Politics & Government

Should a Drive-Through Walgreens be Built in Petaluma?

The Petaluma Health Care District wants a Walgreens pharmacy to be built as part of the Lynch Creek Plaza Project.

Despite being shot down by the Petaluma Planning Commission, developers are still pushing for a Walgreens pharmacy with a drive-through pickup window in Petaluma.

The plan, which would require rezoning a parcel at Lynch Creek Way and McDowell Boulevard, will go before the council Monday night. The space is currently designated for office space, and planning commissioners in a split vote in July said the land should only be used that way.

"There is no need for medical office space in Petaluma and the current zoning and general plan designation as Business Park is of no benefit to the community," reads a letter to the city council from Ramona Faith, CEO of Petaluma Health Care District, which owns the land.

She goes on to say that despite a city law banning drive-throughs at fast-food restaurants and other businesses, the Walgreens makes sense for Petaluma; she adds that Petaluma has more office space per person than both Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park.

A letter from a Walgreens official estimates 100 Petaluma residents shop at Walgreens stores in neighboring Cotati, San Rafael and Santa Rosa each day, spending $1 million each year.

Still, city staff aren't convinced, and have recommended the city council deny the appeal and uphold the planning commission's ruling.

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Petaluma City Council meeting (agenda)
7 p.m. Monday
Council Chambers - City Hall, 11 English St.

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What do you think? Should the council allow a Walgreens in that location? Tell us in the comments section below.


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