The Santa Rosa City Council has unanimously cleared the way for the Lago Fresco apartment project on Hoen Avenue, denying a formal appeal from Bennett Valley neighbors.
The Press Democrat reports while residents raised serious safety concerns—citing past pedestrian tragedies and the risk of increased traffic congestion—city officials and legal staff warned that state housing laws essentially tied their hands.
Under those state rules, the 50-unit development is allowed to exceed local density and parking limits, leaving the council with little legal ground to force a redesign.
Despite the pushback, the developer maintains the project will revitalize a long-vacant lot and help meet the city’s urgent housing goals, while disappointed neighbors say they are now weighing their legal options.