63 Percent of Residents Want Deer Creek, Says Developer

A new study by the developer of the proposed Lowe’s shopping center on North McDowell Boulevard and Rainier Avenue has found that 63 percent of voters approve the project.

“Petaluma wants a Lowe’s store so that they can purchase home improvement supplies locally and at affordable prices,” said Greg Geertsen, partner for Merlone Geier Partners in a statement. “The added benefits of the shopping center are that it creates over 800 jobs and new tax revenue that can help fund city services such fixing potholes, and protecting police and fire protection funding.”

The survey was conducted by telephone and sampled 300 Petaluma residents, which a Merlone Geier spokesman called a “very appropriated sample for the size of the city.” The poll was conducted by Voter Consumer Research, a polling firm and paid for by the developer.

Opponents have criticized the project, which has yet to be approved, for being another big box development that's not being pedestrian-friendly and has poor transit access. At an alternatives workshop held Aug. 6, some attendees proposed dedicating more area to smaller shops and offices, building 86 townhome units and adding a 5-acre park in order to create a more welcoming feel to the project.

Merlon Geier’s Geersten said the development was not a traditional shopping center and had areas for a farmers market, exercise trails and even a dog park. He said the company could start breaking ground as soon as next spring if the project is approved by the city.

The decision is expected to be heard by the Planning Commission in November before being voted on by the City Council.

Among the survey’s other findings:

• support for the project is evenly split between Eastside and Westside

• 25 percent of respondents believe that Petaluma has sufficient choices for home improvement projects and building supplies

• 63 percent of respondents believe a store “like Lowe’s” is needed in Petaluma

• 8 percent believe the economy is getting better, while 28 percent think it is getting worse.

• 37 percent believe that Petaluma is on the right track; 40 percent believe it’s on the wrong track.

What's your take on the project? Should the Lowe's anchored shopping center be built on the site? Would you like to see something else there? Tell us in the comments.