Wary of short-sighted developers

I am writing about the multi-family development proposed for 870 Broadway (at MacArthur). I am not against development. I am for smart development. So far, I think we can do a lot better given our new technology.

Instead of money always being the top priority, we need to bring into place things of much more value: the environment, use of resources, impact on traffic, roads and the future of Sonoma Valley. Maybe we need to reconsider old zoning laws and old city plans to get them up to speed with current events? Are we still in a drought?

I am wary of developers coming in from other places, whose main interest is profit. This is short sighted and greedy. They will make their money and we will live with the outcome. We need to put a lot more insight into this development, as it is the corridor of our amazing city. Sonoma is targeted by developers because it is desirable and profitable.

If there has to be development in this space, make room for state of the art, environmentally sound, forward thinking, resource smart development, with open space for gardens, pathways and water drainage. Please consider the future of Sonoma that is in our hands. Money is not, and never has been the most important thing.

I want to thank the city workers for all their hard work. You should not be all alone in this enormous task. We need more input from the community, women and the younger generation.

 Leslie Murphy, Sonoma