Resident Tim Cambell, a vocal supporter, expresses his admiration for the city's efforts in adding affordable housing and other amenities to the area, hailing it as the best thing since “sliced bread.”

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - City officials passed a resolution that has been three decades in the making.

City Council members approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with SKK Developments and UrbanCore, LLC, to implement the Grand Gateway Master Plan at the last regularly scheduled June 26 council meeting.

The master plan includes four development blocks, 8.6 acres at Grand Street and Tower Bridge Gateway. According to a staff report, since 2013, West Sacramento has "pursued grants to fund site redevelopment" to complete the plan, which includes pedestrian, cycling, transit and parking improvements.

Additionally, the master plan supports 137 affordable housing units and provides emergency housing at Rodeway Inn. According to the staff report, the developer's record of "award-winning, mixed-use projects" dates back to 1987 and includes the L Street Lofts, the Mansion, Eleanor Apartments and The Press in downtown and midtown Sacramento.

There is something to be said about the length of the project, according to Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull, who said when the item came through the council's packages of consent, she "did not want to miss an opportunity to speak to the magnitude of this project."

"This is not the first time this has come before us and we will be talking about it again," Sulpizio Hull said, noting the length of the project, which dates back to 1993. "This is an aspirational project of the former Redevelopment Agency of what our city could become, and 31 years later, we are making a huge step."

Sulpizio Hull added that a dedicated city and two businesses "who want to realize this area's potential" made it all possible.

"This grand gateway is absolutely a grand gateway entrance to our community," Sulpizio-Hull said. "I just want to thank the decades of staff working on this project."

Resident Tim Cambell said he stands in "strong support" of the project.

"It will probably be one of the best things since sliced bread in our city, so I am looking forward to it," Cambell said.

Mayor Martha Guererro concurred.

"I am with Tim; I think this is the best thing since sliced bread," Guererro said. "It is the most amazing project in one of the most challenging areas of our city."

"This transformation that you are bringing to the city is going to lift an area. I think the entire city has been looking forward to seeing improvement," Guerrero said to developers in the room. "I applaud you for coming to do business with West Sacramento."

Councilmember Quirino Orozco said she, too, is excited about the project.

"This is just a few steps from where I reside and I will say it will absolutely augment the complexion of the area that has long needed a facelift," Orozco said. "In all fairness, this has been envisioned for many, many years, so today is a very special day because we get to see the acts of many governments before us finally come to fruition."