Q&A: What’s going on with the landscaping project at Sunrise Mall?

By Mike Hazlip—
A project to install fresh landscaping outside Sunrise Mall was initially planned to be completed last month, but as of Friday the project is still incomplete and a new sod lawn appears to be dying.

See prior story: Sunrise Mall invests in new landscaping along Greenback Lane

Work began prior to the Brews in the Burbs event last May with the removal of old Juniper shrubs along Greenback Lane, which sat in piles for weeks. Sunrise Mall Operations Director Matthew Baker at the time told The Sentinel the plan included water efficient irrigation, sod, and trees.

On Thursday, Sunrise Mall General Manager Natalie Worstein referred The Sentinel’s questions about the delay to the mall’s majority owner, Namdar. An email to the company’s director of operations was not returned by press time Saturday.

In an email Friday, Citrus Heights Director of Economic Development and Communications Meghan Huber said the city was not aware of the project before work began.

“The project does require approval, of which the mall was informed after they began the landscape refurbishment work and the activity came to the city’s attention,” Huber said.

City staff in both Code Enforcement and General Services are working with the mall management “to ensure the project gets addressed in a timely manner,” she said.

The project is being funded by privately by Sunrise Mall and does not involve city funds.

Got a question about Citrus Heights you’ve always wanted an answer for? Click here to submit a question for consideration in a future Q&A article. See other recent articles below:

• Q&A: Is there an exemption to fee hike for residents who compost?
• Q&A: What’s with the partially finished fence on Greenback?