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Public commenters warn of homelessness and infrastructure strain in Sebastopol
Summary
During public comment, residents told the Planning Commission the RV Village pilot program has 'backfired' and urged the city to address homelessness, traffic congestion on Hillsburg Avenue, and aging water and sewer infrastructure before approving more development.
Residents used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the Planning Commission on homelessness and failing infrastructure.
Linda, a Zoom commenter, told the commission Redwood Village has become a focal point for people experiencing homelessness and said the city’s RV Village pilot program had “backfired seriously.” She urged commissioners to visit the site, speak with residents and consider the policy consequences the city’s approach has produced.
Linda also raised infrastructure concerns, telling commissioners that local roads and utilities are strained. She referenced a $2.2 million wireless water-meter project that is failing and a $5.6 million loan the mayor has not addressed, and she warned that traffic congestion—particularly on Hillsburg Avenue—and deteriorating water and sewer systems risk long-term fiscal and service problems.
Those comments were delivered as part of the meeting’s public-comment period and did not trigger an immediate policy action by the commission; commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said staff will continue work on broader policy topics, including upcoming ordinance updates and grant-funded projects related to parks and creek restoration.
What happens next: The comments are part of the public record and will accompany staff work on housing and infrastructure issues; no formal commission action on these public-comment topics occurred at this meeting.
