Folsom releases draft of central business plan to 'densify' East Bidwell

The city of Folsom released a Central Business District Master Plan last month to "densify" the commercial corridor on East Bidwell and Riley streets. Released for public review Sept. 30, the master plan area spans 220 or so acres from Sutter Middle School at the edge of the Historic District to Blue Ravine Road. The original 20th Century Folsom core business area now includes key city attractions such as the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center and Lembi Park. The district features several standard shopping centers, including Walmart, Raley's, Target, Trader Joe's and Lowes. Revitalization of the neighborhood has been a city priority for years, addressed in the 2018 Folsom general plan. The district continues to provide vital services, but is "an underutilized development area," staff said in the report. "The study area is intended to be densified by promoting mixed-use development and creating a walkable, bikeable and resilient community, using the concept of the '15-minute city,' " staff said. The 15-minute city is an urban plan where daily tasks like work, shopping, education, healthcare and leisure can be easily reached by a 15-minute walk, bike ride or public transit ride from any point in the city. The plan is the result of a year-long effort by a citizens advisory committee, offering a long-term vision to guide future development by aligning land use, infrastructure and branding. "The plan does not propose any land use changes or specific development projects. Instead, it outlines potential public and private improvements to revitalize the district as funding becomes available," staff said in the report. Constraints in the neighborhood include poor traffic circulation, safety issues, inconsistent lighting and landscaping and limitations with water and sewer services. "The area provides vital commercial services, but walkability is hampered by narrow or missing sidewalks, lack of shade in some areas, and absence of multi-modal connectivity systems," staff said. Waiting times are lengthy at bus stops in the neighborhood, and fail to encourage ridership in wet weather or heat waves. Locals can view the draft plan and learn more about the project at folsom.ca.us/Central Business District. For more information, contact Kathy Pease, City of Folsom planning consultant, at 916-812-0749, or email kpease@masfirm.com. The community advisory committee includes Edward Igoe, Tom Econome, Gary Eckhardt, Dan Deher, Jeremy Deher, Julie Lofgren, Jen Lee, Mark Johnson, Anthony Powers, Margie Donavan, Tim Kuntz, Dean Williams, Brian Wallace, Joe Gagliardi, Shannon Rob, Ardie Zahendani, Kris Steward, Monica Flores Pactol, Elija Tiglao, Anuva Shekar and Liz Ekenstedt. The committee held a final meeting Monday, Oct. 21, and was expected to recommend approval of the plan by the Planning Commission and City Council. Upcoming meetings: Oct. 30, Planning Commission hearing, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 50 Natoma Street; Nov. 12, City Council hearing, 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 50 Natoma. St.