RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Rancho Cordova Planning Commission approved a design review for a first responder training facility and decided to continue deliberations on a proposed supportive housing project.

The commission unanimously approved the design review for the Zinfandel First Responder Training Facility, a new 23,190-square-foot training center to be built on a 53-acre site at 3801 Zinfandel Drive. The site has been owned by the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District since 2007.

A previous conditional use permit was approved in 2011, allowing the site to be used as a public safety command training center. This approval included the construction of 48,000 square feet of office space, specialized training areas for fire fighters, such as a trench rescue area, tower training area, river rescue area, and other venues designed for emergency response training.

The new facility will feature office space, classrooms, a fitness room, an apparatus bay for emergency vehicles, and various support spaces. The proposal includes landscape improvements, both internally and along the Zinfandel Drive street frontage.

Although the design received general support, some commissioners raised concerns about the use of metal for the building.

“As a general rule, metal buildings don’t age well,” said Vice-Chair Lee Frechette. “It’s a very slippery slope when we start making exceptions for metal buildings.”

Commissioner Leroy Tripette added, “What concerns me about the metal building is the glint and glare situations with the flight path. It can’t be a risk for pilots.”

Doug Davis, the architect, confirmed that the project is undergoing an FAA-required review, which includes a glare analysis.

Jeff Frye, Chief Development Officer for Metro Fire, assured the commission that additional buildings will be constructed throughout the property using different materials. He emphasized that a dedicated maintenance team would be assigned to oversee the upkeep of the project.

Despite the concerns, the project was approved unanimously, with commissioners acknowledging the facility’s role in supporting first responders.

The commission also discussed a proposal for a 100-unit single room occupancy facility at the existing Comfort Inn & Suites on Folsom Boulevard. The applicant, Lao Family Community Development, Inc., intends to convert the hotel into supportive housing for low-income individuals, offering services such as career counseling, health resources and job training.

Several commissioners expressed concerns about the project's location and its potential impact on the surrounding area. Commissioner Tripette questioned whether the facility would prioritize Rancho Cordova residents.

“I’m curious to see how this doesn’t become transitional housing for the city or county of Sacramento,” Tripette said.

Some commissioners raised concerns about the project’s design and suitability for families. Vice-Chair Frechette worried about the lack of recreational amenities for children, while Commissioner Dave Huhn expressed concerns about crime.

“I don’t want to see an increase in crime,” Huhn said. “I’m in favor of the intent of the project. I just fear some of the outcomes I have seen in the past.”

Commissioner Tegan Knifton also brought up the site’s lack of nearby services.

“I appreciate the intent of the project, and there's no doubt the city needs something like this. I have concerns about the location. The nearest grocery store is three miles away and there's not much public transportation. It just feels like it isn’t the right fit for Rancho Cordova.”

In response, the project’s proponents reassured the commission about their rigorous tenant-screening process.

“When individuals apply, all family members need to be at the interview. We look at their background, income, references and do an in-depth analysis to ensure they will be a good member of this community,” said Kathy Chao Rotherberg CEO of Lao Family Community Development, Inc.

The commission ultimately voted 4-3 to continue the discussion to a future meeting, allowing the applicant more time to address questions and concerns.

The next Planning Commission meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.