Supes approve Graton winery project
Posted by Ted Appel
Graton-area winery development given initial approval in a fiery March meeting again sparked anger Tuesday as county supervisors gave the project a final go-ahead.
The Best family has proposed converting their apple orchard at the intersection of Highway 116 and Occidental Road to a vineyard with a production building and separate tasting room.
Tuesday’s unanimous vote approved a general plan amendment for the project.
“It’s been a long road,” family representative Casey Costello said after the meeting. “This is one more step in the process.”
About a dozen opponents of the project showed up to voice their displeasure with the board’s decision, saying the project was incompatible with the rural area and would harm water quality.
They also railed against a one-minute limit on public comment, in place because Tuesday’s hearing followed a rancorous four-hour discussion in March.
At that hearing, supervisors struggled through jeering to explain why they thought the project was a good fit for the west county. Tuesday’s meeting also saw shouting from the audience.
“This is being railroaded through,” one opponent yelled.
“Who speaks for us?” yelled another.
Sebastopol resident Liz Quijada said, “We’re seriously upset at this decision.”
Opponents said they are considering a legal challenge.
– Brett Wilkison
The Press Democrat
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Non-Professional Reporter's NOTE: "yelled" was more like spoke loudly enough to be heard 20+ ft. away.
DUE PROCESS WAS DENIED to the residents of the neighborhood. This should be of concern to ALL Sonoma County citizens!
The ELECTED officials should do the business of their offices in accordance with the wishes of the residents of the area, promotes quiet enjoyment of HOMES, and in a fashion that protects the environment and land into the future!