The public hearing drew more than 40 speakers, including residents, business representatives, construction industry workers and critics of the proposal.

Editor note: The development agreement ordinance received its first approval Oct. 26 but still required further council action. The separate financial participation agreement was scheduled for consideration Nov. 2, beyond the reporting cutoff for this edition.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council voted 4-1 on Oct. 26 to approve major elements of the proposed Downtown DOVA project, including design plans for a 7,500-seat arena and an agreement to sell city-owned land to the developer. The approvals followed more than four hours of presentations, public comments and council discussion over the project’s potential benefits, financial commitments and effects on surrounding neighborhoods.

Council Member Joe Little cast the lone dissenting vote on four measures, opposing the arena's design approval, land transfer agreement, environmental determination and introduction of the project's development agreement ordinance. The council unanimously agreed to bring the proposed financial participation agreement back for consideration Nov. 2 (after press time).

The project, planned for approximately 28 acres near Kilgore Road and Trade Center Drive, would establish a sports and entertainment district anchored by the 194,110-square-foot Cordova Arena. Future phases could include approximately 800 hotel rooms, up to 1,000 residential units, 220,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, restaurants and parking facilities.

The arena would accommodate concerts, professional indoor soccer, conventions and other community events. The larger development, led by KozPure Development and its project partners, is intended to establish a downtown destination in an area the city has designated for entertainment and commercial activity since 2006.

The Rancho Cordova City Council voted 4-1 on Oct. 26 to approve major elements of the proposed Downtown DOVA project.

While the council advanced the project, its long-term financial arrangement remained subject to a separate hearing. According to city staff, the proposed agreement could involve approximately $185 million in financial participation over 35 years through development fee assistance, public safety support and revenue sharing tied to the project’s performance.

City officials emphasized that construction would be financed primarily through private capital and that the developer would assume the associated debt. The land transfer agreement also depends on the execution of related agreements, including the financial participation agreement.

Little questioned both the location and the proposed use of public resources, arguing that the arena would intensify traffic congestion in an area already experiencing circulation problems.

“I’m not opposed to the stadium,” Little said. “I don’t think it’s the right location.”

He also challenged the assumption that an arena would generate substantial new economic activity, suggesting that spending at the development could come at the expense of existing Rancho Cordova businesses.

The city's staff report acknowledges that some congestion should be expected during peak event arrival and departure times. The project includes proposed roadway improvements, traffic management measures and temporary parking areas on surrounding properties. The developer has proposed providing at least 1,250 parking spaces, with temporary parking expected to accommodate the arena's initial operations.

Other council members maintained that the project could attract investment, create employment opportunities and provide entertainment options residents currently seek outside Rancho Cordova.

Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Joshua Wood, co-founders of KozPure Development present the Downtown DOVA project to council during the Oct. 26 meeting.

Council Member Siri Pulipati acknowledged concerns raised over the project’s cost, the use of public land and the possibility that the development could fail to meet expectations. She said public participation should come with clear obligations for the developer.

“Supporting this vision does not mean we're giving anyone a blank check,” Pulipati said. “If public dollars and public assets are involved there must be accountability and measurable milestones.”

She also emphasized that supporting future development should not require the city to neglect existing services.

“I don’t believe that our choice is between fixing our streets and building our future," she said. “A strong city has to do and will do both.”

The public hearing drew more than 40 speakers, including residents, business representatives, construction industry workers and critics of the proposal.

Marilyn Metzger, a Stone Creek resident, questioned the decision to approve several project agreements before the final financial participation terms were considered.

“Do not sign the deed before reading the mortgage,” Metzger told the council, urging members to delay approval until the financial agreement and additional environmental analysis were available.

Assistant City Manager David Kwong later explained that the agreements are interconnected and that the land transfer cannot become effective without the financial participation agreement.

Resident and business owner Ariel Elliott raised concerns about how citizens have been treated during discussions surrounding the project, saying interactions with project representatives and community leaders have left some feeling intimidated and dismissed.

“You have a responsibility not only to listen, but to ensure that the people you are inviting to shape our city’s future treat your residents with dignity,” said Elliot “We need accessible meetings, clear answers, accountability and leadership. Whatever happens with DOVA we are still going to be neighbors when this is all over.”

Prior to the City Council meeting on Oct. 26 a rally in favor of the proposed Downtown DOVA project took place in front of City Hall.

Other residents described the project as an opportunity to strengthen the city's identity and bring new businesses and entertainment closer to home.

Simone Evans, who told the council she has lived in Rancho Cordova for 38 years, said residents have long traveled to neighboring cities for dining, shopping and entertainment.

“Imagine hearing someone say, ‘Let’s go to Rancho Cordova tonight,’” Evans said. “That would mean something to those of us who have spent decades believing in the city.”

Representatives of organized labor also supported the project, citing potential construction employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Alan Green, a trade instructor with Northern California Construction Training and a member of Laborers Local 185, described how construction projects can provide career pathways for people entering or reentering the workforce.

Vice Mayor Linda Budge and Council Member David Sander supported the project, pointing to the need for additional community amenities and a financial structure intended to tie the city's participation to development milestones.

“Having lived here for so long I have a much more positive outlook about Rancho Cordova residents and what they want for their for their future,” said Budge. “There is also definitely a burden on them to meet the milestones that we are asking them or telling them they have to meet in order for the financial agreement to work.”

Mayor Garrett Gatewood also expressed strong support, describing the project as a long-awaited opportunity to establish Rancho Cordova as a regional destination.

“I am 100% behind this project. I cannot wait for it to build,” Gatewood said.

The council also determined that the arena’s design approval and land transfer did not require additional environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15183, based on the city's existing general plan environmental analysis and supporting project studies.