Rocklin Planning Commission OKs 170-unit 'Whitney Walk' townhomes

Despite obvious traffic concerns, city of Rocklin officials recently approved the 170-unit "Whitney Walk" townhouse development near downtown. The Whitney Walk site is south of Sunset Boulevard, on the east and west sides of South Whitney Boulevard. The vacant land includes 12.85 acres across three parcels. The plan features 110 attached single-family units and 60 detached homes on about 10 acres, staff said. The Rocklin Planning Commission voted 4-0 June 17 to recommend approval of Whitney Walk to the City Council. Commissioner Twiana Armstrong abstained from the hearing due to her home near the development. With the July recess, the City Council has yet to vote on the project. The 170 single-family lots are significantly smaller than traditional lots in the city, staff said. Typical Rocklin lot sizes range from a minimum 3,000 square feet to a maximum of three acres for one-family homes. Development spokesman Marcus Lo Duca said these more affordable homes are not often seen in upscale South Placer County. "We often hear the desire to provide housing for the 'missing middle' or couples and families that cannot afford the sky-high prices of single-family housing in the region," said Lo Duca. Several citizens spoke in opposition, citing existing traffic problems and parking issues in the neighborhood already. "This project delivers 1,358 more daily trips," said Tim Page. "This project does not fit the community at all." "This is tough. ... We understand it will increase traffic," said Commissioner Jared Thomas. "But at the same time, we need more affordable housing in Rocklin." Parcels 1 and 2 are south of Sunset Boulevard and west of South Whitney Boulevard. Parcel 3 is across South Whitney Blvd. to the east. Access to the site is by a private street and two alleys from South Whitney Boulevard, and by another private roadway and two alleys from Chalmette Court. Garage parking available is via the privately maintained alleys, officials said. Pedestrian circulation is accommodated by privately maintained paseos and sidewalks, by existing sidewalks along South Whitney Boulevard and Chalmette Court, and by improvements along Sunset Boulevard frontage. Amenities include turf areas, picnic areas, a cornhole area, a foosball table, a dog park and a small playground. Paseo ownership and maintenance will be managed by the homeowner association.