Healdsburgers

During last night’s meeting, the Healdsburg Planning Commission unanimously approved the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Saggio Hills development located at the north end of town.

What it means:
This was a major step in moving the plan forward. Once the Planning Commission approves the remaining parts of the plan, it will be sent to the City Council who will hold public hearings. They will then either approve or reject the development. Construction is planned to start next spring and is expected to last at least two years.

What’s at stake:
Saggio Hills is the last large property (258.5 acres) with development potential remaining in Healdsburg. When this project is completed, it will include a 130-unit resort hotel in bungalow style buildings, restaurants, a convention center, spa, several swimming pools, gift shop, outdoor wedding pavilion, and other buildings. There will also be 70 upscale “resort residences” (ranging from 5,500 to 12,000 square feet) which are expected to be used as vacation homes by wealthy individuals.Saggio Hills is expected to become a major revenue source for the City of Healdsburg through taxes and fees, as well a boost for the overall economy through tourism. A recent newspaper article put the contribution at approximately $70 million. These funds are badly needed to provide Healdsburg with government services, including fire and police.The development company has created an exhaustively detailed plan (see link in previous post) designed to minimize the impact of Saggio Hills on the environment. In addition, they will provide public trails, as well as land and funds for “affordable” housing area (planned at 150 units), a park (with lighted soccer fields), and a fire substation.

Why be concerned?
This project, if adopted, will have a large and permanent impact on everyone who lives in Healdsburg. The Planning Commission essentially said that the developer had “mitigated” (the most popular word of the evening) all of the negative impacts, with the exception of three categories of problems which cannot be completely mitigated. Those unmitigated impacts, in their view, do not rise to the level that should limit the “economic engine that will benefit the community.” The official term for this is a “finding of overriding consideration.”

What are the Unmitigated Impacts?
Basically, they fall into three categories: aesthetics (including light pollution and sky glow), transportation (increased delays at the Dry Creek/101 interchange), and “cumulative” (impaired air quality during construction). Read the EIR report for the detailed information.

What other issues are there?
Lots. Parkland Farms will see increased traffic as well as the light pollution. Some residents fear that this development at will pull businesses northward, changing the Plaza-centric character of Healdsburg. Some feel that there should be no development at all in this area, others think the proposed footprint is too large and disruptive. Others believe this is an important opportunity in the growth of Healdsburg, and that this developer is doing a good job in creating a project that our town can be proud of.

What should you do now?
Get informed. Learn the facts. Talk to your neighbors. Read the planning documents. Let your officials know your opinion.Last night, the Planning Commission meeting began an hour earlier than the usual time, which meant that many people (including me) arrived after the time for public comments was closed. However, there will be several opportunities in the near future for Healdsburg citizens to make their desires known to both our elected and appointed officials.Please let our town know what you think…by making comments to this post and participating in this blog.