Argus Courier Ad - October 18
Post date: Oct 31, 2012 5:42:07 PM
Petalumans for Responsible Planning placed a nonpartisan political ad in the Argus Courier on October 18. The ad included they survey about the potential Davidon development at Windsor and D. The Petaluma City Council candidates were asked to respond to the survey.
Follow this link to the actual Petalumans for Responsible ad, which is hard to read.
The following are the responses of the Petaluma City Council Candidates:
Jason Davies
We can reduce the impacts of this proposal while ensuring a reasonable level of open space with public accessibility. The Red Barn has historic value and there are merits to retaining its current location and preserving the meadow in front of it. I would be interested in working with the developer to lessen the number of houses, and I support a trailhead with a paved path connecting to Helen Putnam from D street. Parking, as well as pedestrian, and bicycle access should included, and I would work to negotiate with Davidon to ensure sufficient open space and wildlife habitats remain.
Mike Healy
This site is designated for very low density residential in the new general plan. The biggest challenge is traffic congestion on D Street, which is already excessive. If that hurdle can be overcome (and it may also control the number of homes that can be built), then an approvable project would (1) stay away from unstable hillsides, (2) have stormwater detention oversized to prevent runoff impacts downstream, (3) probably cluster homes to increase the open space component, (4) include a 300 foot wide urban separator, (5) restore the red barn, and (5) provide another access point to Putnam Park.
Alicia Kae Herries
As a Petaluma Planning Commissioner and candidate for Petaluma City Council, I am committed to complete review of development proposals and full conformance with Petaluma’s 2025 General Plan and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This property, at a western gateway of Petaluma and adjacent to Helen Putnam Regional Park, has many unique features which must be carefully considered when we look to the future. I suggest that all concerned residents contact Petaluma City Councilmembers and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to ensure that your voice is heard!
Gabe Kearney
No response received.
Kathy Miller:
[Responding to each question in the questionnaire] 1. I'd leave the red barn where it is if possible. 2. Review traffic congestion and site plan before determining how many homes can be built. 3. All of the above but probably too costly and the parks maintenance budget is already depleted. 4. Probably near the barn. 5. We'd need oversized detention ponds in place to lessen downstream run-off impacts. 6. I'd need to do more research on the habitat extent and location and hear from experts. 7. It depends on how much money is available. 8. Traffic is my primary concern. I'd like to see a D Street entrance to Putnam Park.
Tiffany Renee
Having attended every council meeting since early 2006, I am quite familiar with the Davidon site and 2008 adoption of its General Plan zoning, including co-authoring the Hillside Protection Ordinance. Low Impact Development (LID) of less than 41 units, keeping within the area’s 340 unit cap, is essential to preserving the thriving Kelly Creek riparian habitat and steep hillside. Early neighborhood participation prior to project application submittal is key to guiding timely, desirable outcomes for all stakeholders, including negotiating on-site protection of sensitive habitat, cultural preservation of the barn in place and securing additional park and open space.