Springs alight with new businesses

The Highway 12 beautification project through the Springs was the critical first step, the pre-requisite action for stemming blight and stimulating business. Now, with the street lamps lit and the sidewalks in, it’s time to ask the next big question.

The lights are on, but is anybody shopping?

The answer is yes, and with new businesses in or on the way, the local economy is showing welcome signs of life.
“Things are really going on,” said Cas Ellena, the area’s redevelopment manager. “People are having faith that the economy is going to turn around. There’s a certain confidence.”

Shops new to the corridor are La Michocana, and The Epicurean Connection, while La Morenita #2, has opened a second location. The Olde Sonoma Public House will open soon.

The Highway 12 project gives the perception this is a great place to invest and do business,” said Ellena, redevelopment manager for the Sonoma County Community Development Commission.

“There’s definitely an up-and-coming vibe and momentum going on,” according to Laurie Decker, who serves as the economic development manager for the Sonoma Valley Economic Development Partnership. She noted all four businesses “are start-ups or expansions of local start-ups. This will be the strongest component of business development for our community.”

The county recently approved investing up to $2.5 million in redevelopment funds to bring the Sonoma Community Health Clinic to the area. The proposed 20,000 square-foot building will create 60-plus jobs when it opens in the fall of 2011.

To accommodate that large of a building, the redevelopment agency combined four adjacent lots bought from three different owners. Consolidating smaller parcels as a means to attract news businesses is part of the strategic plan of the Springs Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

Business development and retention are primary goals of the plan, supported by a strategy of establishing a unique sense of place. The highway lighting, while improving safety and security, is helping the Springs create its own identity.

“It’s a huge catalyst for the area,” said Al Lerma, Sonoma County redevelopment. “Business wants to locate in a corridor that’s attractive. And there’s a pride factor for residents.”

One priority action, identified at a recent strategic planning meeting, is the development of one or more public plazas. Such an “activity hub” would become a gathering place for the community and support nearby retailers.
“It’s a way to look at your inventory,” Lerma said. “You want to zoom in on areas that have potential.”

One ideal spot for such a commons is the south fork of Boyes Boulevard at Sonoma Highway, where there now stands an empty gas station and a long-condemned bar and restaurant.

Such a plan would take years to study, let alone realize, but it shows the Redevelopment Advisory Committee – which will have upwards of $3 million to invest next year – is willing to make a bold move to invigorate the local economy.

Lerma said the Redevelopment Advisory Committee is looking to be more proactive, brainstorming new ideas and not just waiting for proposals to come forward. The idea is to “put some actions to the action plan.”

Springing to life

La Michoacana
Home made ice cream and Mexican frozen deserts, such as Paletas, ice pops, made with chopped fresh fruit and Bionicos, made with sweet cream and fruit, then topped with granola, raisins, coconut and more. Owner Teresita Carr also creates chocolate-covered bananas and strawberries on sticks concentrates on creating small batches of fresh products from scratch.
18495 Highway 12, at Thomson Avenue.

Epicurean Connection
Caterer, cheesemaker, and culinary educator Sheana Davis has expanded her Epicurean Connection business. The store features her products, including Epicurean Connection Arugula Pesto, tapenades, and cheeses, along with a selection of gourmet products such as Bovolo Bacon, Framani Meats, Rustic Bakery Flatbreads, Sonomic Vinegars, artisan cheeses, plus daily fresh soups, sandwiches and more.
18812 Sonoma Highway, Suite C – next to The Rocket Cafe.

La Morenita #2
Mexican grocery and carnicera, with a variety of dried peppers and fresh vegetables.  17400 Sonoma Highway

Coming Soon: Olde Sonoma Public House
Local owners Coley and Jolene Thomas aim to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere where locals can stop by for a lunch, a quick snack or pint or two after work. Specializing in microbrews and crafted beers from around the world, with 20 on tap, with a few pub games and multiple TVs for sports.
18812 Sonoma Highway, in Fiesta Center