During the meeting on Monday, 11/27, the Healdsburg Planning Commissioners approved the Area Plan for Saggio Hills, which incorporated their staff’s comments. During the time set aside for public comments, about a dozen people spoke with concerns about water, schools, agriculture, fire risk, sightlines and the visibility of some of the proposed new homes, wetlands and wildlife, visual and sound impact on Parkland Farms residents, and the number of people who will be using the proposed convention facility. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and reasonableness of the public comments. Planning and Building Director Rick Tooker addressed many of the concerns, also in a thoughtful and reasonable way.
The approval process is highly technical, with certain comments being allowed to be considered only at certain stages; it is difficult for the average citizen to know when the right time is to be heard. The commissioners gave a great deal of leeway in allowing comments that would have better been delivered at an earlier stage of the project.
Next Tuesday, 12/4, a Special Meeting will be held to continue discussions about the Tentative Map. Following that, a Public Hearing will be held on 12/11 regarding the Development Agreement. This is where we will get a complete picture of what Healdsburg will receive for allowing this valuable, pristine property to be annexed for the Saggio Hills development. Then, the City Council will decide, once advised by the Planning Commission, on the various entitlements that will allow the project to go forward.
Fasten your seat belts.