Consternation over west side access to two miles of new trails through Sonoma’s Montini Ranch property initially focused on cows. The issue now is cars.
The 157-acre parcel was acquired in 2005. Since then the trail network has been designed and a management plan approved, including a compromise over the cows – they’ll stay, behind a new fence, and a proposed 10-space parking lot – dropped by public demand.
At issue now is where to place the trail entrance. There are two options, each impacting neighborhood traffic and street parking. One design puts the trailhead along Fifth Street West south of El Verano, the other on Fourth Street West at Haraszthy Drive.
The city will hold a neighborhood meeting to hear comments on the plans, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.
Both options rely on existing street parking space. The only change would be the painting of two spots for disabled parking.
The proposed trailheads, particularly the Fourth Street West option, are located in residential areas. “The primary opposition resulted from subdivision residents who stated that they did not wish to see hikers in the view from their backyards,” reported Leslie Lew of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
The traffic those hikers generate, and how many parking spaces they take up, now becomes the primary topic.
Monday night’s hearing looks to culminate nearly three years of debate and, said Lew, “robust public outreach. The (Open Space) District engaged in more than 60 public contacts, including public workshops, community meetings, neighborhood meetings, and mediation sessions to balance the needs of the community with the needs of the rest of Sonoma County and the natural and cultural resources.”
Comments from Monday’s public meeting will be considered by city staff, which will then make a recommendation to the city council. According to Planning Director David Goodison, the council will then express its preference to the Open Space District, which has final decision-making authority.
With attention focused on the nine-acre pasture on the west side, the rest of the uncontested plan is in place, with construction set to begin in 2010. On its eastern border, the new trail will link with the existing Overlook Trail, with parking in the Police Station lot on First Street West.
The new trail will grant unprecedented access to the prominent hillside which forms the city’s scenic backdrop. It will wind along and up the foothills, looping behind the water tower and Vallejo’s House, through pristine native habitat. Two vista points will present optimum views of the town and Valley.
