Redevelopment Advisory Committee elects new members

Three representatives were elected to the Sonoma Valley Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC) at its December 6 meeting. The RAC makes recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors for projects and programs in the redevelopment area. The redevelopment area runs along Highway 12 between Maxwell Farms Regional Park in the south and Agua Caliente Boulevard in the north, and extends roughly a few blocks on both sides of the highway.
Incumbent Ryan Lely was reelected to his seat representing residential tenants. In his candidacy statement, Lely noted that he has studied architecture and has a passion for urban design. He has lived in the Springs for most of his life and is employed as the photo editor at the Sun.
David Whiteley was elected in the business operator category. Whiteley, a self-employed contractor/developer, is a partner in the Sonoma Creek Inn and other properties in the redevelopment area. He is a 25-year Valley resident.
Donna Hays was elected to serve as the residential owner- occupant representative. In her candidacy speech, Hays described herself as “naturally inquisitive, with a good sense of what the community wants and needs.” She has been a Sonoma Valley resident for nearly 40 years and writes regularly about the Springs for the Sun.
Lely, Whiteley and Hays will be sworn in at the RAC’s February 7 meeting, and will serve four year terms. They join fellow RAC members Rich Lee, Kara Olness Reyes, Ellen Conlan and Stephen Cox.
In other RAC business, Redevelopment Manager Boris Sztorch reported that the Redevelopment Commission will seek approval at the Board of Supervisors’ January meeting for the Highway 12 Gateway Arch artwork. If okayed by the board, artist Oliverio Quezada will create and install the work by next May or June, at a cost of $35,000.
Community Development Commission Executive Director Kathleen Kane reported that the redevelopment plan amendment is on track for completion by August 2008. The amendment will increase the revenue cap from $20 million to $120 million and provide the ability to issue up to $40 million in bonds for projects in the Springs.
Kane also reported that no new redevelopment projects will be considered until a Board of Supervisors subcommittee makes its recommendations. Subcommittee members are Fifth District Supervisor Mike Reilly and Fourth District Supervisor Paul Kelly. They are developing standard criteria that will apply to projects in all three county redevelopment areas – the Springs, Roseland in Santa Rosa and the Russian River. “We don’t know what they’re going to come up with,” said Kane, “but we don’t want to get ahead of the board’s policy direction.”
The next RAC meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3 at 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 100 Verano Ave.