Why Did Sonoma Leaders Approve Spain Street Upgrades But Reject a 2nd Cannabis Dispensary?

Sonoma City Council has approved a significant infrastructure project worth £530,000 aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists on West Spain Street. Concurrently, the council has decided to postpone the establishment of a second cannabis dispensary in the city, prioritising other community needs instead.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The City Council approved a £530,000 project to improve West Spain Street.
• Construction is set to begin in November and expected to finish by mid-January.
• The council rejected plans for a second cannabis dispensary, citing prioritisation of other issues.
• Community feedback significantly influenced the decision-making process.
• Improvements aim to enhance safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Infrastructure Rehabilitation on West Spain Street

The Sonoma City Council's decision to greenlight the £530,000 infrastructure rehabilitation project comes after numerous resident complaints regarding the safety and condition of West Spain Street. The project was backed by a unanimous 5-0 vote during a council session on 17 September 2023 and is designed to implement various traffic calming measures.

Details of the Project

City staff collaborated with traffic engineers to assess the existing issues and develop a comprehensive plan. The project will be executed by Team Ghilotti, Inc., a contractor based in Petaluma. Public Works Director Mike Berger expressed optimism, stating, “We’re excited about this project because it’s not just about fixing potholes — it’s about making the street safer and better for everyone, whether you’re driving, biking or walking.”

Funding Sources

The project will be financed through a combination of general fund revenue, SB1 funds from California's Road Repair and Accountability Act, and gas tax revenues from Measure M. This voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax was adopted in 2004 and extended under the Go Sonoma Act in 2020.

Construction Timeline and Traffic Management

Construction is anticipated to commence in November 2023, with completion expected by mid-January 2024. Berger noted that while the project aims to minimise disruptions, some traffic flow interruptions are likely due to the nature of the work involved in repaving and road repairs. “We’ll work with the contractor to ensure this is as minimally disruptive as possible,” he added.

Community Reactions

Reactions from West Spain residents have been mixed. Carol Campbell, a long-time resident, described the current state of the roadway as “awful,” citing issues with large delivery trucks. She expressed scepticism that new signage would effectively mitigate speeding or high volumes of traffic. According to data from five speed surveys conducted over the last three years, approximately 8,000 vehicles use West Spain Street daily, with an average speed of 26 mph.

Proposed Upgrades and Repairs

The scope of work includes:

• Pavement rehabilitation and repair of localised failures.
• Repaving sections between Second Street West and Third Street West.
• Striping upgrades for bike routes and consistent signage.
• Dig out repairs along various sections of West Spain.
• Potential painting of medians at key intersections.

Christopher Woodcock, another resident, voiced concerns about the shared lane markings that would indicate to motorists the presence of bicycle traffic. He noted that the street's high vehicle frequency and speed do not align with safety for cyclists, suggesting that bike boulevards are typically on roads with significantly lower traffic volumes.

City Council's Decision on Cannabis Dispensary

Analysis and Concerns

Community Development Director Jennifer Gates presented an analysis that highlighted a statewide decline in cannabis sales, raising concerns about the feasibility of a second dispensary. The city’s analysis indicated that a new store might not attract new customers but merely divert existing ones from SPARC, potentially threatening local tax revenues.

Community Voices

Supporters of a second dispensary, including members of the Sonoma Valley Cannabis Group, argued that the current dispensary does not meet all community needs. Josette Brose-Eichar, a Sonoma resident, expressed her dissatisfaction with SPARC's product offerings. However, SPARC representatives cautioned that adding another dispensary could dilute sales and revenue, with CFO Steve Lott stating, “The likely result will be a lower revenue per store and a less stable 4% for the city of Sonoma.”

Future Priorities for Sonoma

Sonoma Vice Mayor Ron Wellander noted that the focus should remain on updating the General Plan and addressing housing needs, rather than pursuing additional cannabis businesses. Mayor Patricia Farrar-Rivas echoed these sentiments, citing concerns about timing and resources, emphasising that dispensaries do not attract tourists in the same way that food and wine industries do.

The discussions surrounding both the infrastructure project and the cannabis dispensary highlight the ongoing need for community engagement and the balancing of diverse priorities within Sonoma. As the city moves forward, it will be essential to stay informed on how these developments will impact residents and the broader community.

What’s Next for Sonoma?

As the infrastructure project gets underway, residents will be keen to observe improvements in safety and usability on West Spain Street. Meanwhile, the council's decision on the cannabis dispensary leaves open questions about the future of cannabis commerce in the city and how the local economy will adapt. Will the city continue to prioritise infrastructure and housing over expanding cannabis businesses, or will future demands shift these priorities?

As Sonoma navigates these complexities, community involvement and dialogue will be crucial in shaping the city's direction.

FAQs

What improvements are planned for West Spain Street?

The improvements include pavement rehabilitation, repaving, striping upgrades for bike routes, and localised repairs to enhance safety for all users.

When will the construction on West Spain Street begin?

Construction is expected to commence in November 2023 and should be completed by mid-January 2024.

Why was the second cannabis dispensary proposal rejected?

The City Council deemed it a lower priority compared to other community needs and cited concerns regarding the potential negative impact on existing dispensary revenues.

What concerns did residents express about the safety of West Spain Street?

Residents raised concerns about speeding vehicles and the volume of traffic, questioning whether planned upgrades would adequately address these safety issues.

How will the infrastructure project be funded?

The project will be funded through a mix of general fund revenue, SB1 funds, and gas tax revenue from Measure M.