Appealing The Matheson
EDITOR: I write as the 2018 Mayor of Healdsburg and a city councilmember for a full term of 2014-18. Today I filed a formal, expensive appeal of the Healdsburg Planning Commission’s decision to approve Dustin Valette’s 231 seat restaurant on our iconic Plaza. The vote was divided: 4- 2 vote with one conflict of interest recusal.
I am appealing to my former colleagues on city council since they have broad discretion on appeal to craft a thoughtful resolution to this appeal.
To be clear, I do not oppose the Valette restaurant on the Plaza. The problem is the scale — the overwhelming human density of 231 seats on our small Plaza. Restaurants and retail businesses on the Plaza are small and charming, the largest restaurant being 90 restaurant seats. I would support a 90 seat restaurant as in-scale and harmonious with our historic Plaza.
But I cannot support a restaurant of unprecedented scale on the Plaza. In all of Healdsburg, the Plaza area is the only district that specifically protects and promotes uses that are “small scale in nature.” This restrictive zoning has been highly successful. Our charming Plaza area is the envy of many towns and a valuable economic asset for visitors and locals alike.
The council’s interpretation of the Land Use Code will be a substantial precedent for future development. I sincerely hope our city council provides our planning commission with clearer guidelines and improved language to protect the special character of our historic Plaza District.
I respectfully disagree with the Planning Department’s interpretation of 231 seats as “small scale use” as well as the narrow focus and erroneous definition of terms.
My appeal asks the city council to review the project based on Healdsburg’s General Plan and zoning code. With additional evidence and more specific attention to the actual language of the Land Use Code, this appeal is a sound, practical way to clarify the intention, the purpose of this special district.
Brigette Mansell
Healdsburg
Thank you, McConnell Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership
EDITOR: On behalf of the Citrus Fair Parade Committee and the Cloverdale Rotary Club, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Bill Vreeland and his whole team at McConnell Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Healdsburg. Every year without fail Bill and his auto group have generously donated fantastic new vehicles for our VIPs to ride in during the parade. His kindness and thoughtful attention to this program has made it a true success and greatly enhances our yearly event. It is community spirit like this that makes Sonoma County strong. Bill and the McConnell group are to be commended for their public service and desire to go above and beyond.
Robert Redner
Citrus Fair Parade Committee, Cloverdale Rotary
Cloverdale
