Dear Residents of the 95820, Hello everyone. I am a current resident of the 95820 community, and I would like to take a moment to address the recent approval of the senior housing project located at 4501 9th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95820 (Donner Fields Senior Apartments). As many of you may already know, this new development will be built directly next to William Lee College Prep Elementary School, a long-standing and important part of our neighborhood. For context, the land selected for the senior housing complex is not an unused or forgotten space. It has served as a vital outdoor area for the elementary school since the school first opened in 2012. The track used daily for exercise, recess, physical education, and school events was added in 2014 specifically to support student health and well-being. This space has been continuously utilized for over a decade, providing children with a safe and accessible area to learn, play, and stay active. Despite this history, Sacramento City Council member Caity Maple stated during the approval process that “that is way too long… in an area that really desperately needs more affordable housing for a plot of land to stay vacant.” While I fully recognize and respect the urgent need for more affordable and senior housing in our city, this statement does not accurately reflect the land’s long-term and ongoing use by the school community. It was never “vacant”; it has been a functional and meaningful space for hundreds of students across many school years. I want to be clear that I am not opposed to the construction of senior housing or to efforts that support our aging population. My concerns are rooted in the practical impacts this project and another low-income housing development currently being built on the same street will have on the day-to-day functionality of our neighborhood. William Lee College Prep does not have designated parking areas for teachers, staff, or parents. As a result, many rely on street parking during drop-off, pick-up, and school events. With ongoing construction, crews, equipment, and the eventual influx of new residents, parking has already become limited and, in some cases, nearly impossible for long-time community members. These changes affect not only school families but also residents who simply wish to park near their homes or safely walk through the neighborhood. Increased density without adequate planning can create long-term issues related to congestion, accessibility, and overall quality of life. Many of us feel that these decisions are being made without community voices being fully acknowledged or concerns thoroughly considered. If you are a resident of the 95820 area, I kindly ask that you scan the QR code and read the attached petition. It is not a petition against seniors or affordable housing; it is a petition calling for transparency, thoughtful planning, and solutions that support all members of our community including students, educators, long-time residents, and future senior tenants. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and your voice truly matters. Sincerely, A Concerned Resident of 95820