Natomas neighbors take Sacramento to court over proposed tiny homes community

Natomas neighbors have taken legal action against the City of Sacramento to stop a proposed tiny home community for homeless seniors on Arena Boulevard.

The proposed community, as described by the city, is up to 40-units for the city-run temporary housing program for people 55 and older who are living in shelters, on a fixed income, and can't find affordable housing.

Each unit will have electricity, heating, and air conditioning. Residents also have access to bathrooms, showers, a shared kitchen, laundry, internet, 24/7 security, and supportive services.    

Residents are asking a judge to halt the project and have taken the city to court as, through the Advisory Council for Legal and Ethical Oversight, a group made up of West Natomas residents.

In court documents, the group says the city picked the Arena Boulevard site in a way that breaks Measure O requirements because it's too close to nearby parks and trails. They also claim the city skipped required environmental reviews and permits, ignored competitive bidding rules, and are asking a judge for a restraining order to stop any work on the project.

The 1.58-acre lot, currently empty, is one of four proposed micro-communities in Sacramento. 

Rosalee Lehr, who lives just yards from the planned site, says she's worried about how the tiny homes could change her neighborhood.

"I feel, tried to sneak it by without telling anybody what was going on," said Lehr. 

CBS Sacramento reached out to Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, but has not gotten a response at this time.