Barry
06-02-2008, 08:14 AM
City at a crossroads
Plan for new residential, commercial development near downtown could shape city's future
By ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Monday, June 2, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, June 2, 2008 at 5:31 a.m.
Original Article (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080602/NEWS/806020310/1350&title=City_at_a_crossroads)
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It remains merely a plan, but strong support and intense opposition have followed the city's blueprint for transforming Sebastopol's old apple-packing district.
The proposal for a new civic square and retail/residential buildings of up to four stories tall could be acted on this month by the City Council. After five years of discussions and meetings, Tuesday's council meeting may be the last chance for the public to influence the plan's fate.
Redevelopment typically engenders controversy when it threatens historic buildings or involves government taking over private property. But in Sebastopol, the disagreement involves fundamentally different visions of the city's downtown for the next 20 years.
In a city with strict growth controls and, until recently, a majority of Green Party members on the council, a key issue has been whether redevelopment of an old apple-packing plant translates into too much growth.
The Northeast Area Specific Plan takes a "new urbanism" approach to redevelopment, similar to the transformation of the city cores in Windsor and Petaluma. Among the concepts are a compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with shops on the ground floor and residences above.
The plan would allow 300 residential units and nearly 400,000 square feet of new business and civic space between the Laguna de Santa Rosa and Sebastopol's downtown.
Most of the land remains in a flood zone, and the plan proposes that instead of filling in part of the area, the buildings and the public square would be constructed on "podia," or stilts, with parking underneath.
Supporters envision more people coming to shop, work and live in the town and keeping pace economically with the rest of the region. They note with concern that Sebastopol's sales tax revenue dropped nearly 10 percent for the nine months ending in April, mostly due to the closing of an auto dealership.
Critics object to adding an estimated 8,000 car trips a day through town. They raise concerns about the adequacy of ground-water supplies and about the impacts of adding so many new housing units.
They also question the need for such tall buildings. They maintain that the resulting development could end up becoming a drain on city coffers, especially if the retail spaces or a possible new hotel remain empty.
The redevelopment hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St.
You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or [email protected]
Plan for new residential, commercial development near downtown could shape city's future
By ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Monday, June 2, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, June 2, 2008 at 5:31 a.m.
Original Article (https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080602/NEWS/806020310/1350&title=City_at_a_crossroads)
<!-- /PUBDATE --> <!-- ARTICLE -->
It remains merely a plan, but strong support and intense opposition have followed the city's blueprint for transforming Sebastopol's old apple-packing district.
The proposal for a new civic square and retail/residential buildings of up to four stories tall could be acted on this month by the City Council. After five years of discussions and meetings, Tuesday's council meeting may be the last chance for the public to influence the plan's fate.
Redevelopment typically engenders controversy when it threatens historic buildings or involves government taking over private property. But in Sebastopol, the disagreement involves fundamentally different visions of the city's downtown for the next 20 years.
In a city with strict growth controls and, until recently, a majority of Green Party members on the council, a key issue has been whether redevelopment of an old apple-packing plant translates into too much growth.
The Northeast Area Specific Plan takes a "new urbanism" approach to redevelopment, similar to the transformation of the city cores in Windsor and Petaluma. Among the concepts are a compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with shops on the ground floor and residences above.
The plan would allow 300 residential units and nearly 400,000 square feet of new business and civic space between the Laguna de Santa Rosa and Sebastopol's downtown.
Most of the land remains in a flood zone, and the plan proposes that instead of filling in part of the area, the buildings and the public square would be constructed on "podia," or stilts, with parking underneath.
Supporters envision more people coming to shop, work and live in the town and keeping pace economically with the rest of the region. They note with concern that Sebastopol's sales tax revenue dropped nearly 10 percent for the nine months ending in April, mostly due to the closing of an auto dealership.
Critics object to adding an estimated 8,000 car trips a day through town. They raise concerns about the adequacy of ground-water supplies and about the impacts of adding so many new housing units.
They also question the need for such tall buildings. They maintain that the resulting development could end up becoming a drain on city coffers, especially if the retail spaces or a possible new hotel remain empty.
The redevelopment hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St.
You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or [email protected]