Natomas Residents Share Dreams About Future Of Sleep Train Arena Location

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) "This is a big part of what Natomas is." Dozens of people came to a public meeting about the future of the Kings' Sleep Train Arena lot.

The nearly 200 acre site is ten times larger than the Golden 1 Center project.

"I want to make sure that my community is economically viable," said Lynn Lenzi, a Natomas resident.

She and others shared their thoughts with city leaders and the Kings organization about what they'd like to see in the Sleep Train Arena lot.

"Some type of educational campus would be great," said Lenzi.

Lenzi says she would also like to see technology or medical developments, which have recently made their roots in places like Folsom and Elk Grove..

"What is the city doing to attract and make it viable for larger employers to come to Sacramento," questioned Lenzi.

"The work that is happening behind the scenes probably started two and a half years ago," said Chris Granger, the president of the Sacramento Kings.

He says finding the right fit for Natomas is key.

"We have every economic incentive to move as fast as we can, but we want to balance that by doing something that is good for the community and good for Natomas," said Granger.

He didn't give many details, but says they have turned down about 5 or 6 offers that didn't meet their standards.

Granger says major decisions that will impact the area for years to come take time.

"We share everyone's mission and goal of doing something that brings in high end jobs and gets public parks and public spaces to Natomas," said Granger.

A key theme reiterated by many speakers was the need and want for well paying jobs.

"I have heard the same message over and over very clearly from Natomas and that is they want high wage jobs, an economic engine, a job generator in that site," said Councilwoman Angelique Ashby.

While everyone appears to be on the same page, the search for the right developer continues.