Public hearing to be held for proposed event center near Sunrise Mall

By Phillip Pesola–
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday before deciding on whether to approve a use permit for a new event center on Arcadia Drive, in the Citrus Town Center.

According to the staff report included in the commission’s Sept. 13 agenda packet, the proposed event center would be available to rent for events such as weddings, birthdays, baby showers, graduations, conferences, and seminars. The 6,000-square-foot building at 7942 Arcadia Drive has been vacant since 2018.

The Sentinel previously reported in July that plans had been submitted by Citrus Town Event Center LLC to city staff for review. The space was previously home to a string of nightclubs including Alley Katz, Paradise Beach and Sand Bar.

Sam Hameed, the owner of Citrus Town Event Center, indicated in the project description that security guards would be hired for each event. He also stated that a wall, sound barrier, and sound level monitor would be added to the site to address any noise concerns of nearby residents.

The proposed use permit specifies a 10 p.m. cutoff for music and patio use at the event center. Additionally, in order to minimize noise, no music or organized events are allowed in the patio area, and no doors may be propped open during an event. These conditions were added due to the close proximity of homes along Arcadia Drive within 200 feet of the site.

Project plans indicate that there will be no structural changes to the existing building. The interior is expected to be updated with refinished walls and floors, new interior designs, and changes to the food prep area.

All property owners within 500 feet of the project site were notified by mail of the upcoming meeting. At the time of publication of the meeting agenda, the city had not received any comments on the project, according to the staff report.

Those interested in commenting on the project can do so in person at 6 p.m. this Wednesday at City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive, or by submitting a comment via email to planning@citrusheights.net, which will be read aloud during the meeting.