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	Where Should the Edges Be?
	by Sarah Johnson
	The effort to update and re-configure the Old Town Special Planning Area (SPA) Ordinance has been underway for sometime now. The conclusion is on the horizon and the final decisions will soon be made by the Elk Grove City Council.
	As a resident of the Old Town SPA and a long time community activist, I have been involved from the beginning, spending hundreds of hours in meetings and doing research. With the end in sight, I have come to some new ideas late in the process.
	There has been some discussion along the way of expanding the area governed by the ordinance. In fact, the City Staff has recommended some individual properties to be included. As I reflected on this, I realized that it would be a good idea to consider including the north side of Locust Street and the South side of Grove Street within the boundaries. This would allow a more cohesive strategy of development and/or redevelopment because these street corridors would have the same standards for both sides of the street, rather than two different standards.
	The way I envision it would allow and encourage future uses that will help support the economic viability of this important historic area. It is somewhat unrealistic to limit the potential by continuing to think of the area along Elk Grove Boulevard as the business district.
	Including these additional properties will allow a vibrant district to develop which will help sustain the overall economic health of Old Town far into the future. The proposed Development Standards call for parking in the rear of the businesses along Elk Grove Boulevard with pedestrian access between the buildings. This will allow pedestrians to easily access the properties on the next street, either Locust or Grove. Presently, there is primarily residential uses along these two streets, but planning for future expansion of the business district when residential use is no longer desired, is a more sound way to plan, in my opinion.
	It is amazing to me that I didn't notice this sooner. I would liken it to not being able to see the forest for the trees. It just shows that having an open mind and considering new ideas can lead us to better solutions, or at least richer discussion about what all the options might be.
	Sarah Johnson was a citizen advisor from Elk Grove to the Blueprint Project. She received SACOG's 2003 Citizen of the Year Award for her contributions to transportation planning.
	The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent those of the Elk Grove Insider or any other entity.
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