City sells west side lot for $1.45 million

The city of Sonoma has agreed to sell five contiguous parcels that front Fifth Street West and West Spain Streets for $1,450,000. The buyer, the non-profit organization Woven Shade, plans to build on the property a new residential community for adults with autism.

The total area is 2.79 acres, with frontage at 19380 Fifth Street West and 726 West Spain.

The properties were purchased with funds from the city’s Community Development Agency’s (CDA) Low-Moderate Income Housing Fund. Proceeds from the sale will be deposited back in to that fund as required by law.

Woven Shade describes itself as a group of families and concerned advocates who organized to provide long-term housing and services for adults with autism. The project will provide a supported living program for sixteen young adults.

The proposed Sonoma facility will provide a haven for personal support and a responsive environment for growth. Woven Shade will nurture individuality by providing staff and opportunities for residents to develop their skills and interests and expand their growth, involvement and relationships into the wider community of Sonoma.

Staff will be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number of staff will vary depending on the collective needs of individual residents, but Woven Shade projects a need of between 10-12 staff during any one 8-hour shift.

The Woven Shade campus has been designed to maximize the attributes of the site, namely the beautiful landscape, solar access, views, the surrounding neighborhood and access to the greater Sonoma community. More than a third of the land will be used for an organic garden.

Initial design plans show four single-level, four-bedroom homes (approximately 3,400 sf); a Community Building (approximately 3,000 sf); and a Welcome Center (approximately 1,400 sf).

There will be landscaped outdoor areas to support a variety of individual and group activities, and a one-acre acre organic garden and orchard with production greenhouses.

The main entry will be from West Fifth Street, with a second service access drive off of West Spain Street for emergency vehicle access and staff parking. There will be on-site parking for 18 cars and facility vehicles.

The project has been scheduled for review by the Planning Commission on October 14.

The escrow is contingent on a Regional Water Board permit allowing the wetland on the property to be filled, but should close by January 31, 2011.