Neighbors press city to protect open space and parks as Sebastiani property proceeds through general‑plan update

At the council meeting, multiple speakers from neighborhoods near the Sebastiani winery property urged the city to protect parkland, open space and historic landscapes as the property moves through the general‑plan and zoning review process.

Neighbors said they have formed an informal group to educate themselves on the general‑plan update and to provide specific, constructive recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. Several residents said the bike path and the small Arbor Park (a neighborhood park near East Fourth Street and Lowell Valley) are especially important community assets that should be preserved in any rezoning or development plan for the adjacent winery property.

Ken Stokes and other neighbors said they had initially feared the worst after seeing preliminary materials; after meeting with Planning Commission members they were urged to participate with specific written recommendations. “We intend to increase our knowledge of what the possibilities are,” Stokes told the council, and to “represent both the city and the neighborhood going forward in the general plan update process.”

Amy Alterman urged preservation of the vineyard adjacent to the bike path, calling it part of the greenway that enhances users’ experience on the corridor; she also urged protection of Arbor Park and attention to water and evacuation routes in any future plan. Multiple speakers warned that rezoning and future development could change the character of the area permanently and urged robust engagement with neighbors before decisions were made.

Planning staff and council pointed to a coming public workshop: a General Plan land‑use community meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Vintage House. Several speakers encouraged broad outreach (including Spanish language notices) and said they will return to the Planning Commission and City Council as their local proposals are refined.

What the city said: City staff directed residents to the official schedule and public‑engagement resources. The planning process will include analysis of park/open‑space designations, required environmental and traffic analysis, and a sequence of public hearings where neighbors may submit written comments and testimony. Where zoning changes are proposed, the city will follow its noticing rules and the municipal code’s public‑notice procedures.

Context and next steps: Residents said they will appear at Planning Commission meetings as they continue to assemble detailed comments and requests. Councilmembers and staff acknowledged the concern and reiterated the schedule for upcoming general‑plan engagements.