Page 35 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2019

Why “Save Our Plaza”?
By Brigette Mansell, Healdsburg resident
On March 18th, Healdsburg City Council heard and denied (5-0) an appeal filed by a dozen concerned citizens, asking our elected officials, who have broad, comprehensive powers regarding Land Use matters, to review the Planning Commission’s 4-2 vote approval of the 108 Matheson restaurant.
History: In 2018 a huge restaurant building was proposed on the Plaza.
Two of the four retail businesses would be “kept.” Our beloved fair trade and fabric stores were evicted (both now out of business). Copperfield’s would be moved over and downsized. The kitchen store had a remaining lease and was spared. 45 parking spaces were “grandfathered in” and the millionaire investor, building owner, would need special use permits for his two rooftop condos (to help with housing crisis?). All this was approved.
Ahhhhh Spring is finally here!
The Citizen’s Appeal was an effort to “Save Our Plaza” from this approved intensity of use. How would this building, designed for a 318-
seat, three-story restaurant with rooftop bar, 100-wine-wall, and two luxury penthouse condos impact our already problematic downtown parking, traffic congestion, small Plaza retail businesses, a crisis-level shortage of restaurant workers and affordable housing, and more unmeasurable, our historic Plaza Park? As our townspeople shared at the public meetings, “our Plaza Park is an iconic, inclusive, sacred space for locals and our guests to gather. It’s our ‘living room,’ our commons, a place for all to enjoy the sky, light and mature trees.”
There was some exciting news at the recent Windsor Town Council meeting where it was announced that Sonoma County Tourism pledged funds to support the Windsor Hopper Shuttle program and then the Council members in turn matched the dollars which will allow the shuttle to be extended through the summer. This is exciting because there is no charge to ride the Hopper and can help locals go to the Tuesday movies, the Thursday Summer concerts and the Windsor Certified Farmers Market.
The City Council “may affirm, reverse or modify, in whole or part, the project approval. They may also make or substitute additional decisions or determinations as it finds warranted.” (Land Use Code, 20.28.085 E.2) And that night the Council denied the citizen’s appeal, and additionally allowed the 105- seat rooftop bar/restaurant, with fire pits, to look out over the Plaza. Despite the numerous residents and local businesses who signed a five-page petition to their elected officials, the Council said and did nothing to protect our Plaza.
Oh, and speaking of the Windsor Certified Farmers Market opens 2019 Season on Sunday, April 7th. Come and get your fresh Spring produce, local foods and handmade goods every Sunday, 10-1, Rain or Shine, April 7 to December 8. On April 14th—Windsor Salud Wellness Festival with Kidz Dig It Club Cooking Class is making Green Eggs & Ham, 11-12, East Pavilion.
As a concerned citizen, Healdsburg’s 2018 mayor, 4-year city council member, and the primary appellant in the 106 Matheson project, I engaged because I know this project’s roots & the nature of this investment. I am deeply concerned this four-story building on our Plaza will adversely impact our future.
Enjoy a beautiful morning at the Farmers Market with a special Brunch for Easter. Check out the fabulous Brunch menu offered from Windsor’s own restaurant, Tisza Bistro and caterers, Wine Country Cookouts. Choose from Short Rib Hash, Schnitzel and Gravy, Avocado Toast, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken and waffles and more. Brunch service begins at 9 am, order from the Chefs, eat in the Green Tree Grove with linens, plates and silverware. Kidz Dig it Club Easter Bonnet Making and Egg decorating. Plus, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce will be serving Mimosas.
Many project proponents spoke highly of the celebrity chef, the value of this “small” business, and the need to trust the city’s staff’s findings supporting this out-of-scale, destination restaurant in our Plaza Retail District. But the building is not the chef and the chef is not the owner of the building. This decision sets a precedent and grants investor entitlements that run with the land.
Got kids who are looking for fun? The Windsor Kiwanis Club is busy stuffing Easter Eggs for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20 at 10am sharp at the Windsor High School softball field. Ages 0 to 12 with a special needs section. Kids are to bring their own Easter Basket. Special prizes and a picture with the Easter Bunny. All children are invited but NO DOGS!
As a responsible citizen I want to identify, understand, and question issues of importance to Healdsburg and to advocate for policies that benefit all.
Here are our citizen goals:
• Foster civil civic dialogue—focusing on ideas over personalities
• Protect our unique, historical Healdsburg Plaza with enforceable language • Promote and support small businesses (honoring small, local investment) • Value our precious Social Capital (local artists, our hard-working farmers and hospitality workers, service clubs, library, museum, public school, parks volunteers, teachers, and healthcare workers.
On Wednesday, April 10, from 4-7 pm the Windsor Chamber of Commerce will be having its 27th annual Business and Community expo. This free event is fun for all ages. This year the theme is “Superheroes! What is your Superpower?” For more details please go to windsorchamber.com.
The economic gap widens in Healdsburg. Our land use policies need updating to protect our common treasures: parks, neighborhoods, livability, and small town charm. We must preserve and build more middle class housing, honor our low-wage workers who are not “teenagers” but adults who seek dignified, decent wages and the opportunity to live in the community where they work and serve. Housing continues to be challenging for this affluent community, and we can do better.
And on a “mixed blessing” note, Carlos Basurto, Windsor Police Chief, is retiring in May. He has been an inspirational leader, a compassionate man, a true champion of all people and a heartfelt law enforcer. Carlos also turned 50 this year (oh boo hoo) and is eligible to retire. Personally. I think this is wonderful, and I applaud him for retiring at a young age and having the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest. He will be the guest speaker at the Windsor Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 16th. If you’d like to RSVP for this special tribute luncheon please call the Chamber at 707 838-7285
Well that’s enough for this month. As I said, Spring is here so let’s get out and enjoy it. Did you know the Windsor Green is in full bloom right now? Have you ever ridden your bike to the Green? Did you know there are bike racks AND a bike rack with tools for minor repairs? Come check it out.
As always please feel free to contact me if you have items you would like me to include in the next What’s UP in Windsor article.
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What kind of community are we supporting and building?
Not a single Healdsburg resident who either was on the formal appeal or chose to sign the five-page citizen petition to limit the intensity of use for 106 Matheson is against the “exciting new restaurant;” a business that promises to be “a family-friendly, affordable restaurant with an al fresco dining concept located on the second floor overlooking the historic Healdsburg Plaza.”
We shall see. This was an effort to SAVE OUR PLAZA. My aim is to work together, but we must pay attention. The money is coming north and once the “small town charm is gone,” it cannot be brought or “bought” back.
Oh my gosh has this been the longest and wettest winter you remember? I was born and raised in Northern California (Redwood City to be exact) and
I have lived in Windsor for 24 years. Most of my memories growing up were about water conservation because of the drought, so this rain has been crazy!
Have you heard that the Windsor Hopper Shuttle program has been extended? I mentioned this in last months article. It is a shuttle program
that is free to everyone. The Pure Luxury shuttle travels from all Windsor hotels, including WorldMark, and brings people to the Town Green, various breweries, including the Russian River Brewing Company & SMART train.
The good news about all the rains is that all indications show we will have bountiful year for fruits and vegetables. Our Santa Rosa plum trees are in full bloom right now and we are hoping no hail is in our future. Hopefully our trees have plenty of for us and for me to give to our friend, Deb Fudge, so she can make her yummy jams and jellies.
How about spending April 21 - Easter Sunday on the Green?