportive of this type of facility in their project as it may lower values around the facility.

mmm.. I wasn't negating your idea, I think that putting a mental area in a historic portion of old town with it's protected quaint atmosphere is a negative. I was however being sarcastic about the owls and empty land if the property was originally zoned for a residential looney area. I think perhaps giving one area open to development and not offering it as family dwelling but rather shopping, clinics and mental or medical way homes would be a better approach. Particularly if it had a large golfcoarse around it so as so seclude the more negative side effects of placing mentally challenged persons in their first "home atmosphere" with all the side effects that will understandably come with it. I don't presume to think for one bit that these persons cannot offer society a positive impact- I am merely worried about how they get to that point when around neighborhood kids.

[Suzyque565]

Question: Why is the Historic District the only area of Folsom that has the optional zone possibilities? Why can't a mental housing unit be placed in Empire Ranch, Natoma Station, hey, maybe El Dorado Hills could put one in Serrano? Oh, that's because that's where City Council members might be living, right? The Historic part of town is the oldest part of town, the foundation of this town, the history of this town, but that doesn't mean that we should now be the ones receiving the bottom-of-the-barrel of businesses.

[Orangetj]

If this housing passes it will no longer be a town where it will be safe to walk. So if this does pass, housing in place, tenents move in... safety issues begin, children are at risk of mental health people standing on the side of a school yard exposing themselves, worse yet, a child is accosted, housing market in "old town" goes totally down the dumps... can we sue the Developers/Owners/Landlords/City and list the reason as " I TOLD YOU SO" ?

Did you know that when McClellean AFB was in full swing that the neigbhorhoods surrounding it in North Highlands were all new houses, young families and it was considered a nice place to live. Now look at it, are we going to become the next "North Highlands"?

This seems a bit sensational to me. While I don't think having this project in place will do anything to help the neighborhood, I also think it's a bit much to believe that it will suddenly transform Folsom into a place where it isn't safe to walk.

To compare this project to the closing of McClellan doesn't make sense, either. McClellan AFB served as an employment hub for a very large number of people. It's shutdown had an immeasurably larger impact on the surrounding area than 19 apartments could possibly have on the housing market here. Perhaps if Intel, Aerojet, the entire office park at Blue Ravine and Folsom Blvd and the shopping centers out on E. Bidwell simultaneously closed we would suffer an impact similar what happened in the McClellan area.

[supermom]

Question: Why is the Historic District the only area of Folsom that has the optional zone possibilities? Why can't a mental housing unit be placed in Empire Ranch, Natoma Station, hey, maybe El Dorado Hills could put one in Serrano? Oh, that's because that's where City Council members might be living, right? The Historic part of town is the oldest part of town, the foundation of this town, the history of this town, but that doesn't mean that we should now be the ones receiving the bottom-of-the-barrel of businesses.

'coarse we could just go and build it right next to the light rail tracks, or McDonalds, or the movie theatre, cause I think it is actually a business even if they want to claim its residential!

[supermom]

Perhaps if Intel, Aerojet, the entire office park at Blue Ravine and Folsom Blvd and the shopping centers out on E. Bidwell simultaneously closed we would suffer an impact similar what happened in the McClellan area.

Well, on the other hand we are not necessarily discussing the homes being gutted and being foreclosed on (the banks don't need help from pyschos for that) but I do think you missed a valid argument here, even if it seems a bit over the top to you. By allowing a mental facility near an established area how are we not opening ourselves to human kinds mental sludge?
Think about this. What would stop a convicted sex offender from placing a law suit on the city and stating that the city full knew the implications of putting a mental facility near two schools, churches and day care centers; which ordinarily sex offenders are not allowed to live in? What if that sex offender is homeless and requests mental help and wants to be placed in one of those apartments? Have we not just conflicted with the ADA law, on not discrimminating against someone who has a disability-(which some have already started saying that sex predators do have rights as a mental patient). Oh well, I guess the people who built those homes 50 years ago have every right to try to resell their property - at a significantly lower value.

[EDF]

I fell asleep watching the City Council meeting...

so how did they vote on this issue....

It seems the crowd that supported this thing came with guns a blazing... and issued lots of insults that they think we are a bunch of bigoted... racists... and cold hearted bastards....

except that none of them will be living next to this facility and I found out that they want the City of Folsom to pony up about 2 mil and that this facility will not even give priority to FOLSOM residents first because that would be "discrimination"...

I was especially taken a back by an El dorado hills couple who have a brother in one of these facilties... this guy works and has his business here... but he don't live here...I think that says something about him... maybe we should put up there in Serano or the Promonotory....

somebody get back to me on this one...

[camay2327]

((( copied from other Forum )))


Folsom City Council members said they are prepared to approve a controversial 19-unit apartment complex for people with mental illnesses, but only if the project meets city design standards.

The council also voted Tuesday night to commit only $200,000 in funding for the Folsom Oaks complex proposed at 809 Bidwell St., just outside the city's historic district. The sum is considerably less than the $2.2 million requested by the applicant, Transitional Living and Community Support Inc.

The $200,000, council members said, would be consistent with the approximately $10,000 per unit that the city has provided for other affordable housing projects. The $2.2 million, amounting to more than $117,000 per unit, would be excessive, they argued.

[supermom]

((( copied from other Forum )))
Folsom City Council members said they are prepared to approve a controversial 19-unit apartment complex for people with mental illnesses, but only if the project meets city design standards.

The council also voted Tuesday night to commit only $200,000 in funding for the Folsom Oaks complex proposed at 809 Bidwell St., just outside the city's historic district. The sum is considerably less than the $2.2 million requested by the applicant, Transitional Living and Community Support Inc.

The $200,000, council members said, would be consistent with the approximately $10,000 per unit that the city has provided for other affordable housing projects. The $2.2 million, amounting to more than $117,000 per unit, would be excessive, they argued.

humpf....I think someone got cold feet about committing either way. What a sorry compromise.

[EDF]

humpf....I think someone got cold feet about committing either way. What a sorry compromise.

looks to me like they didn't want to spark up a stinking lawsuit....

maybe they can use the "design standards" as a way to stop it... but probably not....

of course if it was going to be next to their homes... I wonder if they would have found a reason to stop it...

i'm pretty tired of the council not finding ways to stop something that is unpopular with local residents...

the zoning doesn't comply with the existing general plan does it... and they could have denied the "re-zone" couldn't they have...?

I didn't stay awake to listen to their reasoning... but I could see Starsky was going to go out of his way to help them... of course he did pretend that he was a bit outraged that the proponents were bad mouthing the opponents... and made the point that "we just don't know" and that is why we were against it....

BS... we do know... and that's why the folks that live there were against it...

[Duke]

I fell asleep watching the City Council meeting...

so how did they vote on this issue....

except that none of them will be living next to this facility and I found out that they want the City of Folsom to pony up about 2 mil and that this facility will not even give priority to FOLSOM residents first because that would be "discrimination"...

Presumably, it will immediately reach capacity. From the Nami-Sacramento website:

"Support Folsom Oaks Apartments
There is no affordable housing in Folsom for people with special needs. Folsom Oaks Apartments is a planned apartment development for the disabled providing affordable housing and supportive services. Attend the Folsom City Council's readings of the planned rezone and encourage the Council to approve this project. There are already 158 low income people who may be eligible.

This hearing has been postponed until
Tuesday, Mar. 27 - 6:30 PM
to give constituents time to lobby the council members.
Hearing location:
Folsom City Hall
50 Natoma Street
Folsom CA 95630

Please phone, write, email or fax the Folsom City Council and City Manager with your support.

FAX 355-7328 OR CALL:

Andy Morin, Mayor, 355-8302
Eric King, 355-8302
Kerri Howell, 983-0675
Steve Miklos, 355-8302
Jeff Starsky, 355-8302
Kerry Miller, City Manager,
355-7220

Send a copy of any emails or letters to Loaves & Fishes."

[Robert Giacometti]

looks to me like they didn't want to spark up a stinking lawsuit....

maybe they can use the "design standards" as a way to stop it... but probably not....

of course if it was going to be next to their homes... I wonder if they would have found a reason to stop it...

i'm pretty tired of the council not finding ways to stop something that is unpopular with local residents...

the zoning doesn't comply with the existing general plan does it... and they could have denied the "re-zone" couldn't they have...?

I didn't stay awake to listen to their reasoning... but I could see Starsky was going to go out of his way to help them... of course he did pretend that he was a bit outraged that the proponents were bad mouthing the opponents... and made the point that "we just don't know" and that is why we were against it....

BS... we do know... and that's why the folks that live there were against it...

If the existing zoning was such that it allowed this type of housing then there shouldn't be any complaints from anyone. However, since the Council is choosing to rezone this parcel, IMHO the neighborhood has every right to be up in arms about this decision.

I'm supportive of having this type of housing in Folsom, but build it where its supposed to be built in its original and permitted zoning.

Require the applicant find the site within the appropriate zoning rather than cater to the applicant by rezoning land while altering the General Plan and against the wishes and desires of the neighborhood.

Clearly the Council can deny this zoning change, but they are choosing to do so.

Different types of housing should be dispersed throughout Folsom and not just concentrated in the Historic District as this rezone does.

[4thgenFolsomite]

If the existing zoning was such that it allowed this type of housing then there shouldn't be any complaints from anyone. However, since the Council is choosing to rezone this parcel, IMHO the neighborhood has every right to be up in arms about this decision.

I'm supportive of having this type of housing in Folsom, but build it where its supposed to be built in its original and permitted zoning.

Require the applicant find the site within the appropriate zoning rather than cater to the applicant by rezoning land while altering the General Plan and against the wishes and desires of the neighborhood.

Clearly the Council can deny this zoning change, but they are choosing to do so.

Different types of housing should be dispersed throughout Folsom and not just concentrated in the Historic District as this rezone does.

Robert, you just got my vote for city council...

[lisasellshouses]

More dissapointing news on the Historic District

http://www.sacbee.co...ory/101591.html

I think these recent developments (starbucks and low income housing) are tragic to the momentum the Historic District Revitalization effort has attained.

We call this area the "jewel of the city", and yet it's apparently becoming another strip mall and dumping ground for the housing nobody else wants.

Just to clear a few things up:

I was at this meeting and it lasted until 11:45. approx 40 people talked at this meeting. I would say have for it and half opposed.

according to jeff starsky: regards to the zoning: it is really just a renaming of the zoning.

1. the area is currently zoned to handle an apt up to 25 units but the name of the zone is outdated and does not exist under the current names.

2. the city coucil by law must change it to meet the general plan. and the general plan says multi family up to 25 units.

3. so the rezoning is something they must do. Since the owner of the property is asking for the rezone, it will more than likely occur.


In regards to not making a decision: that was dictated by the way these things get approved or not approved. Appears there is a legal way and they could not legally make the decision that night.

they spent 30 minutes just going over the legal way to handle it.

I am researching this topic for a class I am taking at Folsom Lake. I took over 5 pages of typed notes on my computer during the meeting.

I would be happy to share them with anyone.

[lisasellshouses]

The first thing I will ask each of you: What would you do if this was your Mother, Father, Sister, Brother or child?

This is very personal but I feel i must share this info.

My sister, who is 41, is one of the 158 people who live in Folsom and are being served by Sac County Mental Health .

She would benefit from this type of housing. She is bipolar. ( she takes 4 different types of medication) She is currently coming out of a severe depression that twice nearly took her life in August.

She currently lives with me and my family ( my husband and 3 daughters)since with a disability income of $605 dollars month, she can not afford to live on her own.

She applied for SSD and was approved. She will now get $715 a month, period. She has worked off and on over the years when her illness allowed her. right now it does not.

We have lived with this devistating illness since she was about 13. she has lived on her own over the years, sometimes with roommates.

She came to live with me in Sept. when her medication was no longer accurate. We needed to have her close to family to help her. She had been living 2 hours away.

We struggled for several months to get her medication adjusted and believe me, it is not easy. Chemicals for the brain are difficult. Some work for others and some dont.

We feel that in about 6 months she should be at the point to live on her own again. What do I do? She can not afford to live on her own and we can not afford to fully support her.

I would like her to stay in our community.Having her closer to us, helps us keep on top of her and her medications. I would prefer to not ship her off to some other part of the county. I belive in helping those currently in my community.

Please explain to me why she should not live in our city?

I think if you have never had this type of disease or illness in your family, you will never see its true devasation. " walk in my shoes before you cast judgement".

This disease will never go away. With proper medication, counseling, family and community support, she can hope to have a "normal" life. Many do and many successfully manage their disease.

She is not a threat to anyone and in fact is so very sweet.

But here are some of the facts:

this apt complex is designed for those that are successfully managing their illness. It is not for those with criminal backgrounds, violence or drug histories.The screening criteria is very strict. How many apartment complexes are u aware of that can legally do a criminal background on their potential tenants?

Those that have this type of illness can do very well when they live in an environment with others that share their illness. Having a manager there 8-5, supporting those that live there, can keep them on the right path.

I could probably go on for several more pages but I wanted to share this.

But I leave with this last question?

If an apt complex was being petitioned to house the sight impaired, hearing impaired, or mentally challenged who successfully can live independantly, would we be fighting it?

There is a terrible stigma about mental illness and it is time we stopped this stigma. Not all people with mental illness are criminals.

"These people " are our Mother, Fathers, Brothers and sisters.

[Suzyque565]

Lisa;
Speaking for myself, you have answered one question that I've had all along regarding this complex. When the public is not informed properly then perhaps we do jump to conclusions in the wrong way. I have wanted to hear the details of who would be living there, illnesses, etc. Not so much of what types of illnesses but perhaps to what degree. The spectrum of illnesses is wide and while some like your sister are managable, I was more concerned with tennents with unmanagable issues, and the safety concerns that would bring. I waited to hear or read from the city council of what the plans were but all I kept hearing was zoning issues. I can understand your point and commend you for wanting to help. There is still one question that I have, will there be someone living there that will be monitoring these people?