Community advocates oppose proposed school project near Bealton library

The Buellton Planning Commission meeting held on July 3, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the future of local educational facilities and community spaces. Residents expressed strong opinions about a proposed school project and its potential impact on the neighborhood.

Morgan Stevenson, a lifelong resident of Buellton, voiced her support for the Hundred Hills Schools, emphasizing the importance of new educational options in the community. She highlighted the values of Waldorf education, which focus on creativity and nurturing the whole child, and expressed optimism about the school's potential contribution to the local educational landscape.

Conversely, several residents raised concerns about the proposed development. A resident identified as Rathbone criticized the lack of notification regarding the project, stating that it could disrupt the community's character. Rathbone expressed opposition to converting the area into commercial space or a school, advocating instead for the preservation of existing public spaces like parks.

Another resident, Briar Bates, also contributed to the discussion, although her comments were not fully captured in the transcript. The meeting underscored a divide among community members regarding the balance between educational development and maintaining the small-town ambiance of Buellton.

The Planning Commission is expected to consider these community sentiments as they deliberate on the future of the proposed school and its implications for the neighborhood. The outcome of this discussion will be crucial in shaping the educational and community landscape of Buellton in the coming years.