Buying the farm?

The Sonoma City Council voted unanimously on April 18 to pursue the idea of spending $2 million from the city’s general fund to help buy a conservation easement to preserve a picturesque draft-horse pasture and historic farm near the plaza.
The $2 million from city coffers would be matched by a $2.5 million grant from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, plus another $100,000 (in the form of a discount off the property’s appraised value) from the Castagnasso family, which owns the 2.72-acre horse property at 150 – 154 E. Spain St.
The farm’s buildings include a single-family home constructed in 1890 and a large barn, both of which are identified in the National Register of Historic Places as “contributing buildings” to the Sonoma Plaza National Landmark District. The property has been owned and continuously farmed by the Castagnasso family for nearly 100 years.
Council voted to authorize city staff to apply for the $2.5 million grant from the open space district. City officials will find out in July if the grant is approved.
If the money comes through, the council will take the matter up again for further consideration.
“There are more steps to be taken, if this whole process is successful,” said city planner David Goodison.
The property is zoned for medium-density residential development, which allows 11 units per acre. So theoretically, it has the potential for some housing 30 units, according to Goodison, who added he would be surprised if a developer went for the maximum amount of housing allowed.
In 2005, the council adopted its Open Space Preservation Strategic Plan and the 3-parcel, 2.72-acre Castagnasso property was one of three priority sites.
“We have invested a lot of time in closed session regarding this property,” Mayor pro tem Joanne Sanders said. “This is not just a rubber stamp.”
The major portion of the property is used for a small vineyard and horse grazing.
The Castagnasso family would retain ownership and continue the existing uses if the conservation easement is approved.