Folsom City Council approves 363-acre Town Center North subdivision

The Folsom City Council last week approved the subdivision of 363 acres in Folsom Ranch, creating 24 new large lots for sale and development near the freeway. The council unanimously approved a large-lot subdivision of the Town Center North area, or three parcels totaling 363.6 acres near East Bidwell Street and Alder Creek Parkway south of Highway 50. The move makes 24 individual parcels for future sale and development. The project is intended for property transfer purposes only, staff said. The council approved the tentative map and declared the procedure exempt from environmental review, as it conforms to the Folsom Ranch Plan. "The name Town Center, is that just a placeholder, or are we married to that name?" asked Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino. Community Development Director Pam Johns said the title is referenced in the City Specific Plan and is not required to carry over to development. The 24 lots include three zoned for single families, six multi-family, 10 open space/parks, two public (utility) lots, two right-of-ways and one mixed use. Three open-space lots are planned for future hydro-modification (water) basins, and one public lot is set for a SMUD power substation, staff said. The proposal is consistent with the Folsom Plan and no land-use changes proposed. As no development comes with this specific application, the only relevant standard is minimum lot area. Staff said the project meets the minimum, as all 24 parcels exceed the lot size requirement. In addition, staff said the project won't conflict with any known applicable plans or policies by agencies with the project or project site. A city agreement with Easton Valley Holdings requires deed restrictions and affordable housing units on certain parcels, including households earning 80 percent or less of the median income. Only one person spoke during the required public hearing Jan. 28. Greg Stoesser of the Natoma Station neighborhood questioned aggressive development of new areas while older Folsom roads are deteriorating. "We're getting congested in Folsom, and everyone knows that," said Stoesser. "The roads are getting old. We're starting to get like Howe Avenue and Watt Avenue. Have you driven down Watt Avenue recently?" Mayor Aquino said she would personally discuss the city's annual road pavement management program with Stoesser the following day.