no appeal - yet

Here is an email forwarded to me.

Subject: Update on Mission Square Appeal

Hello,

Rob Gjestland and I just finished meeting with the Bill Willers and the legal counsel for the applicants of the Mission Square project. They are considering whether to fund some additional work on the EIR in response to the comments that were raised and have asked that the appeal by stayed.

This means that the appeal will not be heard on September 1st. If they do ultimately decide to commission changes to the EIR, then the appeal would be withdrawn. As soon as a decision has been made in this regard, we will let you know.

Thanks,
David Goodison

Developer appealing Planning Commission decision

"You know, I travel a lot, and I really enjoy visiting the towns and cities that have preserved and cultivated their cultural history."

What would that look like for Sonoma?

I'm told by someone in the Sonoma City Planning Department that the developer has hired an attorney and will be appealing the Planning Commission's refusal to "certify" the EIR.

I haven't been told by people in the city, yet, when it will be on the City Council's agenda but someone else said September 1.

Now what?

It has been demonstrated that there is no organization that is going to step up and say "We don't like this plan and we want something else like ____." It's a small town, tomorrow you're going to need the person you piss off today.

All of this hot air about the EIR is perhaps... delay tactics. We're going to get up and do this all over again when the developer applies for a Use Permit (after the EIR is certified.)

- What is it that the community doesn’t like?
- Any development on that lot?
- Or that particular plan using simplified architectural elements and repetition?
- Apartments in the heart of the historic area?
- What does the community want?

- Is the community still infuriated with the Mixed Use zone “Mission Cubed” plan?
- They don’t like or trust the family?
- They have a tremendous love of the historic significance of Sonoma and THAT area in particular?

What do we WANT to see in that lot - that's what we should be talking about.

Is it still a viable option for the city to trade this lot for one of their city-owned lots? I'll ask.

EIR was not "certified" - what next?

The Planning Commission in a 4-3 vote did not "certify" the Environmental Impact Report as "complete." This in effect delays this project. They could have "certified" the EIR and that would have given the developer a green light.

I think what happened last night was a good thing although I always try to think through the unintended consequences.

The developer will have to address the Cultural Resource and other issues raised last night in the next EIR and go through this Planning Commission meeting process all over again. OR appeal this decision before the City Council...

Even if the EIR is certified it will have to go to the Planning Commission AGAIN to get a Use Permit (is this the best use of this lot.)

Honestly, while I am against this project I have greater empathy for developers. The big surprise was one Commissioner completely changed his position 180 degrees from the last time this was before the Planning Commission a month ago and was very upfront about his disapproval of the project. I wonder what happened???

If you want to see last night's meeting (and the packed audience) it's on Ch. 27 at 10am today, Wednesday, and it's possible to order a DVD of the meeting from Ch. 27.

Thank you to everyone who spoke in favor of maintaining the character of this historic area!

Please write to the Commissioners and thank them for their vote!

- Gary Edwards - "voted NOT to certify EIR is complete" "this is a jewel of a property; tourists identify with the historic nature of Sonoma"

- Robert Felder - "voted NOT to certify EIR is complete", concerned about the integrity of the setting, the lack of water supply, vibration of construction on the Blue Wing"

- Michael George - "voted NOT to certify EIR is complete", concerned about the historic nature of Spain Street, had concerns about dropping apartment into the heart of Sonoma, "What's the give back? Nothing." The audience responded to his comment "The Pinelli Bungalow has been neglected for years and is urban blight, what? give the owners an even larger project NOT to maintain??"

- Matt Howarth, Chair - "voted NOT to certify EIR is complete"

- Mark Heneveld - voted to Certify, believes the EIR is complete

- Alternate, Matthew Tippell - voted to Certify, believes the EIR is complete

- Raymund Gallian - voted to Certify, believes the EIR is complete, liked the previous project with its high density, the goal was to make that area more economically vibrant

- Chip Roberson (removed from the dais because he missed last month's meeting)

July 6 - Important Planning Commission Meeting

"Please note that consideration of the Mission Square EIR, which had previously been scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning Commission on June 24, 2010, will be continued to a special Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m." at the Community Meeting Room at 177 First Street West
Rob Gjestland, Senior Planner, City of Sonoma(707) 933-2202

Sparks could fly at this meeting as attorney Susan Brandt-Hawley dukes it out with city planner David Goodison about the need for further studies on the "Cultural Landscape!"

Please attend! Don't be dis-empowered and sit at home watching this on TV. It's "Butts in Chairs" that make a difference!

"Certification" Decision Delayed

The Planning Commission on a 5 to 2 vote agreed to postpone the decision to certify the EIR in order to hear from preservation lawyer Susan Brandt-Hawley who was unable to attend on Thursday. She has some questions about the cultural resources section of the EIR.

There was an informational talk by Planning Director David Goodison about what might constitute a cultural landscape which I thought was very good. He described possible examples including the little vineyard on the Castagnaso property as a remnant of agriculture that was done on that lot. I think the whole historic core of Sonoma altogether is a cultural landscape. There is no history of anything "significant" being done on the vacant lot in question; some would say that in itself is significant!

I proposed a museum for that location. No one jeered or made snide remarks. I think it's possible but will require a lot more phone calls and well-crafted letters. I'd love your ideas and suggestions.

I was given one idea that an Indian made tule boat and house be displayed, I love it!

NOW is the Time!

The community meeting went well. Rob Gjestland, the Senior Planner with the City of Sonoma informed us about the process, the architect, Bill Willers, talked us through the project, and people in the audience asked questions.

--> NOW is the time to coalesce your ideas about the project: what you like, don't like and your concerns. If you need help with this process call me, you talk, I type, I email it to you, you edit & distribute. 939-9146.

You must email your comments to David Goodison (Planning Director) at the City by May 11 so he can understand your concerns and will distribute them to all the Planning Commission members: davidg@sonomacity.org

Please copy your email to both papers for inclusion in Letters to the Editor:
david@sonomanews.com
news@sonomasun.com
I believe you need to include your street address and a phone so the paper knows you're a real person.

AND plan to stand up at the meeting and speak to your concerns Thursday, May 13, 6:30pm at the Community Meeting Room (175 1st Street West) next to the police station across the street from Veteran's Hall

Hey, this is important. Whether you live in the city limits or not your opinion matters.

I have in mind calling the 13 people who gave me their phone numbers and try to organize meetings with the Planning Commissioners... This will have to happen soon... Let me know if you'd like to participate. Karla@KarlaNoyes.com

Sometimes there is a tiny window of opportunity to influence something that will effect all of us and our ancestors far into the future - for that vacant lot NOW IS THE TIME!

If you need any help with this process, call me, 939-9146.

"Mission Square" Meeting

There will be an open forum meeting for anyone who wants to see and learn about the amended plan called "Mission Square" on the vacant lot to the east of the Blue Wing Inn on:

Thursday, April 15, 6:30-9:00pm at the Vintage House, 264 1st Street East, Sonoma, in the large classroom across from the reception desk.

The architect will be there to describe the proposal, and we expect someone from the City Planning Department to attend who can answer questions about city process.

This is an opportunity to learn about and possibly influence the project before it gets to the Planning Commission Meeting which will be Thursday, May 13, 6:30pm at the Community Room at the police station.

Tom Anderson and I request that all attendees act with Respect, Cooperation and Consideration towards everyone at the meeting.

There will be a requested donation at the door to cover the cost of the room & snacks.

Questions: Karla Noyes 939-2608

Community-wide Meeting...

I'm trying to pull together a community meeting of the "stakeholders" maybe at the Vintage House in mid-April. Stay tuned. Let me know if you have any thoughts, etc.
Karla
939-2608

DATE - before the Planning Commission

The amended Mission Square plan will be heard before the Sonoma Planning Commission May 13 at 6:30 in the Community Room next to the police station on 1st St. West.

I've been asked to pull together a community meeting with the neighbors, architect, owners and city government people. That will happen in April. I'm thinking about the Vintage House...

What do you think?

--> This is IT Folks: Mission Square Final EIR Addendum

The amended plan for Mission Square was posted on the City’s report page Thursday, March 25.

The date for it to go before the Planning Commission hasn’t been posted on their page yet.


Here’s the amended plan (the 2-story military lodging look) (big file).

We should probably call a meeting at the Vintage House and invite the neighbors?

I offer this blog as a means of group communication…

Comments? Suggestions?

Karla

Reader - park recommendation

"I used to climb in the ancient fig tree on this lot when I was a child coming back from Prestwood elementary after a coke & sundae at Vela's. I see a wild park here with more fig trees, apple trees. Perhaps a plum, with uncut grass & a dirt path running through for pedestrians weary or walking on pavement."

The Historic Neighbors of "Mission Square"

I believe that the neighborhood around this proposed development is very special. It is extremely historic with some old adobes, some 1890s+ cottages & houses and the Castagnasso Farm is an absolute gem! Whatever goes in that vacant lot at 165 East Spain (the proposed "Mission Square" location) should fit in visually (and environmentally) and not detract from the historic neighborhood. Maybe even be a visual contribution...

What would YOU like to see there?

Cittaslow Sonoma? / That "Vision Thing"

Since no Indian artifacts were found during the initial archeological examination it is unlikely that development on that lot can be stopped - UNLESS you want it to be a park and are willing to make a Really Big Stink about it.

I am heartened to see that the July 2007 EIR for the project would require contractors to recycle waste, deal with dust and noise, requires a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and a post-development plan for surface water runoff. That's a lot of trouble and expense.

But, IF that vacant lot is developed anything built there will be around for a VERY long time - we better get it right.

Since this is 2010, why can't we be building the most energy efficient projects possible with:

1. Solar photovoltaic and hot water arrays
2. Windows with a size and location that respond to solar conditions: with large overhangs above south windows (covered porches anyone?) and small windows to the east and west
3. Rain water collection to use during the initial planting period
4. Sustainable landscaping with Native plants that require no watering and fruit/vegetable/nut trees that allow for interaction of residents with the landscaping and provide a food source (Cittaslow)
   
5. Why can’t we resurrect the historic artesian well on the property, at least as a decorative fountain?
6. We can exceed the LEED guidelines limiting the chemicals in paints, carpets adhesives.
7. Require efficient windows, heating systems, etc. using QUALITY construction and 'green' methodologies
8. And most especially, in order to maintain the existing character of the block why can’t we have buildings that are architecturally compatible between two historic properties and the residential nature of historic East Spain and 2nd Streets East
   

Why can't we have a project we could be really proud of?

"Another Personal Growth Experience"

The 2 top photos are on East Spain looking southwest from the Pinelli Bungalow to the Project Site.

The bottom image is taken in front of the Mission entrance with the Pinelli Bungalow on the left and the Pinni Building on the right (Ann Appleman Florist).

Do you think maybe the Mission Square Project would have an impact on the historic view-shed?

I was concerned about the photos in the 2006 EIR that showed that The Project would NOT be visible from the Mission so I stopped by and took some photos today. Umm... it reminds me that we need to question ALL the subjective statements in the EIR.

OK, here's what we can expect:

1.) The EIR consultants for the project will submit an "Addenda to the EIR" which will illustrate and describe the mitigations, i.e., the changes that were requested by the Planning Commission in 2007.

2.) The Planning Department will make a Public Notice: in the I-T, via email to the people who have indicated they want to be notified, via postcards, they will mail something to the people who submitted comments in the past, and mail a notice to the property owners within 500 feet of the proposed project. They will announce that the Addenda is available for public review: online (probably on their Reports page), on CD and hard copy at City Hall. I will post that notice here.

3.) We will have a specified number of days to review the document (a minimum of 20 days but I'm told we can expect more time). The last day will be the date that the Project goes before the Planning Commission.

4.) At the Planning Commission meeting the public can comment on ANYTHING and EVERYTHING including NEW CONCERNS (and subjective comments in the EIR.)

5.) To the best of my knowledge (correct me if I'm wrong), it's possible the Planning Commission could:
- "Approve/Adopt" the EIR (this is all about the EIR only, but by making our concerns known during this EIR/CEQA process the Planning Commission will learn about our concerns.)
- Make a request for changes to the developer based on our concerns

6.) Even if the EIR is Adopted, the Planning Commission could (will?) insist on modifications of the project.

7.) After that the process could go in a couple directions: appeal to the City Council or, come back to the Planning Commission, and at some point, to the Design Review Committee.


This is Another Personal Growth Experience! What we learn here will help us with navigate the Planning Process in the future.

Whatever we allow to be approved for that lot will be around for 100+ years. Let's get it right. (Solar anyone?)

"New" Plans & City Representatives

These PLANS are all over town so I post them here.(5MB pdf)

16 Apartments with 567 average sq.ft/unit (a space 23ft. 9in. x 23ft. 9in.); 3,514 sq.ft. of office space on two floors; 3,600 sq.ft. of carports. No commercial use.

Note: the developer hasn't submitted the amended EIR that goes with these plans, yet, so city officials may say that they don't have enough information. Certainly it is a reduction in the 3-story monstrosity they proposed in 2006. But does it meet YOUR needs? (See "1st Call to Action" post here.)

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES, like everyone, like to be prepared, to know ahead of time the thoughts and feeling of their constituents so they can intelligently address them in public.

It is useful to put together a group of informed citizens and invite these representatives to your meeting - one at a time. It means a lot of meetings but you will become better public speakers, confident about the process - and better able to make your point at the public meetings. Ask these representatives for advice about the process and how you can best make your case.

The information below is directly from the City of Sonoma web site:

PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS

Gary Edwards

Robert Felder

Raymund Gallian

Michael George - Chair

Mark Heneveld

Matt Howarth

Chip Roberson

Alternate, Matthew Tippell

The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Community Meeting Room, 177 First Street West, Sonoma.

Planning Commission MINUTES AND AGENDAS

CITY COUNCIL:

Steve Barbose, Mayor (Term: First; Expires 2010) (707) 292-3675

August Sebastiani, Mayor Pro Tem (Term: First; Expires 2010) (707) 933-1704 ext. 222

Ken Brown, (Term: Third; Expires 2010) (707)938-8623

Laurie Gallian (Term: First; Expires 2012) (707) 738-9847

Joanne Sanders(Term: Second; Expires 2012) (707) 938-4422

The City Council normally meets at 6:00 p.m., on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Community Meeting Room at 177 First Street West, Sonoma California.

City Council MINUTES AND AGENDAS

CEQA is a process...

CEQA - in general - is a process for public review and comment on a plan for development; it has no legal binding force to remedy environmental impacts.

CEQA does however, require full disclosure of environmental impacts.

It is an opportunity for the community to make their concerns known. Those concerns may or may not be addressed (fixed) in the next edition of the project plan.

You know how politicians when asked a question, often don’t answer it but repeat a particular message? That is what we must do.

We may or may not affect the EIR.

Our goal must be to Educate:

1. Our Planning Commission

2. Our elected representative – city council members

3. Our community – letters to the editor, conversations, speaking at meetings

“Repetition is the key to learning”

Don’t get hung up on the EIR, use it to make your concerns known, in public and in writing. This is do-able. We think. We talk. We share. Remember the 100th Monkey? If enough people are thinking and talking about their concerns... they become the community's concerns.

The EIR "Process"

The EIR must go through a public review period. Written comments from the public and agencies MUST be addressed, in writing, in the final EIR. The final EIR may or may not be adopted by the Planning Commission, but the decision must be made at a public hearing or meeting of the Commission that is open to the Public for additional comment.

The Planning Commission may approve or disapprove the Final EIR after revision. Approving or adopting the Final EIR doesn’t mean the project has been approved by the Planning Commission.

It is possible that the Planning Commission could:

1. approve and adopt the EIR and

2. approve the Project, but these are two separate decisions

The Planning Commission (and the City Council) could say “these concerns of the people cannot be resolved; this project will have an impact therefore we deny the project, or let’s do a lot swap.”

OR they could say “we don’t care about the public’s concerns we’re going to pass a "Statement of Overriding Conditions" and approve the project anyway.” (Yeah? Well, not without an extensive airing of the public’s concerns in the press and other media about the ____________ (fill in your concern.))

My concern is Historic Integrity.

Sonoma is the most historically important and intact town north of San Francisco, maybe in the entire state.

This is worth preserving!