Disagreement Over Proposed Wine Bar

Does Petaluma need another place where locals can get wine?

Or will it create more problems for police who say that drinking establishments already generate a lot of calls for service?

These questions were at the root of Tuesday’s discussion at the Petaluma Planning Commission as the group considered whether to approve Corkscrew, a new wine bar at Petaluma Boulevard North and Western Avenue.

“If we vote for it, then we are against the police and who wants to be against the police?” said Commissioner Bill Wolpert, summarizing the group’s dilemma. “And if we vote against it, we are anti-business.”

The Planning Commission did take a straw vote to gauge interest, with four commissioners in favor of granting a license to the wine bar that would offer a light food menu and occasional live music. Commissioners Alicia Kae Herries and Melissa Abercrombie dissented.

Wolpert summarized the sentiments of the majority when he said that businesses “should not be penalized for problems other businesses have brought to the area.”

Councilman Gabe Kearney, along with Commissioners Dennis Elias and Jennifer Pierre concurred, saying that despite there being another wine bar about a block away (), a new venue promoting local wine and featuring outdoor seating would give locals choice.

But Commissioner Abercrombie said she was torn about the issue, adding that downtown did not have a family-friendly feel, especially at night.

“Considering we’ve had vandalism on Water Street, I’ve always thought it would be good to have more eyes on the street,” she said. “However, I am concerned about the concentration (of existing bars).”

Kae Herries, who is running for a seat on the city council in November, said she too was concerned about the high concentration of liquor licenses downtown and would not be supporting the approval. However, she said the wine bar would be a welcome addition to the Eastside. The applicant has said she is not interested in the Eastside and has signed a lease on the current location.

The group plans to return to the topic at its next meeting on June 26.

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