Most of us know that there are several large parcels within the city limits that are likely to be developed. What will be proposed for these parcels? A high-end resort complex including restaurants and homes for the wealthy? A big box store?Of course, we have no idea what will be proposed until a developer comes forward with a project.
However, there’s a tool available, used in other communities across the country, that will allow the residents of Healdsburg to assess the economic and social impacts of a project when it’s initially proposed and before there is too much momentum behind it.
That tool is a Community Impact Report (CIR). A group of residents have been meeting since January, studying CIRs, CIR ordinances, and coming up with talking points, a one page description of a CIRs and why requiring them for large-scale projects would benefit Healdsburg.
Take a few minutes to read our talking points and if you, too, think having a CIR ordinance is a good idea, please:
1. Show up at Healdsburg City Council Chambers (corner of Vine and North Streets) at 6 pm this coming Monday, September 21st. Jason Liles and I will be making a brief presentation to the city council within the first half hour asking it to agendize our request that the city council appoint a committee to study CIRs and hopefully draft, with the help of city staff and the city attorney, a CIR ordinance.
2. Sign and send the Letter of support for CIRs to me via fax, 433.8314, or scan and send to Ann Carranza, Positivelyann@sbcglobal.net or mail it to her: 1330 Tulip Court, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
A 14 page report, "The Case for the Community Impact Report" describes the positive role of community involvement in proposed projects.
Drawing of Healdsburg, circa 1876, courtesy of World Maps Online.
Healdsburg is a wonderful City that since I arrived in 1977 has made great strides to improve itself. In 1980 the City Council adopted a Redevelopment and Economic Development Plan which has to a large part been implimented with what some might say too much success. We became too much like a Carmel and ignored in recent years to need to provide some goods and services to our own citizens.
ReplyDeleteWe now need to enlarge the project area to encompass those areas originally left out that still meet the requirements of Redevelopment law and to extend the life of the Agency.
Healdsburg has always been strong on volunteerism be it the Boys and Girls Club or Scouting. We have had the tendency to turn more and more over to government which is a shame. We need to reinvigorate community groups who in many cases do a better job.
All together we are still doing well and we can all be very proud of our great lettle town. It is a great place to live.
Kurt Hahn