Sentinel staff report–
During a brief study session on Thursday, Citrus Heights council members opted to direct staff toward pursuing plans for a new gateway arch over Auburn Boulevard after responses from a city survey showed overwhelming support for a version of the archway styled after an arch at Rusch Park.
The arch features a durable steel structure with stone pillars on the sides and a prominent “Welcome to Citrus Heights” message across the arch. The archway is planned to be located on Auburn Boulevard, near Whyte Avenue, roughly situated near California Burger.
Out of three archway options, City Principal Civil Engineer Hunter Young said survey results found 77.8% of respondents strongly supported the Rusch Park-style arch, with only 3% strongly opposed. He also noted that support rose to around 90% after being presented with data showing the option would have the “lowest ongoing maintenance costs and potential for vandalism or climbing.”
Council members also shared their personal comments in favor of the design, noting agreement with the findings in the survey.
“I’m really pleased that the community agreed, I think, with the council on this,” said Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins. “I think it’s a beautiful archway.”
Responding to a common objection heard regarding the arch favoring money being better spent repairing roads, Councilman Tim Schaefer said during the meeting that the majority of funding for the project comes from grant money, which can only be used on specific projects. He said the city is well-aware of the need for repaving roadways, but noted grant restrictions on the use of funds.
Young told council members that the associated second phase of the Auburn Boulevard revitalization project won’t likely begin until early 2023, with a two-year construction phase. He did not have a specific timeline for when the archway would be installed during the construction phase.
