Sacramento"s Del Paso Nuevo community offers public land for grabs

In Sacramento's Del Paso Nuevo neighborhood, the city has identified eight small parcels of public land that are no longer needed following the completion of over 300 affordable homes. These remnants, each under a quarter-acre, are situated alongside existing residential properties. City Councilmember Shoun Thao noted that the maintenance costs for these parcels, totaling $13,000 annually, are unsustainable given their size and lack of redevelopment potential. Homeowners in the area, like Neng Thao, have long been curious about the fate of these strips of land. With the city now offering to sell them for as little as $500, residents are excited about the possibilities for expanding their yards. Neng Thao envisions creating a garden and planting fruit trees, while his sons hope to establish a small area for playing football. The decision to sell these land slivers is seen as a practical solution to reduce maintenance costs while also providing homeowners with the opportunity to enhance their properties. Councilmember Thao emphasized that this approach allows those who have been caring for or expressing concerns about the land to take ownership. The Sacramento City Council is set to vote on this proposal at their upcoming meeting, which could lead to a significant change in how these small parcels are utilized, ultimately benefiting both the city and the residents of Del Paso Nuevo.