Resident raises safety, size and builder-reputation concerns about Spring Grove; commission discusses ad hoc subcommittee and process steps

A resident told the St. Helena Planning Commission on March 18 that City Ventures’ Spring Grove housing project is too large for the neighborhood and raised concerns about stormwater runoff, potential damage to an oak tree and the developer’s local reputation.

Pat Friday, who said she lives in town, urged the commission to “rezone the area to medium density so it can be 2‑story units” and said neighbors preferred two‑story buildings over the three‑story design planned for Spring Grove. Friday also told commissioners she had reviewed consumer complaints about City Ventures, saying the Better Business Bureau gives the company an “F” rating and that she found Yelp and court complaints alleging leak, tile and construction…