A new project occupies their leadership, which has shown a remarkable ability to move quickly and decisively on projects along the water over the past few years.
West Sacramento says yes to waterfront dream
Riverfront Rising: An ongoing series on the future of the Sacramento River
By Deb Kollars - dkollars@sacbee.com.
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, November 8, 2007
With the West Sacramento City Council's blessing Wednesday, the dreaming now begins for Stone Lock, an unusual area on the Sacramento River with an old lock, beautiful views and four miles of waterfront potential.
The council gave unanimous approval to an agreement with the Cordish Co. of Baltimore to develop the 200-acre site.
"The possibilities are really endless," said City Councilman Bill Kristoff. "This is going to be: hold on to your seats, folks."
Located across from Miller Park and the Miller Park Marina, the Stone Lock property includes an unused portion of the barge canal where it meets the Sacramento River. The agreement kicks off a year and a half of planning, environmental reviews and design work for the site, now owned by the city.
"The next phase is all about the dreaming," said Cordish Vice President Blake Cordish in a telephone interview. "It's a very unique piece of property. This is a huge palette to paint on."
In particular, the lock – a nonfunctioning structure of concrete and steel once used to regulate water levels for vessels – has city leaders and the Cordish Co. pondering the possibilities: Could it become a tourist attraction? A demonstration lock? A luxury spa with an elegant pool? What about sinking an old ship and creating a deepwater diving school?
