Escalating Dispute Between Lincoln Mayor and Placer County Supervisor Over Controversial Homeless Housing Project

Escalating Dispute Between Placer County Leaders Over Homeless Housing Project

LINCOLN, CA — Tensions are rising between Lincoln Mayor Holly Andreatta and Placer County Supervisor Shanti Landon over a proposed medical respite center for the unhoused, with both leaders trading barbs in a public dispute that has taken a personal turn.

The controversy centers around a project at 1660 Third Street, the former Gladding Ridge Assisted Living facility, which was purchased last year by The Gathering Inn, a nonprofit based in Roseville. City officials allege that the sale and subsequent plans for the site were not adequately disclosed, prompting the City of Lincoln and the Western Placer Unified School District to file a lawsuit against the organization.

At a heated county board meeting this week, Mayor Andreatta vehemently defended her position against accusations that she had prior knowledge of the project. “I testified under oath that I didn’t know,” she stated. “There’s not one strand of evidence that shows otherwise.”

In contrast, Supervisor Landon has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her involvement in the project was minimal. “In March of 2024, I was informed they were in escrow and had one meeting, a few conversations. That was pretty much the extent of my involvement,” Landon explained.

However, court filings from the city paint a different picture, alleging that The Gathering Inn’s CEO met with Andreatta as early as January 2023 to discuss the project at a local restaurant. This discrepancy has fueled the fire of the ongoing dispute.

Despite the escalating tensions, Andreatta insists that the issue transcends political rivalry, even as both she and Landon are vying for the same county seat. “This is not about a campaign trick,” Andreatta emphasized. “This is about protecting Lincoln and the integrity of our lawsuit.”

Landon, on the other hand, adopted a more conciliatory tone, expressing a desire to collaborate. “I do truly want to serve with her and work together,” she said. “At the end of the day, the only people who get hurt in this drama are the people of Lincoln.”

As the controversy unfolds, a tentative court ruling is expected on October 21, which will determine whether the case will proceed. The outcome could have significant implications for both the proposed homeless housing project and the political landscape in Placer County.

As the community watches closely, the stakes are high for both leaders, and the future of Lincoln’s unhoused population hangs in the balance.