Sacramento Sampling Streetcar Desire Of Midtown, Downtown Property Owners
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Sacramento City Council approved $7 million for a long-discussed streetcar that would run between the city and West Sacramento, and they're now asking property owners to spend even more.
Tracks could soon be laid on L Street, but only if landowners decide they want them. The street is one of many in Midtown with plenty of traffic and plenty of business. But soon, it could me more than traditional cars making their way on the road.
"It'll take cars off the streets and give people even the chance to leave their cars at home," said Sacramento City Councilman Steven Hansen.
While it sounds good, there's a bit more the council wants. The plan would have property owners near the proposed lines decide if they want to pick up $30 million of the investment over 30 years. The process will start with a survey that will be sent out this week.
"It is a big deal, but if somebody is going to benefit clearly, they should want to invest in it and so we're asking those property owners to step up to the plate," Hansen said.
One major property owner on board, developer David Taylor, says the investment will be minimal.
"We need a circulator downtown that connects West Sacramento, and downtown and Midtown," he said. "Buildings that are on streetcar systems, tend to get a 6 to 15 percent premium in rent that aren't on the streetcar system."
That raises another concern where tenants worry their went could go up. That's something tattoo artist Tuan Tran says he's hoping won't be the case, and he's excited about the project.
"I think that would help out," he said. "A lot of people complain about parking down here."
The federal government and West Sacramento would be picking up a good chunk of the $150 million project. If Midtown and downtown voters approve it, ground could be broken by early 2016.
