SodaCanyonRoad | Upcomming Hearings
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Upcomming Hearings
Geoff Ellsworth | Jul 11, 2014 on: Open Comments

[from Geoff Ellsworth of NapaSonomaVoice.net]

Two important Napa County dates coming up. I’m reaching out to all citizen stakeholders and those in the wine/grapegrowing industry and hospitality industries who believe we’re at a tipping point of development and need to immediately pause to discuss the way forward.

I believe this argument is not with wineries per se but rather a business plan/marketing trend implemented by certain wineries and hospitality endeavors that is overly dependent on an aggressive schedule of direct-to-consumer sales and/or marketing events.

The consequence of these sales or brand building techniques are an encroachment on our shared public resources such as water, roadways, public utilities, emergency services etc.

As this trend escalates, the CUMULATIVE IMPACTS are reaching a point of great concern regarding our sustainability, safety and quality of life and we must stand together now to protect our resources and this delicate valley.

Tuesday July 15 9 AM
Napa County Board of Supervisors meeting.
We can use the public comment period to demand the supervisors assess the CUMULATIVE IMPACTS of new development and re-assess the WDO (Winery Definition Ordinance).

Wednesday July 16 9AM
Napa County Planning Commission -
Winery Hearings including:
RAYMOND EXPANSION
On Zinfandel Lane near Hwy 29
The latest numbers I have that they are asking:
Daily visitors - 500
Employees - increase to 90 from current 24
Events - 50 events annually
Parking spaces - increase from 81-130
This is just off an area of Hwy 29 where traffic is already impacted, numerous other large wineries on the same two lane corridor have just been approved or are on the slate, upvalley traffic and services will be greatly affected by the CUMULATIVE IMPACTS of these projects

Both meetings are at 9 AM at:
County Administration Building
1195 Third Street. Suite 310 Napa, CA 94559

It is critical to have a strong turnout at both meetings.
Even if you don’t speak your presence will be important. If you do speak, a short, crisp voicing of your concerns can be very powerful when added to the voices standing up with you.

A strong email campaign is also important to having our voices heard.
Below are the email addresses of the supervisors and planners. A few short lines under a subject like CUMULATIVE IMPACTS, WATER, TRAFFIC, or whatever your concern is can make a difference.

I am also sending emails urging the Board of supervisors to RE-ASSESS WDO IMMEDIATELY (Winery Definition Ordinance). This can be used as a subject as well.
Best, Geoff

NAPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
brad.wagenknecht@countyofnapa.org
mark.luce@countyofnapa.org
Diane.Dillon@countyofnapa.org
bill.dodd@countyofnapa.org
keith.caldwell@countyofnapa.org
NAPA COUNTY PLANNING DEPT.
david.morrison@countyofnapa.org
John Mcdowell - john.mcdowell@countyofnapa.org
Bob Fiddaman -fidd@comcast.net
Heather Phillips - heather@vinehillranch.com
Matt Pope mattpope384@gmail.com
Mike Basayne napacommissioner@yahoo.com
Terry Scott - tkscottco@aol.com
Sean Trippi - sean.trippi@countyofnapa.org