Planning commission advances Liberty Specific Plan, certifies EIR and forwards project to council

The West Sacramento Planning Commission on Jan. 30 voted 7-0 to approve staff recommendations on the Liberty Specific Plan, advance related land‑use entitlements and certify the project's environmental review, sending the subdivision map, zoning and General Plan amendment recommendations to the City Council.

The vote follows a multi‑year review of the roughly 342‑acre Liberty site and several public hearings. The staff presentation described the project as including residential development, commercial and community space, parks and public right of way, and accompanying draft and final environmental impact reports (EIR), findings of fact, a statement of overriding considerations and a mitigation monitoring program as part of the actions before the commission.

Commissioners heard both supporters and opponents during public comment. Several nearby homeowners told the commission that the developer had responded to concerns about lot lines, tree protection and setbacks; others, and an attorney representing Perella Court residents, asked the commission not to certify the EIR and to require additional study or recirculation.

City planning staff told the commission the Liberty project encompasses about 342 acres owned by the Pay family and…