Drivers were alerted to expect additional delays due to daytime paving this week on Sunrise Boulevard.
Updated Apr. 11, 10:39 p.m.–
The City of Citrus Heights alerted drivers to expect additional delays along a section of Sunrise Boulevard near Sungarden Drive this week in order to allow for road paving associated with a new signalized intersection project, according to a general services news release on Wednesday.
“The contractor will begin setting up traffic control at 7 a.m. and will be shifting lanes throughout the day,” the news release stated, adding that traffic would be reduced to one lane in each direction on Thursday until 5 p.m.
The paving work was part of a larger project to add a new signalized intersection at Sunrise Boulevard and Sungarden Drive, and has caused lane closures and traffic delays for the past few months.
The City gave final approval on the multi-million dollar “Sunrise/Sungarden Intersection Improvements Project” last October, with the goal of improving traffic safety at a location where the city manager says people have been hit and killed in the past. The project was awarded to Teichert Construction and includes gutter, curb, sidewalk and bus stop improvements along a 1500 foot section of Sunrise Boulevard.
City Management Analyst Regina Cave said scheduling of the April 9th paving during commute hours was necessary due to “temperature restrictions,” and estimates the full Sunrise Boulevard intersection project will “wrap up” by next month.
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The City directs requests for additional information about the project to Regina Cave at (916) 727-4770 or rcave@citrusheights.net.
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission gave unanimous approval Wednesday for a developer’s 5.7-acre proposal to bring several new restaurants, retail stores and a Smart & Final to the old Capital Nursery lot at Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue.
An artistic rendering from Planning Commission documents, showing the proposed new Smart & Final Extra! store at the old Capital Nursery site.
According to the Commission’s agenda packet, the proposal would demolish about 18,000 square feet of existing improvements, and construct nearly 50,000 square feet of commercial buildings in their place — along with adding an equal amount of landscaping, and 276 parking spots.
In addition to the Smart & Final Extra! store, a project description for “Capital Nursery Plaza” lists proposed tenants to be Moe’s Southwest Grill, Black Bear Diner, and potentially a financial institution as well as a “gelato/ice cream/frozen yogurt concept.” The drive-thru restaurant was not identified in the documents, but a use permit was requested to allow it to be in operation 24-hours-a-day.
The six new buildings are designed to have “complementary architectural features,” and range in size between 2,600 and 27,000 square feet, with heights between 21 and 41 feet, according to the proposal.
Although passing a major hurdle this week, a City planner said the project proposal still has permits, paperwork and approvals to get through before work could start.
“It’s possible construction could begin as early as summertime,” said Citrus Heights Associate Planner Nick Lagura, mentioning construction documents and application for a building permit are yet to be submitted for approval. “As soon as our building official is able to approve the permit, the developer can begin construction.”
According to the project description submitted to the Commission, the proposal would bring over 200 permanent new jobs in Citrus Heights, with positions ranging from entry-level to franchise ownership.
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A City design permit analysis determined the proposal to be consistent with several of the City’s General Plan goals, including to “maintain the economic strength of retail centers by focusing retail activities at major intersections,” and to “revitalize and maintain corridors as economically viable and physically attractive.”
According to documents approved by the Commission this week, the developer, Sacto Retail Ventures, LLC, will also be required to provide frontage improvements to both Madison Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard, including new sidewalks, vertical curbs and LED street lights.
The site had been used as a retail nursery center since the 1960’s, but has been vacant for several years.
With the first phase of Auburn Boulevard’s multi-million dollar revitalization effort completed last year, input is being sought at a business meeting this week to help plan “Phase II” of the multi-year face-lift.
‘Phase I’ construction work shown on Auburn Boulevard during in 2014.
Authorized in 2005, the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan corners to Interstate 80 — a corridor that is home to over 200 businesses. Phase 1 work included undergrounding utility wires, adding bus pull-outs and nearly 10,000 feet of bike lanes and sidewalks, planting 230 new street trees, and installing energy-efficient street lights.
Due to the size and scope of the effort, the nearly 2-mile long project was broken into two phases, with Phase 1 covering the section from Sylvan corners to just beyond Antelope Road, and Phase 2 covering the remaining section up to Interstate 80.
After seeking input last year from the Boulevard’s business owners during a “Business Walk” hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and the City, a follow-up business meeting has been scheduled for January 13.
“Do you want to meet fellow business and property owners and learn how to work together to create a vision for Auburn Boulevard?” a Chamber flier for the upcoming meeting asks, mentioning appetizers and drinks will be served. “Please join us on January 13 to learn about different options available to help business and property owners create a vision and work toward common goals.”
About $16.8 million has been spent on the revitalization effort so far, with Phase II construction still not set to begin for “several years,” due to “significant right-of-way acquisition, design and engineering,” according to the City’s website.
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If you plan to go:
Auburn Blvd Business Meeting
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Capitol Mechanical
7300 Auburn Blvd.
Construction sign, road work ahead. Stock photo // Citrus Heights Sentinel.
Updated Feb. 16, 4:55 p.m.–
Wondering what’s going on with one of the local construction projects in Citrus Heights? Here’s a current list of upcoming and ongoing public projects in the city:
Projects expected to begin in 2015:
Sunrise Boulevard Complete Streets Project (Phase 3): An effort to improve pedestrian safety on Sunrise Boulevard, from Antelope Road to the city border with Roseville. “Project will focus on the west side of Sunrise, and construct sidewalk, curb, and gutter; install access ramps and ADA upgrades and medians at the Twin Oaks intersection; modify the median on Sunrise north of Antelope; install street lights; resurface the entire roadway; and re-stripe traffic and bicycle lanes.” (Source: General Services Department)
Estimated cost: $3,985,416
Estimated timeline: Spring 2015, begin work.
Sunrise Boulevard/Sungarden Drive Signalization Improvement Project: Installation of a new light signal, along with gutter, curb and sidewalk improvements, as well as several bus stops. For more, see story: “City gives ‘green light’ for addt’l $2M stoplight on Sunrise Blvd”.
Estimated cost: $1.3-2.6 million
Estimated timeline: Spring 2015, completion.
Mariposa Avenue at Glenn Avenue Creek Bank Restoration Project: Efforts to prevent further creek-bank erosion alongside Cripple Creek.
Estimated cost: $150,000
Estimated timeline: Spring 2015, begin work.
Baird Way Drainage Improvements: Seeking to increase drain capacity and eliminate repeated “nuisance-ponding,” work will include the installation of new drainage inlets and pipes.
Estimated cost: $300,000
Estimated timeline: Spring 2015, begin work.
Parkoaks Creek Bank Restoration Project: Efforts to prevent further creek-bank erosion alongside Brooktree Creek.
Estimated cost: $500,000
Estimated timeline: Spring 2015, begin work.
Twin Oaks/Mariposa Avenue Drainage Improvements Project: Project will add drainage pipes and improve drainage ditches to increase drainage capacity and reduce risk of flooding.
Estimated cost: $850,000
Estimated timeline: Fall, 2014. (Update: work had not begun as of early December, according to GSD)
Canyon Oaks Drive Overland Release: To address potential street flooding and increase property flood protection, work will include new drainage pipes and overland release.
Estimated cost: $250,000
Estimated timeline: Fall 2014, begin work.
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Construction nearing completion or recently completed:
Sunrise Boulevard Bus Stop Improvements Project (Phase 2): Project includes two new bus stops along Sunrise Boulevard at Macy Plaza Drive and Uplands Way.
Estimated Cost: $400,000
Estimated timeline: near completion.
2014 Residential Street Resurfacing: Resurfacing on Valeriana Avenue, Dogwood Way, Ecton Road, Haliburton Court, Kanai Avenue, Morningside Way, Gardenvine Avenue and Peppercress Court. Work includes repairing of deteriorated pavement, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, as well as ADA improvements and utility reconstruction.
Estimated cost: $1,200,000
Estimated timeline: December, 2014.
Area 5 Traffic Safety and Walkability Intersection and Median Project: A two-phase project including “construction of mini-traffic circle and bulb outs” at Spicer and Sperry Drives, as well as various islands and curb extensions in the Park Oaks Neighborhood Association (PONA) area.
Estimated Cost: $693,000
Estimated timeline: near completion.
Citrus Heights Green Parking Lot Demonstration and Monitoring Project: This now-complete project included the retrofitting of the Civic Center parking lot to include “low-impact development” features like bio-swales, rain gardens, and pervious pavement – which allows water to run through the pavement into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff.
Estimated cost: $1,200,000
Estimated timeline: Ribbon-cutting held on Oct. 30, 2014.
Old Auburn Road Multi-use Trail: Designed to encourage more walkability in Citrus Heights, the now-complete project added a 4,100-foot trail alongside Old Auburn Road just east of Fair Oaks Boulevard, featuring a wide, fully paved path for bikes, pedestrians and mobility scooters. For more, see story: “Old Auburn Rd boasts new $1.1M roadside trail”.
Estimated cost: $1,100,000
Estimated timeline: Ribbon-cutting held on Oct. 25, 2014.
Wondering about an on-going project not on this list? Contact us and we’ll look into it.
* Unless otherwise noted, source for information, cost and timeline on projects is the City’s General Services Department.
Planning Commission members listen as Citrus Heights resident Norman Hill addresses concerns about the project, Wednesday night.
In a packed council chamber Wednesday night, the Citrus Heights Planning Commission voted in favor of recommending the city council amend its General Plan and zoning codes, allowing for a controversial proposal to move city hall and construct a three-story medical building in its place.
“I think it went very well,” said Planning Commission Chairman Albert Fox, who voted in favor of the recommendation. “There’s some highly emotional issues involved… and I appreciate and respect those folks for their position.”
The Commission made its nearly unanimous decision after a three-hour meeting that was filled with public comment from over 20 community members, a majority of whom opposed moving city hall.
“I have nothing against a medical office building, just not in this space,” said resident Susan Howell during the public comment portion of the extended, three-hour meeting. “This is our city center. We should keep it that way.”
Council members, business owners and other elected officials gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the completion of “Phase 1” of Auburn Boulevard improvement work.
Council members, business owners and representatives from government agencies gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the long-awaited completion of “Phase 1” of Auburn Boulevard improvement work.
Business owners present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were particularly glad for the completion of the project, and expressed hope for increased business now that new sidewalks are open, power lines are under-grounded and lanes are no longer closed.
“I’m glad it’s done,” said business owner Rocky Moffitt, whose 7440 Club took a hit during the road work outside his doors. “The construction actually has hurt my business during the daytime… but overall it looks great. I love the finished project.”
Authorized in 2005, the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan corners to Interstate 80 — a corridor that is home to over 200 businesses. Due to the size and scope of the effort, the nearly 2-mile long project was broken into two phases, with Phase 1 covering the section from Sylvan corners to just beyond Antelope Road, and Phase 2 covering the remaining section up to Interstate 80.
“We’re not done yet,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner at the event, referring to the upcoming work on “Phase II.” “But this is a huge step in the right direction.”
‘Phase II’ of the project has already received some funding for design work, according to Community and Economic Development Director Rhonda Sherman, and City staff are currently preparing to enter the design stage for this final phase.
Questions about the project can be directed to ABCTeam@citrusheights.net or (916) 727-4770. Updates are also available online at http://www.ABCupdate.net.
If you travel on Auburn Boulevard between 7:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., you may want to consider using another route this week, in light of night paving work that will limit traffic to one lane in each direction.
The paving work is part of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project, and will affect traffic on Auburn Boulevard from Sylvan Corners to Sycamore Drive.
A press release sent out by the City of Citrus Heights said the night paving work is scheduled to take place between the night of Tuesday, June 10, to the morning of Friday, June 13. The release also said that patience is appreciated from those affected by the work.
Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the City’s General Services Department at (916) 727-4770.
Temporary signs put up during construction hope to encourage shoppers to visit businesses on Auburn Blvd.
The first phase of a revitalization effort for Auburn Boulevard is on schedule for completion this summer, with sidewalks scheduled to be done by the beginning of June, and plans underway for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Authorized in 2005, the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan corners to Interstate 80. The nearly 2-mile long project was broken into two phases, with Phase 1 covering the section from Sylvan corners to just beyond Antelope Road, and Phase 2 covering the remaining section up to Interstate 80.
According to the City’s website, the project is “the largest capital improvement project the City has undertaken,” with segments two and three of Phase 1 running about $21 million to complete.
Although hardest to obtain, funding isn’t the only challenge the City has faced in the project.
“The revitalization of Auburn Boulevard is one of the City’s most challenging projects to date,” said Development Specialist Devon Rodriguez, explaining the difficulties of designing and engineering, environmental work, and acquiring right-of-way with property owners – all of which must occur before starting construction.
Although hoping for a boost in business when complete, the construction work necessary to get there has caused a decline in customers for many of the 200 local businesses on Auburn Boulevard.
“It’s killing our business,” said Norca Army Navy Surplus Assistant Manager Vanessa McGuire about the construction outside her Auburn Boulevard store. “People don’t wanna come down this street because traffic’s so bad – they want to avoid it.”
On the positive side, she’s happy that the project undergrounded electrical utilities in front of her store, and expressed relief that business would pick up once construction finishes – although she’s skeptical the project will stay on schedule.
The City acknowledges the problem construction poses for businesses in a 3-page “Toolkit” produced for Auburn Boulevard businesses, calling it a “temporary inconvenience.” The flier stresses, however, that it will “ultimately result in a vastly improved business corridor.”
In addition to construction signs announcing that businesses are open during construction, the City also held weekly “coffee meet-ups” to discuss concerns and needs of business owners affected by the project, but meetings were discontinued this month due to the project nearing completion.
Phase 2 recently receiving grant funding to begin preliminary work, but Rodriguez said construction isn’t likely to begin until 2018, depending on available funding and negotiations with property owners.
