RAC Supports Las Palmas Development

Steven Cox, Community Organization Representative opened the Springs Redevelopment Advisory Committee meeting with a little levity last Thursday evening. “We are competing with the film festival this evening,” he said. “Can’t see why somebody would want to go see movies while they could be attending a RAC meeting.”
Highway 12 improvements
Kevin Hoze, engineering division manager for Sonoma County Public Works, gave a presentation about the highway 12 construction projects, which are now escalating to work above ground after working for the past phase on the lines below ground. “The goal is to keep the traffic flowing so that there is no loss of business during the construction. We will install signs next week to help people understand that all businesses remain open.” Hoze addressed a petition being circulated to do the work in the evenings, saying, “Evening or night work would be difficult because of the large number of residents living close to the Highway 12 corridor.” He explained that there have been some minor problems facing the project but that overall it is progressing as planned.
In response to questions about the lack of progress on the corner in front of the Big 3 diner, Hoze explained that there was a problem with the electrical subcontractor not doing its part as quickly as possible. He also explained all PG&E work is now done and that there is an on-site inspector available to answer public questions about the project.
Façade Improvement Plan
Discussion about the Façade Improvement Plan was focused primarily on the size of loans needed. Cox explained, “We need to set the overall framework of size and character and magnitude of this program. If the goal is to improve the visual appearance along the corridor, let’s incentive-ize people to do a lot of work and set the amount high.”
Marty Edwards, owner of the Clemente Inn, was in full agreement. She has been working to restore part of the Inn, which faces many challenges. “It is possibly the biggest blight on Highway 12,” she said. “I am looking for façade improvement funding but I must move forward with the partial demolition before finalizing the proposal for redevelopment.” Plans have now been approved for retail commercial use on the site and Edwards is looking into purchasing an adjacent property for parking.
Las Palmas Development
Scott Johnson, president of New Pueblo Homes, gave a presentation about the Las Palmas development, a subdivision of 52 single-family detached homes proposed for the area next to the Sonoma Charter School. He was requesting a letter of support for the project from the RAC.
The presentation included an explanation of the Safe Routes for Schools plan, which is creating a trail from Sonoma Charter School to the bike path in Maxwell Park including a section that will run through the Las Palmas development. He also explained that 21 of the 52 homes will be low income housing and that a redesign is underway to incorporate solar and modular components to the homes to improve efficiency and conservation. “The development will include covered garages, it will improve the Charter School playground, which will function as an open space after school hours, and it will create the Safe Routes trail,” said Johnson. “Our goal is to get it through plan check by the end of the year, and we’re aiming for the spring of 2010 to get PG&E to start work.” The RAC members approved the request for support by a unanimous vote.
Future Plans
Upcoming events for the Springs area include the Springs cleanup on April 18, 19, and 25, when residents can hold garage sales and have their ads paid for by the Sonoma County Community Development Commission Redevelopment Agency. Also, a Goodwill donation truck will be at the Arroyo Veterinary Hospital from noon to 4 p.m. on April 14 to pick up leftover garage sale items (no electronic waste). Various local organizations are also planning a street cleanup on April 22, Earth Day. The final item on the RAC agenda was a discussion of the Gateway Arch Project and the artist, but that was postponed until the next meeting.