New Westside Development to Go Before Planning Commission

A proposed housing development on Petaluma’s western edge is getting a fresh look after being stalled for more than eight years.

Davidon, an East Bay developer, wants to build 93 single-family homes at the corner of D Street and Windsor Drive.

It’s a project that’s been in the works since at least 2004, but was delayed by the weak economy and unknown impacts on the local water supply.

Now, following the completion of the city’s long-term water plan, the project is back on track, with a new Environmental Impact Report recently released.

The 37-acre development is expected to generate 890 daily new trips, although Davidon has said it’s willing to consider a scaled-down version. There will also be a 6-foot sound wall along Windsor Drive to reduce noise from passing cars.

The proposal includes another 23 acres for open space and a bike and pedestrian path along Kelly Creek connecting the development to Helen Putnam Regional Park.

But opponents, including a group calling themselves Petalumans for Responsible Planning, worry about the impacts on the endangered red-legged frog found in the area, the density of the homes and the fate of the historic red barns now located there. The group is organizing a community meeting at the United Church of Christ, 825 Middlefield Dr., this Tuesday, March 5 at 7pm to educate Petaluma residents about the project and answer questions.

The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by the Petaluma Planning Commission on March 12.

To read more about environmental impacts of the development, click here. 

What do you think about the proposed project? And what's a good alternate site for the historic barns?