909 12th Street, Suite 203, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-9255 • www walksacramento org
It's also notable that the eight houses on Street A have very limited "eyes on the street," relying upon second-story bedrooms for street views. The garages should be accessed by alleys so the active living space in the houses face the street.
Rio Linda Boulevard Crossings A few of the parcels on the west side of Rio Linda Boulevard and just south of the project site are designated Suburban Center. When commercial uses are constructed on those parcels, there will be more Robla Estates residents wanting to cross Rio Linda Boulevard at the proposed roundabout. With a 45-mph speed limit, four traffic lanes, and crosswalks set two car lengths from the yield lines, people may have difficulty crossing at the roundabout. Adding beacons and moving the crosswalks closer to the yield line may improve the crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Single-Story House Plans The pl
an drawings and the Project Narrative don’t indicate whether Robla Estates will have only two-story houses or a mix of one-story and two-story houses. Many people moving into a neighborhood have a desire to stay long term, but if there are only two- story houses with all bedrooms on the second floor, residents will not be able to "age in place" and they'll have to leave the community when they can no longer climb stairs. Adding single- stor
y houses to the development will facilitate "aging in place." In summary, we recommend:
• Pl
ant trees along the public streets to the densest spacing possible to improve the pedestrian environment and mitigate for the unshaded private alleys. • Provide additional points of access to the Sacramento northern Bike Trail and the Robla Creek Trail.
• Ensure that all house plans that are side-on to public street Circle B have good "eyes on the street," and the lotting on Street A should be changed so the entry door and living room face the street.
• Improve the pedestrian crossings at the roundabout.
• Add one
or more single-story plans to the housing mix.
WALKSacramento is working to support increased physical activity such as walking and bicycling in local neighborhoods as well as helping to create community environments that support walking and bicycling. The benefits include improved public health and physical fitness, better air quality, a stronger sense of cohesion and safety in neighborhoods, and more sustainable communities and local economies.
Sincerely,
Chris Holm
Project Manager
909 12th Street, Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-9255 • www.civicthread.org
December 29, 2021 VIA EMAIL
Jose Quintanilla, Associate Planner
City of Sacramento, Community Development Department
300 Richards Blvd., 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
RE: Robla Estates (P21-009)
Dear Jose Quintanilla:
Thank you for continuing to involve Civic Thread (formerly WALKSacramento) in the review process of the Robla Estates housing development. We are happy to see that several of our previous comments are reflected in the revised plans which we believe contribute to the enhanced experience and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
In review of our previous requests, we commend the applicant for the provision of two additional connections to the Northern Sacramento Bike Trail which we hope will encourage its use for those utilizing active travel by means of recreation or transportation.
Unfortunately, several of our comments do not appear reflected in the latest revision.
Tree Canopy It continues to be our hope that trees will be utilized along the private alleys as Section K: Private Alley on Sheet 2 of the Tentative Subdivision Map indicates the persistent lack thereof which we fear will contribute to the urban heat island effect.
Resulting effects may include increased localized temperatures making walking, biking, or rolling less appealing during Sacramento’s summer months.
Roundabout/Bike/Ped Access The pedestrian crosswalks near the roundabout were previously pointed out to be potentially hazardous as the crosswalk itself is located approximately two car lengths behind the yield line, along a 4-lane bi-directional street with speed limits of 45 MPH. This arrangements places the pedestrian crosswalk where vehicles are still travelling at high speeds and assessing the conditions of the upcoming
909 12th Street, Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-9255 • www.civicthread.org
traffic circle rather than considering the crosswalk placed too far away. As traffic increases with future development and demand for vehicular road space increases, it is imperative to improve pedestrian infrastructure with a proportionate response. We continue to recommend moving the crosswalks closer to the yield lines and adding rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
Additionally, the revised plans indicate a vehicular connection by way of the private alley N-18 to the planned apartments south of the development. Unaware of the traffic calming measures to be taken within both developments and propensity for drivers to speed when physically uninhibited to do so, we strongly suggest connecting the sidewalk immediately east of N-18 to the apartments. This connection will allow immediate and safe access between the two and not force pedestrians to either mingle with vehicles along N-18 or walk further out of their way around Lot F Public Park to utilize the planned sidewalk there.
One Story Units Seeing the lack of available one-story floorplans to assist with those who would wish to “age in place” and may have difficulty navigating the stairs at a certain age, we are resigned to accept the apartments as a means for senior adults to transition to more accommodating housing while remaining in a community they have made a home in.
Civic Thread is working to support increased physical activity such as walking and bicycling in local neighborhoods as well as helping to create community environments that support walking and bicycling. The benefits include improved public health and physical fitness, better air quality, a stronger sense of cohesion and safety in neighborhoods, and more sustainable communities and local economies.
Please notify Civic Thread of future routings or notices for this project.
Thank you for your continued review and consideration of our comments.
Sincerely,
909 12th Street, Suite 125, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-9255 • www.civicthread.org
David Moore
Project Coordinator
March 24th, 2023 VIA EMAIL
Jose Quintanilla
Associate Planner, North Area (N. Natomas, S. Natomas, N. Sacramento) Planning Division, Community Development Department
300 Richards Blvd., 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811
RE: Robla Estates Rev. 4, P21 009
Dear Jose Quintanilla:
Civic Thread (formerly “WALKSacramento”) has reviewed the Robla Estates Revision 4 Project (P21 009). The project proposes to expand to a Suburban Neighborhood Medium Density (SNMD). The current space is a 20.55 acre Agriculture lot in North Sacramento. The plans are proposing to make the lot into a Multi Unit Dwelling (R 2A). The subdivision map demonstrates the subdivision of 4 parcels into 177 residential parcels with four house plans and 33 parcels for common facilities. This development has been updated from its previous version through adjustments at the roundabout. Based on the reviewed information regarding the Robla Estates we have the following comments:
Revisions
The revisions made from the previous submission are directed in the roundabout area. The new revisions are in favor of pedestrians as Lot E was reduced in size to provide a sizable landscaping buffer between pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons(RRFB) are needed at the roundabout for pedestrians crossing, more specifically on those areas that have oncoming high speed traffic from Rio Linda Boulevard. Drivers will still be in the process of slowing down as they enter the roundabout. The speed limit down Rio Linda Boulevard is 45
mph making it essential to provide signage that allow drivers to notice pedestrians crossing. Lot A is reduced in size to create wider sidewalks, beneficial for a residential area understanding that families will be utilizing the space.
Bike Trail Connectivity
The Robla Estates has a distinctive feature of being adjacent to the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail. The current proposal provides three direct connections to the bike trail. The fencing on the east side of the proposal serves as a privacy barrier, but removing it would allow for better bike connectivity. Rose Street, the road closest to the development site, on the east side, is not a high speed road that would need a sound barrier. In addition, the removal of the fence would allow for community watch especially for the bike trail.
In general, the development proposed fits in the residential area of North Sacramento. An anticipated issue of the location of the site is the lack of commercial centers or public spaces restricting the future residents at the Robla Estates from easily walking or biking for commodities. On the other hand, the new revisions to the site has allowed for better pedestrian connectivity and promotes active transportation through the infrastructure on the West side. The connectivity of the bike trail located on the East side of the development site makes it easy for residents to utilize the bike trail. The Robla Estates has embraced its neighboring bike trail and has effectively designed for its residents to utilize its family friendly landmark.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Please notify Civic Thread of future routings or notices for this project.
Sincerely,
Xitlalitl Shafer | Project Assistant
Civic Thread formerly WALKSacramento
909 12
th
St | Suite 125 | Sacramento CA 95814
Office: 916 446 9255
Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates 909 12th Street, Ste 204 Sacramento, CA 95814
July 9, 2021
Jose Quintanilla, Associate Planner
Department of Community Development
300 Richards Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95811
RE: Robla Estates (P21-009)
Dear Jose Quintanilla,
Thank you for providing Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates the opportunity to comment on the planned Robla Estates development. The plans propose rezoning 20.55 acres from Agriculture (A) to Multi-Unit Dwelling (R-2A) and the subdivision of 4 parcels into 178 residential parcels and 25 parcels dedicated to common facilities.
The zoning amendment and subsequent housing is strongly supported for its effect on easing the housing shortage experienced by Sacramento, particularly as a means of addressing more moderate density in predominantly suburban low-density zoning.
The bike path access facilitating connection between the development and multi-use path located immediately East of the development is appreciated. These connections help incentivize use of cycling by offering convenient access to safe travel paths for those choosing or who may need to walk or cycle as a form of transportation. Further, the path offers a safe means for children and families to travel to and from the Robla School District at the southeast corner without the need to drive.
Finally, the addition of buffered bike lanes along Rio Linda Boulevard are preferred to a conventional bike lane, however given the boulevard’s speed limit of 45 MPH, we recommend flexible delineator posts as an additional form of protection against vehicle encroachment and improved perception of safety for cyclists.
It is critical that extra care be taken to incentivize cycling in lower density areas where predominant land-use types facilitate longer travel times to reach a greater number of destinations and therefore encourage use of private vehicles. By consistently supporting alternative modes, we improve the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.
Thank you again and if you have any questions or comments concerning the content of this letter, please feel free to contact me at or
David Moore, Policy & Planning, SABA
cc: Debra C. Banks, Ph.D, Executive Director, SABA