HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 1ALate5 02/08/2010~.
From: Paul Osrnundson lposmundson@pacificwaterfront:com]
Sent: Monday, February08, 2010 4:07 PM
To: CityCouncil
Cc: ;info.@eastwashingtonplace.com
Subject: Certifythe EIR for East Washington Place
Honorable Members of the Gity Council,
My wife Cappi and I and our three children have been residents of Petaluma since 1992. We live at
984 Hidden Valley Drive.
I am the former Director of Planning and Development for the Port of San Francisco, and the former
Director of Real Estate for the Presidio Trust. I have worked in ,urban planning, public/ private real
estate, and real estate development for 25 years. I have prepared, reviewed and worked with the
California Environmental Quality Act since 1989 as both a public official and private developer.
My comments are presented on the 'E1R; on the overall land use and decision making process; the
developer; and the Petaluma economy.
EIR
I urge you to vote to certify the East Washington Place Ei'R~as adequate and complete at tonight's
hearing; to find overriding considerations for the three significant and unavoidable environmental
impacts; and to accept the recommendation of the Petaluma Planning Commission's 4-2 vote on this
topic.
I have read the summary of the EIR and the responses to comments and believe that there it is a
complete document; and that you have adequate information available to you to make a decision
today; and that you should vote in favor of the EIR certification.
Overall Land Use Decision
The zoning of the site as MU B1 (I believe.), while encouraging mixed use, acknowledges this as
highway commercial site where residential use is inappropriate. This is one of the BEST sites in
Petaluma for this type of use since it is located immediately adjacent to Highway 101 and the overall
impact on traffic in our community will be minimized. That presumes that the City's General Plan is
meaningful. in guiding future development.
Developer
Regency Centers is a good corporate citizen who stepped forward when the school district was in dire
need, Two of our three children attended the new Kenilworth Junior High -our oldest attended the
old Kenilworth. This project is a dramatic impi-ovementto our community over what existed
previously. I was the President of the Petaluma Valley Little League and coached and attended many
baseball games over of Carter Field. Regency has been very accommodating to the National League
and shown that they do -care about the community.
Petaluma~Ec.onomv and Budget
The retail. leakage study was unequivocal - we need more home improvement and general
merchandise stores in Petaluma. I shop at the Kmart all the time and. am tired of not having a choice
for general merchandise. I am also sick of driving to Lowe's in Cofati. I' shop at OSH as much as I
can but it simply does not meet our needs.
We all want the strongest and best economic situation for our town obviously. We also want the best
employment opportunities for our citizens. Target is one of the most responsible large scale corporate
retailers in the country (the Dayton Hudson Corporation as the owner ensures that) and Freidman's is
self explanatory as the case study in retaining and promoting local businesses. I expect that there
will be opportunities for other local businesses as well -including francishees for example. It is
wonderful to think of encouraging small locally owned sustainable businesses in every location in
Petaluma, but, quite frankly that type of business belongs in the Central Petaluma Specific Plan area
and adjacent to the new SMART rail station
C osing Remarks
In case you are wondering, I commute to San Francisco on Golden Gate Transit and will be taking
the SMART train to the Larkspur Ferry when it is open.
I don't need to tell you how dire the budget situation is. You,,can make a decision that helps secure
the economic future of the City and provides a more stable revenue source to fund City Services.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Paul Osmundson
984 Hidden Valley Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
Paul Osmundson
Director of Development
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