Does the proposed River Park project contain the same land uses adopted in the Southport Framework Plan?
River Park includes all of the land uses included in the adopted Southport Framework Plan, but has added a broader range of housing types and a greater number of small housing units than the adopted plan. The proposed community has been enhanced and refined from the original Southeast Village plan to ensure River Park is an exceptionally well-planned community. The plan features a variety of land uses including a balanced mix of residential uses, 6- acre neighborhood commercial center, 10-acre school site, 2.6 acre marina site, 40-acre community park, and approximately 65 acres of central parkway and open space.
Does the proposed River Park project provide a clear village structure?
Yes. The River Park plan adopts the central location of the Village Core as defined in the Southport Framework Plan, however shifts it slightly to the east of the original site to respect and preserve the property’s existing natural resources, such as a large oak tree grove and irrigation canal. The River Park plan develops a buffer of rural and low density residential uses along the outer edges of the village adjoining existing off-site homes and the Sacramento River levee, and increases densities toward the center of the site, or Village Core. River Park will feature a commercial center, school, park, and other community facilities in the Village Core.
Does the proposed River Park project include significant public park, open space, and pedestrian / bicycle / equestrian trail amenities for both local and City-wide residents?
Yes. The River Park plan includes approximately 106 acres of parks and open space. This figure includes a 40-acre community park, 8- acres of active and passive neighborhood parks, 30 acres of Central Parkway, and 28 acres of open space. The community park will feature a community center facility along with active and passive recreation opportunities. The Central Parkway will consist of four distinct sections including the Community Park, Urban Park, Oak Preserve Park and Residential Park. Open Space buffers will be included adjacent to the existing rural residential land uses and along the Sacramento River levee. The Central Parkway will also feature a paved bicycle path with an adjoining aggregate pedestrian path connecting the future Yolo Shortline Rails to Trails system with the Community Park. Other bicycle and pedestrian trail linkages will be provided throughout River Park connecting neighborhoods to parks, open spaces, the school site and neighborhood commercial site. A separate equestrian trail will be located in the open space buffer adjacent to the existing rural residential homes, connecting the Yolo Shortline Rails to Trails system with the Sacramento River levee.
Will the proposed River Park project protect sensitive natural habitat on the property?
Yes. River Park preserves the large oak tree grove in the center of the site, and restores and enhances habitat along the irrigation canal throughout the central parkway. Preservation of sensitive natural habitat is a key element of the 30-acre central parkway feature.
Will the proposed River Park project provide a wide range of housing densities for residents with various income levels?
Yes. The River Park plan includes the following residential densities and types: Rural Residential (0.5 to 1.0 dwelling units per acre), Low Density Residential (1.1 to 5.0 dwelling units per acre), Medium Density Residential (5.1 to 12.0 dwelling units per acre), and High Density Residential (12.1 to 25 dwelling units per acre). A mix of conventional and non-conventional site plans and housing types will be provided within residential neighborhoods to create diversity. A complete set of Design Guidelines has been developed to provide multiple examples of architectural styles and lotting patterns to serve as guidance for implementing the basic vision for River Park’s residential architecture. This will insure diversity in residential product type affordable to a variety of families and individuals with varying income levels.
Does the proposed River Park project include an elementary school site?
Yes. A 10-acre elementary school site is located in the Village Core in close proximity to the Central Parkway and Village Parkway, providing a variety of access opportunities.
Does the proposed River Park project include plans for a marina on the Sacramento River?
Yes. River Park includes a 2.6 acre Water-Related Commercial Facility that will feature approximately 15,000 square feet of water-related uses. The site will be in the location of the old Four Seasons Marina. Potential uses may include a marina, restaurant with outdoor seating, boating equipment store, and parking. The process to obtain required permits for this facility is underway.
Will the proposed River Park project pay for its own infrastructure needs and its fair share of offsite infrastructure needs, including transportation improvements?
Yes. The River Park project will pay for and develop all of its infrastructure needs onsite and its fair share of infrastructure needs offsite, including transportation improvements.
What infrastructure improvements will be funded? What improvements of City-wide or Southport area wide importance does the River Park project include?
These improvements include sewer and water services, drainage requirements and roadways. City-wide and Southport area-wide improvements include the South River Road Bridge, Southport Main Drain pump station reconstruction, and Village Parkway and Stonegate Drive extensions.
Will the proposed River Park project include a neighborhood commercial center?
Yes. River Park will feature a 6-acre neighborhood commercial center that will include approximately 65,000 square feet of mixed-use retail/commercial uses. Possible uses include a small grocery store, restaurants/cafes, locally serving uses such as dry cleaner, salon, branch bank, and small office users. The design of the neighborhood commercial center will incorporate public plazas fronting onto the Central Parkway, creating vibrant community gathering places with views of the parkway and oak tree grove.
Will the proposed River Park project provide high quality design for all aspects of the community?
Yes. The River Park Design Guidelines, which will be approved as part of the proposed project, have been developed to establish a common understanding of design principles and standards for every aspect of River Park. The Design Guidelines include standards for Community Parks and Open Space, Residential Neighborhoods, Commercial Uses, Community Facilities, Circulation and Streetscapes, and Landscape Design Elements.