West Sacramento Levee Project Puts 22 Houses On Chopping Block
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — City leaders are moving forward with plans to tear down nearly two-dozen homes as part of an effort to fix levees, despite a flood of controversy.
Mayor Christopher Cabaldon says some homeowners are understandably upset.
"Most of the homeowners in those homes have been residents of the city for generations," he said. "They don't like it of course none of us would like having to give up our homes, even for the protection of the overall community."
The multimillion dollar project will use cutting-edge engineering to fix a six-mile stretch of the Sacramento riverbank.
"This is a new modern levee, we're one of the test cases around the country," he said.
Instead of building the levees higher, workers will widen them in an effort to stop seepage and erosion. That widening means homes closest to the water will have to go.
"From the city point of view it makes sense because it's about the larger community," resident Sam Samadi said.
The city will offer to pay property owners fair market value, but if that doesn't work, they may have to seize the land through eminent domain.
"We've, I think, done eminent domain for a home maybe once in 30 years so this is not a regular course of business for us," Cabaldon said.
He's also trying to cut red tape for residents who want to rebuild elsewhere.
"We want to make it as hassle free as possible for folks who are already making some sacrifices," he said.
The city hopes to break ground on the improvements later this year in what's expected to be a four-year project.