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Residents tell Sonoma commission a developer plans to move, demolish historic buildings behind the plaza
Summary
Two neighbors asked the Historic Preservation Commission to weigh in on a proposed development they say would remove or move long‑standing local landmarks — including a Victorian house they called the "General's Daughter" and a building they called "Ramekins" — and warned that damage during moving could lead to demolition.
Tina Moye, a neighbor, told the Sonoma Historic Preservation Commission that a developer who bought properties behind the plaza is proposing to tear down a building known locally as Ramekins and the barn on the Kennard Farm and to physically lift and move a nearby 1870s Victorian house the speakers called the "General's Daughter." Moye said the house has been occupied for years and that, based on the group’s research, it is not listed on state or national registers. "They are proposing to tear down Ramekins, tear down the barn on the Kennard Farm," she said, and expressed particular concern about proposals "to physically lift and move the General's Daughter 40 feet plus up to the roadway." She added that required seismic retrofits and other work to enable a move could damage the structure, which she said could then be used as grounds to demolish it.
Robert Dimler, who identified himself as representing the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation, said he agreed with Moye’s concerns and urged the commission to consider public outreach and advocacy around the properties. He offered the league’s assistance with public programming and suggested better connections with realtors so prospective buyers understand preservation guidelines.
The speakers said the General's Daughter does not appear on state or national registers but asked the commission to consider historic value as plans go to the Planning Commission. Staff did not report any formal filing or a City Council or Planning Commission action in this meeting; the comments were taken during the meeting’s public comment period. No formal action was taken by the commission on the specific property proposals during the session.
What happens next: The commission did not take an action on the properties raised in public comment at this meeting. Speakers said they expected planning staff or the Planning Commission might see formal proposals; residents asked the Historic Preservation Commission to be aware of forthcoming planning‑level reviews and to consider whether local listing or other measures are appropriate. The commission’s staff later discussed broader survey and registry work the commission is undertaking that could affect how individual properties are assessed.
