A better approach

Editor: As a member of the Community First group which recently
proposed to the City Council, that Healdsburg adopt the use of
Community Impact Reports (CIR), I want to share my dismay and
concern regarding some of the council members reactions at the
November 2, 2009 meeting. With a strong show of community support
favoring CIRs, I was surprised that some of the council members
were reluctant to form a sub-committee that would research how
CIR’s could be adapted to the specific needs of the Healdsburg
community.
A CIR is a brief, independent report paid for by the developer,
that provides a way to measure the benefits and costs to the
community. It builds consensus and can avoid costly litigation.
Because it is done early in the process, the developer also
benefits – getting feedback before a significant amount of money
has been spent on the proposed project. A CIR would include
information on how the project might affect our schools, public
safety, health care infrastructure, housing, and existing
businesses.
After watching how complicated and time consuming the
development process was for Saggio Hills, I believe the CIR is a
more efficient tool for accessing the impact of a proposed project
. It is clear that the Healdsburg community needs a better way to
evaluate — early on in the process — how new development will
impact our community. CIR’s are an important way for interested
community members to become meaningfully involved in promoting
responsible growth.
I would like to thank Healdsburg City Council members Mike
McGuire and Jim Woods for working with us on the CIR proposal.
Please let our city council know how you feel about CIR’s on
November 30, by attending the Special Study Meeting. While
community members will not be speaking that evening, your
attendance is an appreciated show of support!
Lucie Keene
Healdsburg