The OVA Board has issued an update on the Southeast Santa Rosa Senior Housing Community (SESR) planned development, formerly known as Elnoka.
Over a period of at least 20 years, several groups have organized to ensure Oakmont’s best interests are heard and realized by developers.
These determined efforts have achieved the following:
- The proposed number of units has been reduced to 273. Prior proposals exceeded 600-700 units. For comparison, the Mahonia Glen condos, across from Safeway on Calistoga Road, has 99 units on seven acres.
- The new community is now proposed as senior housing.
- All structures have a planned setback of at least 70 feet from property lines, including the portion of the property that borders Oakmont. This setback is greater than what is required.
- The maximum building height will be two stories to help preserve Oakmont residents’ views.
- The densest part will be close to Highway 12. The density will decrease up the slope towards the state park, preserving views and open space along Santa Rosa Creek.
- Bicyclists and walkers will enjoy new paths, allowing passage while avoiding Highway 12.
- Most importantly, the plans include an Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) funded by the developer, with maintenance costs covered by the City. This EVA will provide Oakmont with an additional emergency access route, under the direction of the City, that does not connect to Highway 12.
OVA’s general manager, Christel Antone, and a few members from the community have been working closely with Burbank Housing and the City of Santa Rosa to help influence these changes for the benefit of our community, and the board is pleased with the outcome of these meetings as this development progresses.
The City of Santa Rosa website has a lot more information about SESR on their website at www.srcity.org/2568/Elnoka-Senior-Community.
The board recognizes there are and always will be shared concerns about another development along the Sonoma Highway corridor. Our wildlands are prone to fire. Traffic increases daily, and it takes an extended time to evacuate during emergencies. And still, California and Santa Rosa are determined to build more housing. Which means, if it’s not this development, another may take its place—and it may not have the benefits we’ve worked so hard to gain.
Our community has achieved much in our collaboration with Burbank Housing and the City of Santa Rosa. As we continue holding Burbank to the agreements that have been made, we don’t want to risk throwing away the concessions we’ve won.
To learn more about the SESR project, please attend the Town Hall on March 23, 5-7 p.m. at the East Rec Center and also on Zoom. More information here.