Girard adds to up-valley traffic jam
on the web at: https://sodacanyonroad.org/forum.php?p=933
George Caloyannidis | Aug 10, 2015

[letter to County Planning Department concerning Traffic Impacts of Girard Winery propose]

Comments on the Girard Traffic Study

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[email sent to Asst. Planning Director John McDowell]

Dear Mr. McDowell:

Last week I was driving from St. Helena to my home in Calistoga around 4:30 pm on Highway 29. Traffic came to a stop south of Dunaweal Lane, backed up from the stop sign at Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga. After 10 minutes, I was about half way to the stop sign, so I made a u-turn, went back to Dunaweal, and turned left to go to the Silverado Trail. Dunaweal was busier than I have ever seen it. There were 6 or 7 cars waiting to turn left onto the Trail which took a few more minutes to clear. Turning left was difficult and dangerous, as traffic was heavy on the Trail in both directions.

The traffic added over 15 minutes to my drive time.

Those of us who live in Calistoga have to contend with noticeable added traffic due to the expansion of Indian Springs. Parking is nearly impossible at all times of day. Two new resorts, Calistoga Hills and Silver Rose will add nearly 3000 additional vehicle trips per day, further congesting Highway 29, Dunaweal Lane, and the Silverado Trail. Like it or not, that traffic is coming.

Now Girard wants to build a huge new facility on Dunaweal Lane. Sir, this is insanity. These roads cannot handle the current traffic load much less the already approved increases. Girard could result in a massive grid lock.

I have watched as the Calistoga City Council has approved project after project, denying that there will be any significant impact on traffic. They obviously have an unstated agenda, which is not the betterment of Calistoga for its residents. Of course the projects will cause severe traffic problems.

Now, you might ask yourself, "Who is this person writing to me, and what does he know about traffic problems?" I would like to state that I have a Master of Science degree in Transportation Management from the UCLA School of Business, with a specialty in Urban Transportation. I know what I am talking about. But anybody who drives a car on Highway 29 will not need a degree to see the negative impact of the Girard project. When you are stopped for up to a half hour in gridlock just south of Calistoga, everybody is an expert.

We have reached and probably surpassed a breaking point. This new facility for Girard cannot be allowed to happen. You cannot inconvenience thousands of people per day, both residents and visitors, for the benefit of one business. You represent all the people in the Valley. It is time to protect us.

Respectfully,

Robert Hitchcock
Calistoga, CA 94515

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