Residents voice concerns over Sebastiani project at Sonoma city council meeting

The City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, in Sonoma, California, focused on significant community concerns regarding the proposed updates to the general plan, particularly the Sebastiani project. Residents voiced their apprehensions about potential increases in housing density and the implications of the new Sonoma Mixed Use category.

Julie Morrison, a local resident, expressed her worries about the maximum density levels that could be reached under the proposed changes. She called for greater transparency regarding the implications of the Sonoma Mixed Use designation and requested that the topic be included on the City Council agenda for open discussion, allowing community members to provide feedback directly.

Ken Stokes, another concerned resident, highlighted that he and his neighbors have been actively participating in planning commission and city council meetings for the past six months. He reiterated their ongoing concerns about density limits, commercial use, and the preservation of agricultural land. Stokes noted the frustration felt by the community due to a perceived lack of responsiveness to their input, despite their efforts to engage with local officials. He mentioned an online petition that has garnered nearly 300 signatures, indicating a growing community movement advocating for their concerns.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the residents' commitment to influencing the planning process and ensuring that their voices are heard as the city moves forward with its development plans. The council's response to these concerns and the next steps in the planning process will be crucial in shaping the future of the Sebastiani project and its impact on the community.