By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and councilmember Tim Schefer expanded on a message from Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney released last week reacting to the prospect of the majority owner of Sunrise Mall seeking a buyer.
Following a report last week that Sunrise Mall majority owner Namdar Realty Group was “quietly” seeking to sell his portion of the property off-market, Feeney reaffirmed the city’s stance on continuing to pursue the Sunrise Tomorrow plan in an email message to the community on Monday, saying, “Any successful redevelopment will need to honor that vision and bring forward projects that align with the community’s expectations.”
Throughout his message, Feeney emphasized that both city staff and the City Council are listening to the community’s concerns and vision.
Feeney reported that, in response to multiple complaints from residents about unsafe conditions at the property, the city obtained an inspection warrant, conducted a comprehensive assessment, and identified “numerous health and safety violations.” A formal Notice to Abate has been issued and remains in effect, Feeney said.
“Regardless of occupancy or ownership status, we are committed to holding property owners accountable and protecting the community’s quality of life,” Feeney said, adding that the city has issued over $300,000 in code enforcement fines to Namdar Realty Group. The commercial real estate group has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Sentinel regarding the disrepair of the Sunrise Mall main building.
On Wednesday, Schaefer said anyone who purchases the mall property will have to be aware of the city’s desires and goals for the property outlined in the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan.
“It’s moving in the right direction,” Schaefer said.
In an email to The Sentinel, Karpinski-Costa echoed Feeney and Schaefer, saying she feels the message to future property owners is “pretty clear.” Karpinski-Costa also said the value of the property has decreased significantly and added, “It will be interesting to see an appraisal.”
When asked about the Notice to Abate, Schaefer and Karpinski-Costa said the list of violations was “bad” and “expensive” and the notice to abate requires that the violations be addressed as soon as possible.
“The City Council heard the community voice a desire to continue to strive for a more aspirational vision that current and future residents would be proud of,” Feeney said.
