[econgrad]

Rancho Cordova to Buy, Raze "Problem" Apartments
Written for the web by George Warren, Reporter

Police were called to the Grandee Apartments 252 times in a single year

The city of Rancho Cordova will spend $1.3 million to buy a 22-unit apartment complex on Folsom Boulevard -- and then tear it down.

It's the first time the four-year-old city will purchase a problem property in the name of redevelopment.

"The focus is to bring Folsom Boulevard up to a level that Rancho Cordova can be proud of," said Economic Development Director Micah Runner.

According to a city staff report, Rancho Cordova police were called to the Grandee Apartments 252 times in a single year.

A neighboring merchant called the demolition plan "a blessing."

"It just draws a bad crowd," said Craig Roy, whose family has owned or managed an auto parts store for decades. "It's been horrible for business."

The owners of the apartment complex agreed to the sale, which should close in January. There are no immediate plans for the soon-to-be-vacant lot.

The city has allocated up to $160,000 to move the existing tenants to other affordable housing.

Created: 12/28/2007 5:42:32 PM

Updated: 12/28/2007 6:36:29 PM