Shown is a rendering of building two, Community Arts Center, designed for the Mills Crossing Project. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council voted unanimously April 21 to delay a decision on the proposed Mills Crossing development, after a packed meeting filled with public comments raised significant concerns over parking, public safety and the role of a planned wellness center.

The project, proposed for 10153 Folsom Blvd., seeks to rezone the existing Residential Mixed-Use designation to High Density Residential, Medium Density Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use. The plan includes three mixed-use buildings that would feature office space, community flex rooms, health services, an event space and a flexible-use theater. Public open space, surface parking and community amenities are also part of the design.

Councilmembers agreed with City Manager Micah Runner’s recommendation to “continue the item to a later date” due to lingering questions about operations and funding.

Residents voiced concerns ranging from infrastructure planning to the potential presence of drug rehabilitation services at the proposed wellness center.

“We have a couple concerns about the project,” said Rancho Cordova resident Anita Cashette. “I don’t know what people are going to do for facilities when they have big events on the green and before you get too far into this planning, I hope you talk about infrastructure. Where are the sewer lines, the water lines? This is a major consideration if you want to have successful events.”

Melanie Freer, a Rancho Cordova Concert Band member, questioned the proposed arts venue’s viability.

“They spoke of this project as being a catalyst for the arts,” Freer said. “But it would be really difficult for us to use this space. The math doesn’t add up on parking and there are major safety concerns.”

Freer also raised alarm over the wellness center.

“It has come to light that this wellness center is actually incorporating a drug rehab component,” she said. “As a nurse, I understand the need but I wouldn’t want to bring my audience or band members to this building.”

Other residents echoed her sentiments.

James Garcia stated, “Having a drug clinic? That’s not going to draw people in.”

Another resident, Jim Garcia, called for the arts center portion to be relocated, citing a mismatch between the city’s vision of a “family-friendly regional jewel” and the proposed services.

Resident Helen Whalen Beshaw was blunt in her criticism: “This is a white elephant. I don’t see any data that proves this project is actually needed in the area.”

Jeff Good, the Swinerton vice-president division manager, defended the project.

“This is much more than just a construction project,” Good said. “The number of calls I’ve gotten about when we’re starting work in our hometown is countless. This project is uniquely positioned to benefit small and diverse business contractors.”

While all councilmembers agreed to postpone the vote, their opinions varied on the project’s viability.

Councilmember Linda Budge praised the inclusion of public art but voiced concerns about the wellness center.

“We want to make sure that our own performing artists have hospitable space. In terms of landscaping, we need to make sure its kids-friendly and not a bunch of pokey plants. This can be a part of the offerings we have for the entire city as long as it’s designed correctly” Budge said.

Vice-Mayor Garrett Gatewood took issue with the parking situation.

“I don’t like doing this project without parking,” Gatewood said. “I don’t see how this place can be functional without some sort of parking structure.”

Here is a rendering of what building three, Community Events, would look like for the Mills Crossing project. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

Mayor Siri Pulipati tried to clarify the nature of the wellness center.

“As the applicant mentioned, the wellness center is still a placeholder,” Pulipati said.

Gatewood added, “The wellness center is mostly for our high schoolers. They are excited about having a counselor because we don’t have that at our high schools. It’s not a methadone clinic.”

Councilmember Joe Little was the most critical.

“I think this is one of our legacy vanity projects. We are outside of our lane. I don’t know why we are doing this,” Little said. “I think it’s a fiction that this is a transit-oriented project. I’m worried that our local arts community has too much influence over staff and our council.”

Korin Crawford of Griffin Structures, representing the project team, addressed several of the community’s concerns, particularly those about the wellness center.

“There hasn’t been a partner approved by the council and the city,” Crawford said. “It’s frankly not accurate to say that there’s a drug rehab center in the wellness center itself.”

Crawford acknowledged concerns around trash management, public restrooms and electricity access in public spaces.

“We’ve tried to strike a balance between operational control and public convenience,” Crawford said.

Regarding parking, Crawford was direct: “It really comes down to the cost of the parking structure.”

The council did not set a new date for the item’s return but indicated a desire for more detailed planning and clearer communication with both the public and future operating partners.

“We need to have this conversation with some more of those details,” Runner said.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 19 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.