HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.A 01/28/2019 Attachment 06-16ATTACHMENT 16
From: Patricia Junker <piunker@cruiseshipcenters.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 9:57 AM
To: Hines, Heather
Subject: VOTE YES ON JUNE 26 - SAFEWAY GAS STATION, WASHINGTON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER,
PETALUMA
Good morning:
I work in Petaluma and commute from Vallejo 3 days a week. I have purchased gas from
Safeway in Vallejo, Sacramento and Novato for 15 years. Having the Safeway Gas Station in
Washington Square where the Office is located would be a wonderful, stable addition to the
Shopping Center - it would bring more potential customers, more often to the Center and
provide a convenience (one stop shopping and gas) to Sonoma County/Highway 101 Corridor,
easy on and off at Washington St. to McDowell.
For selfish reasons, I would appreciate it as I could fill my tank, after work, before driving back
to Vallejo.
Patricia Junker, MCC, ACC, CTC I Cruise & Vacation Consultant
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-US/MCCPatriciaJunker/home
North Bay
357 S. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA, 94954
Toll Free: (800) 258 8880
Office: (707) 766 7447 Fax: (707) 766 7448
6-16-1
From: Malcolm Johnson <malcolm@iohnsonnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:36 PM
To: Hines, Heather
Subject: Support for cheaper gas in Petaluma
Hello, Heather — I believe you are in a position to consider my thoughts on the Safeway gas
station.
I support it because the increased competition will have an effect on gas prices throughout
Petaluma. We have higher gas prices than neighboring cities of similar size and I believe it
is due to a lack of competition.
I sympathize with the people who live near the proposed station. We all are faced with
change like this from time to time and the greater good needs to win out. I believe the
greater good for Petaluma is served by allowing all citizens to benefit from increased
competition. It's natural to have a difficult time envisioning any kind of change and most of
us are reluctant to embrace it. Often, after anxious thought they will come up with
seemingly plausible reasons to justify their concerns. Some are valid, some are not. The
main arguments against the station appear to be environmental impact, traffic concerns,
and the rise of electric cars.
It's my understanding that the environmental impacts have been studied and that no
environmental issues have been discovered. The mental image of a station near the school
is alarming though it seems the actual effect is at most minimal.
It is also my understanding that the traffic issues have been studied and also found to not
be problematic. But honestly, if the need for less expensive fuel leads to people queuing up
to buy it, that would suggest the gas station is needed very badly by the city.
The argument that the rise in number of electric cars will make gas less necessary in the
next 25 years is conjecture. My wife and I were looking for anew car just last weekend and
Honda, Subaru and Audi never mentioned anything about moving to a highly electric based
line up. I'm sure some are, though, but that's hardly a reason to make a decision for or
against. There are also enough problems with the batteries (getting the resources to make
them, improving the distances, how to dispose of them, etc.) that it is not a simple
matter. For the foreseeable future, helping our city's citizens keep more money in their
pockets by saving at the pump serves us all well.
In summary, my belief is that far more of our citizens would benefit from reduced gas
prices and since the environmental and traffic studies have not indicated real problems, the
station should be allowed to move forward.
Thanks for your time,
Malcolm
6-16-2
From: Linda Hartrich [mailto:rldt@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 12:35 PM
To: Ellis, Evelyn <EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Petaluma Safeway open house
I am dead -set AGAINST a gas station on that crowded congested busy corner across fro a preschool,
elementary school, Little League fields, residential HOMES on McDowell, and a busy bus stop!
PLEASE come up with a better location — or buy out the existing nearby Chevron station!
Google "hazards of living near a gas station". Horrible potential health problems for little kids) Not to
mention terrible gridlock on that corner.
Thanks for listening.
mm
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 18, 2018, at 8:42 AM, Ellis, Evelyn <EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us> wrote:
Hello,
Safeway will be holding two open houses for the proposed Safeway gas station at Washington Square.
For more information, please visit:
June 19th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-square-safewaV-gas-station-community-open-
house-tickets-47039432208?aff=0 ppo
June 23rd: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-square-safewaV-gas-station-communitV-open-
house-tickets-47040680943?aff=0 ppo
Please feel free to distribute.
Thank you,
Natalie
Natalie Mattel
Senior Real Estate Manager
Albertsons Companies
11555 Dublin Canyon Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 226-5754 Office 1 (925) 413-4455 Mobile
natalie.mattei@safeway.com I Linkedln
6-16-3
McDowell Elementary School
421 S McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 778-4745
June 20, 2018
City of Petaluma - Planning Commission
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Re: Comments on community engagement for Safeway Fuel Center Project
To the City of Petaluma Planning Commission:
Thank you for considering the voices of the many community members who expressed concern about the
proposed Safeway fuel center at the May 8th planning commission meeting. I was inspired to see
neighbors, professionals, students, and families participating in public comment. It is clear the community
has serious concerns about this project moving forward.
I have concerns about the timing of the community events that Safeway has initiated since the May 8th
meeting. The final day of our school year at McDowell Elementary was June 1. On June 14, 1 became
aware of Safeway's open house events on June 19 and 23. The planning commission will consider this
item on June 26. Our McDowell families don't return to campus until August 15. With many families and
most staff out of town, on vacation, unavailable, and/or with limited communication, I believe the Safeway
team and the planning commission will continue to have limited awareness of the opinions of our
McDowell community. If the project were approved prior to the return of the families and staff it would
directly impact, 1 would anticipate significant backlash and erosion of trust in our community.
I understand that Safeway has claimed to propose a project that would not cause "significant" harm to
children in our community; many of our McDowell families hope the planning commision would consider
approving a project in this location that would help children instead of harming them. If Safeway and the
planning commission hope to understand and consider the opinions of community members, I hope there
will be opportunities for feedback and participation in late August or September, and that these efforts will
be communicated and coordinated effectively by Safeway in Spanish and English. I would be happy to
provide use of our site for this purpose when our families return; I have not yet been asked to do so.
Like many of my staff, students and families, I will be spending time.,_out of town with loved ones and thus
unable to attend the June 26th planning commission meeting. I hope that you will consider the concerns
of both present and absent community members about the Safeway fuel center project.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lauri Anderson
Principal of McDowell Elementary School
landerson@petk12.org
6-16-4
From: Rick Lewis <rick@gold rush iewelers.com>
Date: lune 22, 2018 at 10:46:45 AM PDT
To: <hhines@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Petaluam Safeway gas station
I think the application before the city for the Safeway gas station would be a great addition to
Petaluma. Gas in Petaluma is very high due to a lack of real competition. This will help all of us save
some money in light of the rising gas prices. I am supportive of gas stations operating making some
money but the price of gas in Petaluma is higher her than other comparable city in the area.
Please consider this an endorsement of this project.
Rick Lewis
6-16-5
From: Joanne OGrady[mailto:ioanneandiimogradV@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 10:34 AM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Safeway gasoline station
I support the proposed Safeway gasoline station ... as long as they keep the trees!!
regards,
Joanne O'Grady
6-16-6
From: mail@changemail.org [mailto:mail@changemail.org]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 6:00 AM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: 10 more people signed "Petaluma Planning Commissioners: Support Petaluma Safeway Gas
Station!"
I
New signatures
Petaluma Planning Commissioners —This petition addressed to you on
Change.org has new activity. See progress and respond to the
campaign's supporters.
Petaluma Planning Commissioners: Support Petaluma
Safeway Gas Station!
Petition by Support Petaluma Safeway Gas - 10 supporters
10 more people signed
in the last 10 hours
RECENT SUPPORTERS
Lisa Le His
Oakland, CA • Jun 25, 2018
It makes sense to save money
6-16-7
1:1
Miehele Malman
-Petaluma, CA - J un 25, 2018
We need this. The current gas stations in Petaluma are higher then
nearby towns
0
❑John Cruse
Petaluma, CA • Jun 25, 2018
1:1—Matthew
Cooper
Sonoma, CA • J un 25, 2018
1:1Walt Hussey
o Petaluma, CA • Jun 25, 2018
View all 10 supporters
CHANGE.ORG FOR DECISION MAKERS
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around the world to resolve issues. Respond to letthe people petitioning
you know you're listening, say whether you agree with their call to action,
or ask them for more information. Learn more.
This notification was sentto petalumaplannici.petaluma.ca.us, the address
listed as the decision maker contact by the petition starter. If this is incorrect, please
post response to letthe petition starter know,
Change.org • 548 MarketSt#29993, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA
6-16-8
From: Cathy Berg [mailto:cathVbergl09@vahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 9:30 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Support Safeway Petaluma Gas Station
To Petaluma Planning
I supportthe Safeway Petaluma Gas Station project. We Petalumans need more affordable gas options.
Cathy Berg
43 year Petaluma resident
6-16-9
From: Iftikhar Ahmed [mailto:iftia92@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 7:36 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Gas Safeway station at the corner of Maria Dr. and McDowell
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
To Whom it may concern
APPOINTED
Gina
Bill
Scott
Heidi
Diana
Richard
COUNCIL
Mike
Wolpert,
STAFF
Heather Hines, Planning Manager
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Benedetti-Petnic,
Vice
MEMBERS
Chair
Chair
Alonso
Bauer
Gomez
Marzo
LIAISON
Healy
LIAISON
Safeway is building a 16 -pump gas station in Petaluma, at the corner of Maria Drive and N McDowell
Blvd. This gas station would increase the traffic congestion that already exists -thanks to the Target
Shopping center on Kenilworth Dr. and East Washington street. This proposed gas station sits right in
the middle of densely populated residential area. It is less than 60 feet away from a nursery school and a
preschool, and a few hundred yards away from a youth baseball field, playground an elementary school.
It sits right in the middle of residential area. Not to mention the Maria Dr., which is very small two-lane
street. It wouldn't be an over statement or exaggeration if we say that the health and wellbeing of our
children and our community are at risk. Question to the Petaluma city council and the Mayer: Is
cheaper gas worth the risk? When you, your family, your kids, your grand kids and your great grandkids
share the same environment as everybody else.
We are not against the economical growth, job creation and overall growth of our beloved city of
Petaluma, but it is the location which is not suitable for that kind of business.
Thank you,
Best of Regards,
Iftikhar Ahmed
A very concerned citizen, a Petalumen
e-mail add: iftia92@gmail.com
(707) 762 8234
1283 McGregor Ave
Petaluma, CA 94954
6-16-10
-----Original Message -----
From: Christopher Linnell [mailto:cdlinnell@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 3:34 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: In support of a Safeway Gas Station
We need this Safeway gas station! I plan my gas for trips to Costco in RP and Santa Rosa, and Arco in SR
and Mill Valley. If I'm empty here (through carelessness, rarely) I'll buy five gallons herein town, using
my Safeway rewards, but even at that it's $30+/gal more. $3-6 extra on a tank -full is not worth a special
trip to RP, but, as policy, I always fill up at Arco or Costco. We must have that Safeway gas station in
Petaluma; traffic and noise be damned. We must bust the decades -old Petaluma oil embargo and force
our stations to compete for a change. After all, price competition is the basis of capitalism... it's the
American way!
Christopher Linnell
Petaluma resident since 1977
Voter since 1980
707-762-2596
6-16-11
From: dick vartanian [mailto:dvpiano@gmail.COm]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 1:30 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: gas station
I am in support of this and am anxiously awaiting its
opening
6-16-12
-----Original Message -----
From: Lisa Martin [mailto:woolranchl@yahoo.comj
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 12:55 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Safeway Gas Station
I support the building of this station. Currently my family, relatives, neighbors and friends all go to
Costco in Rohnert park or Novato Safeway station. Petaluma gas prices are way out of control and have
been for years.
Lisa Jacobsen
Sent from my Wad
6-16-13
From: Kelli Whyte fmailto:mrs.whyte@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 12:48 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Safeway Gas Station Support at Washington Square Shopping Center
Hello Petaluma Planning Department,
I'm emailing to express my support for the installation of a gas station at the Washington Square
Shopping Center. As a 24+ year resident of Petaluma I look forward to the opportunity to spend my gas
tax money in my hometown as I currently do not support the Petaluma gas stations with their
outrageously high prices.
Thank you!
Kelli Whyte
1456 McGregorAve.
Petaluma, CA 94954
707-529-3330
6-16-14
-----Original Message -----
From: kathleen coon [mailto:kccoon80@gmail.comj
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 12:40 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Please vote YES on the Safeway Gas Station
We want the gas station. My husband and I spend 500 to 700.00 dollars a month on gas in either
Novato, Santa Rosa or Rohnert Park. We never put any gas in our cars in Petaluma. Prices are ridiculous
Blessings,
Kathleen Coon
Go Giants! IV OW
6-16-15
From: Marty Brill [mailto:mbrill@iohnsondevelopment.net]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 12:23 PM
To: Hines, Heather <HHINES@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Safeway Gas Station —Washington Square
Good afternoon, Heather.
I hope all is well and your summer is off to a great start. I wanted to reach out as we have recently
reviewed Safeway's plans and the staff report. On behalf of JDA, we would like to express our support
for the gas station proposal as we believe it will offer our residents at The Artisan a convenient facility to
purchase affordable gas. Please add this to the applicant's comment file and feel free to call or email
with any questions. Thanks.
Best regards,
Marty
Marty Brill
Director of Acquisitions & Entitlements
Multifamily Division
Johnson Development Associates
88 Kearny Street, Suite 1770 1 San Francisco, CA 94108
(m) 415-515-51211 (f) 415-906-2412 1 (e) mbrill@iohnsondevelopment.net
www.iohnsondevelopment.net/multifamily
6-16-16
-----Original Message -----
From: Bernice Fowler[mailto:bluevette1428@sbcgloba1.net]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 1:21 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: East Petaluma Safeway gas station
Dear Planning commission,
I am a resident of the east side near McDowell & Maria Drive. I was surprised to hear that you are
considering another gas station near the intersection of Washington & McDowell Blvd. If you were to
travel in this area, you would see that we already have two gas stations near this intersection. Travel
west &
you will find several other gas stations on Washington St. Don't you think this is a little extreme? Please
let it be known that I am strongly opposed to this intended gas station. I feel it is too close to the day
care & elementary school on McDowell. You've already messed with the traffic on this street which has
caused numerous snarled near that school & added traffic would just cause further complications. How
about locating this station further down N. McDowell Blvd toward the newer housing developments
near the Junior College. Safeway owns a store in that area but there are no gas stations nearby. We, in
the south McDowell have been overburdened by your inadequate "planning". I protest any more In-
fill" projects, including this gas station. Please do not vote to allow this gas station.
Thank you.
Bernice Fowler
1428 Sarkesian Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
707-763-5192
6-16-17
From: Richard S. Saslow f mailto:rsaslow@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:02 AM
To: petaluma planning <petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: proposed Safeway gas station on McDowell near E. Washington
Please don't let the gas station proposal go through!
Often I have to drive between our home in West Petaluma and our son's home in
East Petaluma, going through the intersection of E. Washington and McDowell. That
intersection is horrible! It takes several traffic lights to get through. The proposal
will clearly increase traffic in an area that is already awful!
Also, I'd be very suspicious about any data supplied by Safeway. They're going to
be very selective about the data they reference. I'd love to see details about a
similar setup in the Hamilton area in Novato, which is always jammed.
Our town does not need a mega -station. It is a vehicle (no pun intended) to
increase sales at Safeway. It would have a negative impact on the neighborhood
and make things worse at McDowell and E. Washington.
Thank you,
Richard Saslow
492 Jasmine Lane, Petaluma 94952
6-16-18
From: mail@changemail.org [mailto:mail@changemail.org]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 8:19 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: 10 more people signed "Petaluma Planning Commissioners: Support Petaluma Safeway Gas
Station!"
I
New signatures
Petaluma Planning Commissioners —This petition addressed to you on
Change.org has new activity. See progress and respond to the
campaign's supporters.
Petaluma Planning Commissioners: Support Petaluma
Safeway Gas Station!
Petition by Support Petaluma S afeway G as • 10 supporters
10 more people signed
in the last 7 hours
RECENT SUPPORTERS
1:1—John
Brandon
Petaluma, CA • Jun 26, 2018
1:1Loree Tackmier
o Hayward, CA • J un 26, 2018
6-16-19
1-1
Erik Kraus
San Francisco, CA • Jun 26, 2018
F-1
Kathryn Olenberger
o Healdsburg, CA • Jun 25, 2018
1:1
Jorge Rodriguez
7-Jun25,2018
View all 10 supporters
CHANGE.ORG FOR DECISION MAKERS
On Change.org, decision makers like you connectdirectly with people
around the world to resolve issues. Respond to let the people petitioning
you know you're listening, say whether you agree with their call to action,
or ask them for more information. Learn more.
This notification was sent topetalumaplanning�ci,petalumax us, the address
listed as the decision maker contact by the petition starter. If this is incorrect, please
post response to letthe petition starter know.
Change.org - 548 MarketSt#29993, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA
6-16-20
From: lollipop26 [mailto:lollipop26@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 4:13 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Safeway gas station
To: The Petaluma Planning Commission,
We are in support of the proposed Safeway Fuel Center. Safeway prices their gas very
competitively, which is badly needed in Petaluma. Many Petaluman's drive to Rohnert
Park to Costco to getaffordable gas. The extra cars on the freeway forthe purpose of
getting gasoline for their vehicles is not helping traffic on the freeway. We need to keep
ourtax dollars in Petaluma to improve the quality of living in Petaluma.
There is a group thatis in opposition thatsays thattraffic will getworse in Petaluma. I
think that drivers will get gas in the same trip that they shop for groceries or go to other
businesses in the shopping center.
P lease approve the new S afeway gas station.
Michael and Leone Gannon
417 Ely Blvd So
Petaluma, C A 94954
6-16-21
From: COLLEEN CAMPBELL[mailto:sonoma_colleen@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2018 11:33 AM
To: Ellis, Evelyn <EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Petaluma Safeway open house
Interesting that I just received this notice this morning (6/24). It may have been written
on J une 18 but certainly didn't get to people in time to attend a J une 19th or J une 23rd
event. A perfect example of S afeway/Albertson's, etc. lack of any real concern for the
people in targeted communities. Maybe you could spend less money on advertising
"telling people" how wonderful S afeway is and actually do something that benefits the
communities that fill your corporate pockets.
Colleen Campbell
On June 18, 2018 at 8:42 AM "Ellis, Evelyn" <EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us> wrote:
Hello,
Safeway will be holding two open houses for the proposed Safeway gas station at Washington Square.
For more information, please visit:
June 19th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-square-safeway-gas-station-community-open-
house-tickets-47039432208?aff=Oppo
June 23rd: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/washington-square-safewaV-gas-station-community-open-
house-tickets-47040680943?aff=O ppo
Please feel free to distribute.
Thank you,
Natalie
Natalie Mattel
Senior Real Estate Manager
Albertsons Companies
11555 Dublin Canyon Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 226-5754 Office 1 (925) 413-4455 Mobile
natalie.mattei@safeway.com I Linkedln
Companies
www.albertsonscompaniesrealestate,com
6-16-22
June 25, 2018
Chris Thomas
Chief Business Official
Petaluma City Schools
200 Douglas Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
cthomas@petkl2.org
Re: Washington Square Safeway, McDowell School
Petaluma, CA
Dear Ms. Thomas:
VIA EMAIL
On behalf of Safeway, Inc. ("Safeway"), I am writing to respond to your June 18, 2018 letter
concerning the Safeway Gas Station Project (the "Project") proposed at 335 S. McDowell
Boulevard in the City of Petaluma ("City"). In your letter you (1) accept the conclusions of the
health risk assessment prepared for the Project, (2) request additional analysis of traffic and
safety impacts at the Maria Drive/S. McDowell Boulevard intersection, and (3) request an
additional public outreach meeting be scheduled when school is back in session in August 2018.
1 have provided responses to each of these points, in turn, below.
First, the health risk assessment ("HRA") was prepared by an expert consulting firm and fully
vetted by the Planning Department multiple times. The initial HRA was prepared in 2014, with
an update provided in 2017. In addition, two supplemental responses were provided to
comments received from the School District, public, and/or Planning Commission. Those
analyses consistently conclude that the Project will not result in any significant impacts in
regard to health risk. We appreciate you confirming in your June 18 letter that the District's
consultant has reviewed and "accepts" the HRAs. In our meeting at the School District on June
21, 2018, and in subsequent social media, the District has further confirmed that its
environmental consultants concur that "Safeway's plan is in accordance with air quality
regulations."
Second, although traffic, pedestrian, and bike safety have been studied multiple times over the
last five years, the requested supplemental analysis of pedestrian safety impacts was
completed by CHS Consulting Group and provided to the City on June 6, 2018 (see Attachment
6-16-23
A, Exhibit 3 and Attachment G to the Staff Report). In a Facebook post dated June 21, 2018, the
District acknowledged that the additional traffic and pedestrian analysis has been completed
and is included in the Staff Report for the Project. That analysis confirms that the Project will
not result in any significant impacts to traffic and pedestrian safety. Additionally, the Staff
Report outlines conditions of approval for the Project which include rebuilding the Eastside
Transit Center to create a bus turnout for the multiple buses that park on Maria Drive. That,
coupled with installing a new, accessible and directional pedestrian ramp as well as pedestrian
crossing warning signage are all community benefits that would otherwise be tabled for several
years until funding becomes available.
Finally, you ask that an additional public outreach meeting be held when school is back in
session on August 15. The rationale behind this request, and the additional claim in your letter
that Safeway has engaged in "little to no engagement" are problematic for several reasons:
• First, Safeway has engaged in dialogue with Petaluma City Schools regarding this Project since
2013, when public notice of the Project was first circulated. Since that time, my predecessor
Mary Davi and I have convened multiple calls and meetings with school and School District
representatives, including repeated discussions with you, current and former principals, and
other School District staff.
• Second, in response to the Planning Commission's feedback at the May 8 meeting, Safeway
has continued to extend outreach opportunities to the School District, McDowell Elementary
School, and the community as a whole. After multiple offers to meet, we sat down with
Principal Lauri Anderson on June 19. We met with you on June 21, wherein you reiterated the
School District is now comfortable with the technical data. We've extended the offer to meet
numerous times to Superintendent Gary Callahan, however he has chosen not to meet with us.
Safeway noticed and held two community open houses attended by over 45 community
members, on June 19 and June 23, including you and several other Petaluma City Schools
representatives. We also established a website (petalumasafewaygas.com) to provide the
public with information on the Project.
• Finally, the School District has already had ample time to review the Project and gather
community feedback. The MND has been made publicly available for nearly 90 days, far in
excess of the legally -required 30 -day review period. The June 26 Planning Commission date has
been known for seven weeks, giving the School District ample time to prepare for the meeting
and make the appropriate arrangements in light of school being out of session.
6-16-24
The Project has been the subject of more than five years of public deliberation and debate. It
has been discussed during at least 10 City Council and Planning Commission hearings and been
the subject of over 30 press articles. Safeway conducted additional outreach and public notices
were sent by the City of April 5, 2018 and June 14, 2018. The Project is unquestionably the most
analyzed gas station in Petaluma history. The requested outreach has been completed and
there is no basis to continue the hearing on the Project yet again.
Pending final Project approval from the City, Safeway would be happy to voluntarily host a pre -
construction meeting at the Project site with the School District, at which time the contractor
could be introduced and provide a proposed schedule of construction activity.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me
with any questions regarding this correspondence.
Very truly yours,
Natalie Mattei
Senior Real Estate Manager
cc: Gina Benedetti-Petnic, Chair, and Members of the Petaluma Planning Commission
Gary Callahan
Sheri Chlebowski
Heather Hines
Matt Francois
Nick Carter
6-16-25
-----Original Message -----
From: Noel Wharton [mailto:noel.wharton@gmail.comj
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 1:04 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: South McDowell Blvd Safeway Gas Station
Dear members of the Petaluma Planning Commission,
I am concerned about the potential of Safeway building a gas station at the corner of South McDowell .
Blvd and McKenzie/Maria Dr., particularly in regards to the location. The southeastern corner of the
shopping center is a poor location for an additional gas station my community does not need. There are
two existing gas stations in the area already, one in the shopping center diagonally across the street and
another only about only mile south. More importantly, the proposed location already has traffic and
safety issues. It would be far too close to the children's schools and other community educational center
across the street. Whenever my husband and I walk by the McKenzie/Maria Dr to Washington Square
Chopping Center or other nearby shopping locations or to the Petaluma Community Center, we see
glass in the street and in the gutters. Adding more cars and noise and air pollution to that area of town
will only decrease the quality of life forthose living and learning in the neighborhood. I was unconvinced
of the traffic, safety, and various pollution mitigations presented at the last planning commission
meeting. One of the other great concerns is the potential increase in crime the gas station and its
convenience store will add to the neighborhood. I do not want this gas station at the proposed location.
I would be happier if the proposed site was situated further away from the school but even happier still
it is was not built.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Noel Wharton
855 Grouse Lane, Petaluma, CA, 94954
6-16-26
From: Judith McClarin [mailto:imcclarin@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 12:11 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Fwd: Safeway Gas Station
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Judith McClarin <imcclarin@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 26, 2018, 9:37 AM
Subject: Safeway Gas Station
To: <petalumaplanning@ci.ca.us>
Dear Planning Commisioners,
As a resident of west Petaluma I often need to drive through the intersection of East Washington and S
McDowell. This intersection is severely impacted. The traffic is often so bad it takes multiple lights to
get through the intersection. Adding a high volume gas station similar to the one at the Safeway in
Novato will increase the traffic load on that intersection to the point where east and west Petaluma will
become separate communities. I suggest a study of the traffic impacts from the Novato station before
proceeding, that is the most similar comparison to the proposal and it has not been evaluated. I am also
concerned about increasing traffic across the street from a school and preschool. This proposed gas
station will destroy the neighborhood, which is currently being upgraded and should be located
elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Judith A. McClarin
6-16-27
Please please don't let Safeway put a gas station on that busy congested corner!
It should be located elsewhere or they should just buy out Chevron.
That corner is way too close to neighbors, two huge apt complexes, preschool and elementary schools,
Little League fields and bus stops. It will be highly disruptive to the neighbors and NOT HEALTHY for
young children.
Thanks for listening.
Mrs. Hartrich
6-16-28
From: 7076961134@mms.att.net [maiIto:7076961134@rnrns.att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 11:29 AM
To: petalurnaplanning <petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject:
Here are some topics/talking points to
consider in your speech and/or email;
-The increased traffic to an already
congested area by people attracted to the
area by "discount gas". I
® lure of discounted gas will likely pull
people off HWY 101, increasing congestion
,the E. Washington and McDowell Blvd.
i ttersection.
-The potential dangers of the increased
I
traffic to pedestrians, bicyclists, and childrer
attending the schools and little league fields.
-The proximity of the gas station to the
Eastside Transit Center, with upwards of 4
buses navigating the same roads as gas
patrons every half hour on the hour.
-The proximity of the gas station to the
nursery school, preschool, elementary
school, and little league fields.
-The affects of the increased air pollution on
the vulnerable lungs of the users of the
aforementioned areas.
6-16-29
Q-16-30
From: Nick Carter[mailto:nicl<c@Fulcrumproperty.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 1:00 PM
To: ginamarie.bp@gmail.com; richard@lacehouselinen.com; dianaegomez@gmail.com;
alonsoplanningpet@gmail.com; heidibauer2000@gmail.com; wolpert@sonic.net;
mthealy@sbcglobal.net
Cc: - City Clerk <-CityClerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; citymgr <citymgr@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Hines, Heather
<HHINES@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Pascoe, Samantha <SPASCOE@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Ellis, Evelyn
<EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Francois, Matthew (M Francois@rutan.com) <MFrancois@rutan.com>
Subject: Safeway Gas Station Outreach: Public Opinion Survey Results
Dear Planning Commissioners,
As part of a multi -faceted outreach effort following the May 8th Planning Commission meeting,
Washington Square Associates LLC and Fulcrum Property (respectively owner and manager of
Washington Square) commissioned a public opinion survey between June 21-24, 2018 of over 500 likely
voters in Petaluma regarding the Safeway gas station proposal.
The survey was conducted by FM3 Research, one of the most respected, experienced, and independent
public policy opinion research firms in the state. Enclosed is a memo prepared by FM3 summarizing the
results.
As the memo details, public awareness of the Safeway project is very high and a significant majority of
respondents consistently support the gas station project.
I am available at your convenience should you have any questions.
Nick
1530 J STREET SUITE 200
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916 / 383 3333
6-16-31
TO Interested Parties
FROM Paul Maslin and Lucia Del Puppo
FM3 Research
RE: Petaluma Safeway Development Research
DATE June 25, 2018
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) completed a survey of 502 likely voters in Petaluma
from June 21-24, 2018.' The survey found that voters are highly familiar with the proposed development
of a gas station at the Safeway location in Washington Square in Petaluma and majorities support its
construction. The key findings of the survey include:
• Nearly seven in ten voters have seen, heard, or read about the plan to develop a new gas
station in front of the Safeway in Washington Square. Sixty-eight percent of voters say they
have heard, seen, or read something about this issue recently and 27 percent say they have heard
a great deal.
• A majority of voters supports the project. Fifty-five percent say they support the new gas station
project and 29 percent strongly support it. Only 30 percent of voters are opposed to the project
and 15 percent are undecided.
Figure 1: Initial Support for the Safeway Gas Station Development
Next, Safeway is planning on opening a new gas station at their Washington Square shopping center. They have
completed the necessary City processes to gain approval for construction of the gas station and, pending approval
from the planning commission, will begin building the new station. Do you generally support or oppose allowing a
new gas station to be built in this location?
6-16-32
Total support
55%
Strongly support
29%
Somewhat support
26%
Total oppose
30%
Somewhat oppose
7%
Strongly oppose
23%
Undecided
15%
6-16-32
• Nearly three in five agree that the City should allow increased competition and two-thirds say
that they are concerned about the rising costs of gas. Fifty-nine percent say that city leaders
should do more to allow new gas stations to open to improve competition and 67 percent are
concerned about rising gas prices. Additionally, 64 percent of voters disagree with a statement
saying that gas prices in Petaluma are reasonable and more than half say that they travel to other
cities to purchase gas.
Figure 2: Attitudes Toward Gas Stations and Gas Prices in Petaluma
I am concerned about the increasing cost of gas in Petaluma 67% 30%
City leaders should do more to allow new gas stations to open if 59% 34%
it will improve competition and reduce gas prices
I often travel to other cities to buy gas because it's too 52% 44%
expensive in Petaluma
Gas is a major part of my family's budget 48% 51%
Gas prices in Petaluma are reasonable and affordable for my 33% 64%
family
• A plurality of voters agrees that the Safeway gas station will be good for Petaluma. Forty-eight
percent of voters say that the new gas station will be good for Petalumans. Only one-quarter of
voters think it will be bad for the city.
Figure 3: Perception of the Impact of Gas Station Development
A new gas station will be good for Petaluma because it will give
people more options for purchasing gas, leading to added 48/°
convenience and lower prices
A new gas station will be bad for Petaluma because it will harm 25%
our environment and worsen traffic congestion.
Both/Neither/Don't know 27%
6-16-33
® After a balanced exchange of the benefits and downsides of a new Safeway gas station, a
majority continue to offer support for the project. Survey respondents heard a balanced series
of statements in favor of the gas station and criticisms of a new gas station. After hearing this
information, their overall perception did not shift greatly, and a majority continued to support
the proposed project (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Support for the Safeway Gas Station Development After Information
55% 58% 55%
30% 31% 35%
15% 12% 10%
Taken together, this information suggests that Petaluma voters are supportive of constructing a new gas
station at the Safeway in Washington Square. Nearly seven in ten have heard of the issue and two -third
of voters are worried about gas prices in town. When voters are highly familiar with a local issue, as they
are in this instance, the chances of substantial fluidity in voter opinion over time becomes less likely. In
fact, a majority is supportive of the project initially and they remain consistently supportive as they learn
more about it.
' Methodology: From June 21-24, 2018, FM3 completed 502 online and telephone interviews (on both landlines and cell
phones) with likely November 2018 voters in the City of Petaluma. The margin of sampling error for the study is +/-5.7 at the
95% confidence level; margins of error for population subgroups within the sample will be higher. Due to rounding, not all
totals will sum to 100%.
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3 Research or FM3) is a California-based company with offices in Los Angeles
and Oakland. FM3 has been conducting public policy -oriented opinion research since 1981 on issues of major economic and
social concern, such as health care; education; environmental protection; natural resource conservation and development;
transportation; constituent satisfaction with public services and support for policy proposals; budgetary issues and taxation;
land use, growth, and property development; communications technology; energy development; and organizational
branding.
6-16-34
June 21, 2018
City of Petaluma Planning Commission
11 English Street
Petaluma, California 94952
Re: Safeway Fuel Center Project
Dear Sir or Ma'am:
PLANNING
I am writing this letter to express my opposition to the proposed "Safeway Fuel Center
Project" (PLSR-13-0012; APN 007-820-046) at 335 South McDowell Boulevard in
Petaluma. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this application.'
Let me start by saying that the very idea of placing a gas station in such close proximity
to young children is preposterous. There are a number of reasons why this project
should not see the light of day.
First, and primarily, the proposed gas station site is within 300 feet of three educational
institutions: North Bay Children's Center -McDowell (NBCC), Petaluma Child
Development Center, and McDowell Elementary School. The emissions from'the fueling
and idling vehicles, despite vapor recovery systems, could cause harm to our young
people. The proposed gas station would have sixteen pumps, which multiplies the
number of opportunities for leaks and spills, as well as the number of idling vehicles.
Tanks at the station would be, according to the city study document, refilled twice a day,
allowing for additional opportunities for spillage and release of fumes from poorly fitted
vapor recovery boots. Over three hundred young people would be next door to this.
Prevailing winds are often from the north and west at this site, as evidenced by the trash
from the shopping center that7is blown up against the northwest -facing fence of
McDowell Elementary and NBCC. This would bring emissions directly to the schools
across the street. Vapor recovery boots do not always work properly and certainly gas
will spill at a gas station. Both of these occurrences allow the release of odorless
hydrocarbon gas, which contains benzene. This gas then forms ozone by mixing with
the carbon monoxide found in automobile exhaust. Ozone can cause respiratory issues
and asthma, while benzene is a .known carcinogen.
Children under age fourteen are referred to -as "sensitive receptors" in some of the
documents related to this project. How would you feel about your "sensitive receptor"
6-16-35
(child, grandchild, niece or nephew) attending a school located across the street from
that? They would be spending four to eight hours breathing in air with elevated levels of
carbon monoxide, organic gases, benzine, nitrous oxides,. and particulate matter.
Students attending after school programs at McDowell Elementary School could
conceivably be exposed for up to ten hours. Do we really know the effects on our
children after seven years of breathing in air with increased levels of these pollutants? Is
it worth the risk? .
Another reason this project should be shelved is that there are already two other gas
stations located within approximately 600 feet of the proposed project. More and more
electric vehicles are replacing'gasoline fueled vehicles. There is no need for another
gas station at this location, especially one next door to the daytime home for upwards of
three hundred children. -
Finally, the location of the project.in a seismically active location and the close proximity
to 'schools also defies common sense. Gas stations are outfitted with shut off valves and
numerous other safety devices. Would you like to bet the life of your loved one on how
well they work in the event of a strong earthquake? How comfortable would you feel,
again, if your child or grandchild were attending one of the three educational institutions
next door to this gas station when (not if, according to scientists) an earthquake strikes?
While planning documents say that the project would not result in pollution levels
exceeding thresholds currently established by law, there is no certainty that future study
determines. that present thresholds are insufficient. The question then becomes quite
simple: Is the benefit of a gas station at this location worth the risk to the children at the
three educational institutions across the street from it? For those too young to write the
letters or attend the meetings; I hope you will agree that it is not.
Sincerely,
Mark R. Mortensen
teacher -McDowell Elementary School
421 South McDowell Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94954
mmortensen@petkl2.org
6-16-36
From: Nan Maniscalco <nan.maniscalco@tamgroup.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:15:09 PM
To: oervin@ci.petaluma.ca.us; Adam Petersen
Subject: Oppose Safeway Gas Station
Dear City of Petaluma,
I have lived in Petaluma and raised a family here for over 25 years.
There is absolutely no upside to adding a gas station on a very already busy corner in the middle of
neighborhoods and schools.
Traffic has already been an issue since all the new housing went up behind the plaza. Trying to get
across McDowell and East Washinton already take about three different green/red lights.
We have 2 gas stations within a block from proposed site, already and store and many quick markets
This would not benefit the neighborhood —this would be blight and traffic nightmare.
Please do not allow Greedy Safeway to push forward with this idea.
One word —NO—
Thankyou
Anne Maniscalco
405 Cortez Drive
Petaluma CA 94954
6-16-37
From: Alexander Saslow [mailto:saslow.alexander@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:25 PM
To: petalumaplanning <petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Ellis, Evelyn
<EELLIS@ci.petaluma.ca.us>; Hines, Heather <HHINES@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: I Oppose the Safeway Gas Station
The proponents of the proposed Safeway Gas Station give two main reasons for their support.
1. Gas in Petaluma is more expensive than elsewhere, and a Safeway Gas Station
will bring down prices due to competition.
2. There will not be a significant increase in traffic.
I'm lucky enough to be on vacation right now, which means I was able to dedicate over 3 hours
to research and analysis in preparation for this meeting. And what I found was that
1. Gas Prices in Petaluma seem to be at the market average for the area, and
would not be lowered by a Safeway Gas Station.
2. Wait times at the existing stations in town seem to suggest that there is no
demand for another station.
3. This proposed station will negatively impact traffic flow in an area that already
suffers from bad traffic flow. More so than reported.
Let's' start at the top, and work our way down.
It is amazing what information GoogleMaps has collected. I was able to collect the price of a
gallon of regular gasoline from almost every gas station in Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, and
Rohnert Park. My complete analysis can be found HERE, but what it comes to is this:
• Novato and Petaluma have the SAME median gas price per gallon of regular.
• The Cotati/Rohnert Park area does have cheaper gasoline. Its median price is a
full 3.6% less. Hardly significant.
It seems to me that since the prices of a gallon are very consistent, which suggests to me that
they have been set by the market. Petaluma gas is at market price.
I also looked specifically at the Novato Safeway gas station. It has, again according to
GoogleMaps, about 5 mins more wait time than any other station in Novato. It does offer
cheaper gasoline, but the average price in Novato is STILL the same as in Petaluma. Its
presence has had no effect on average price.
Yesterday I went the the Chevron in the same shopping center as the proposed project and had
no wait for an open spot. I checked on GoogleMaps and it informed me that 7 am, when I was
getting gas, was one of the busiest times for the station on a Monday morning. It even warned
me that the station was a little busier then normal for that time. If there was no wait at that time,
can honestly say that there is no demand for more stations. We seem to be at a perfect balance
between supply and demand.
After getting gas I went home and spent about 2 hours reading the reports that has been
submitted. On pg 53 of the Safeway Fuel Center report, dated March 29, 2018, you will find
Table 10. Which lists the current Level of Service for the intersections surrounding the proposed
site, and their estimates for when the project is completed. It shows that ALL of these
6-16-38
intersections will have an increased delay, and one of them is the worst intersection in the City:
East Washington and Mcdowell.
I has to look up what Level of Service meant, as well as what the delay was referring to. What I
found was that the delay is the time it takes a car at the END of a queue to start travelling
through the intersection. This delay gives a grade of A -F. Our General Plan says that anything
at a grade of D or above is acceptable. So when the summary says that there is no significant
impact, they mean the grade for Level of Service does not drop below a D, but it does get
worse.
As an aside, the east Washington/Mcdowell intersection has a grade of C and D reported,
depending on time. THIS MORNING I had to wait two cycles before I could move from the back
of the queue to the starting line. From my reading that suggests that a more accurate grade
would be D or E, currently. Worse after the the proposed station is completed.
But, I still had my main question from the last meeting unanswered at this point. How many cars
did they expect on a daily basis? I found the numbers: They expect 210 peak hour trips in the
morning on weekdays, 276 peak hour trips in the evening on weekdays, and over 300 on
Saturday. That seems like a lot, but I still didn't know where these numbers came from.
I finally found it in the message from Adam Petersen, Senior Planner to the Planning
Commission dated June 26, 2018. They are based off of the trip counts from two Safeway Gas
stations that are also in shopping centers near a freeway. Seems reasonable. Except the two
they chose to use for their calculations are Pleasant Hill, and Campbell. Both of these are in
areas with multiple freeways, as opposed to only one major artery, making them not suitable for
estimates of the proposed project.
Also: why didn't they use the numbers from the NOVATO safeway gas station? Probably
because the numbers would be more accurate, and would show that the Level of Service would
be much more impacted that the current report shows.
In conclusion:
• Gas Prices in Petaluma seem to be at the market average, and will not be
lowered by a Safeway Gas Station.
• Wait times at the existing stations in town seem to suggest that there is no
demand for another station.
• This proposed station will negatively impact traffic flow in an area that already
suffers from bad traffic flow. More so than reported.
Thank you.
Alex Saslow
Petaluma Resident
High School Science Teacher: Physics, AP Physics, Chemsitry
6-16-39
From: David Lindecke [mailto:david lindecke@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 8:35 AM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Public comment for 26 -June -2018 Petaluma Planning Commission meeting
H ello,
am unable to attend the 26 -June -2018 Petaluma Planning Commission meeting. Please treatthis email
as my public comment. This is NOT related to the S afeway gas station or any other agenda items.
I live on Ponderosa Drive adjacentto the Altura Apartments project. I am submitting this commentto
request an update from the city staff on the status of the mitigation for the trees that were cut by the
developer in mid April. My neighbors and me are anxious to learn aboutthe mitigation plan and next
steps. Could the city staff please provide an update during the staff comment or commiss ion comment
portion of the meeting?
Thank you,
David Lindecke
1104 Ponderosa Drive
707-217-9003
6-16-40
From: Erik [mailto:eriksbennett@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:54 PM
To: petalumaplanning<petalumaplanning@ci.petaluma.ca.us>
Subject: Proposed Safeway gas station
Hello,
I live in the neighborhood near the Safeway on McDowell, and think this gas station is a bad idea.
Increased traffic, due to drivers wanting discounted gas, will make the intersection at E. Washington and
McDowell even worse.
Little League fields, an elementary school, preschool and nursery school are in close proximity, and the
increased air pollution for our kids is unnecessary.
There are plenty of other gas options very close by - this station it superfluous.
I ask you to do the right thing for Petaluma and its population, and do not approve this station.
Erik Bennett
1696 Kearny Ct.
707.347.6307
6-16-41