Letters to the Editor 9-10-15

Windsor should OK Vintage Oaks
Editor:
Amidst the discussion of Sonoma County’s housing crisis, commotion continues while development proposals to provide new rental units remain elusive. Windsor has an opportunity to take the lead on adding much-needed housing stock to our area by approving Vintage Oaks on the Town Green.
The proposal fits within long-discussed planning goals of providing higher-density housing near transit hubs and major transportation arteries. Located adjacent to Highway 101 and not far from the future Windsor SMART station, this project is close for car drivers and transit riders alike. Sonoma County Transit also has a bus stop just across the street from the proposed development.
In addition to the new housing units, local governments stand to benefit from increased land values and sales tax revenues, while local businesses on the Town Green and across Windsor will be sure to see an uptick in patrons visiting their stores, shops and restaurants. These benefits can be realized without deflating property values affecting homeowners like myself.
The infusion of housing units, economic activity and the revitalization of underutilized land is sure to be a benefit in Windsor and Sonoma County at-large, and I look forward to seeing this exciting project break ground in the near future.
Makala Wilkinson
Windsor
Amazing teamwork
Editor:
I would like to thank the firefighting team that fought last week near the regional park in Windsor and to make people aware of their expertise. The wind was spreading the fire fast towards our vineyard and ranch property on Vinecrest Road, and I was able to observe the firefighting team from a hill overlooking the approaching fire.
Windsor Fire Department made an assessment of the danger the fire could be, had it spread into the hills, and they requested immediate assistance. My neighbor’s house was lost, but the coordination and professional teamwork of Cal Fire, Rincon Valley, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Windsor fire teams was amazing and prevented the fire from reaching other homes (including mine) and spreading into the Foothill Park and beyond.
The Cal Fire spotter plane circling above the fire, which was located in a small canyon with residential areas on both sides, was able to direct other fire planes and helicopters as to where to make the fire retardant drops with extreme accuracy. With limited road accessibility, the fire truck and ground teams were able to prevent the fire perimeter from advancement. It was amazing teamwork, and we should be proud of the professionalism that was shown by our local fire teams.
Chuck Elsbree
Elsbree Vineyard
Windsor