Once again, a Sebastopol Times article outlines an important issue in our area. Laura Hagar Rush strikes that useful balance, with a nod towards the usual for/against factions while highlighting the pragmatic nuances between those positions.
There is a lively debate in the business world about the benefits of combining recognized brands with local/cooperative ownership. Local ownership, local management matters, but only if customers walk through the doors.
I believe it's better to have occupied stores in our downtown corridor than not, and ultimately, our local buying habits will decide whether GO stays or not.
We are a region that is fairly supportive of charitable programs addressing food insecurity. And yet, we seem apprehensive of having a store that sells normal food products at a significant discount. What truth does this betray about our core values?
The last thing Sebastopol needs is another grocery store. That’s absolutely not what we need in our downtown core right now.
I’m wondering g if you have an email address for a contact at Grocery Outlet ? I’d like to let them know that my family would never step foot in their store (just as I have never been the new CVS downtown).
If private enterprise is so darn good for all, how come Sebastopol ends up with a big empty lot and, it seems, a plethora of tattoo parlors, eye lash studios, nail salons, vacancies and a discount grocery store? Why can’t Healdsburg share some of their downtown with us? :) :)
Reading through the ordinance. It is clear that there are only three prohibited business types allowed downtown. They are described well in the article. Grocery stores are not one of them. The ordinance goes on to provide criteria for the planning committee and the city council to consider in approving the business:
A. If the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the proposed use or development applied for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use or development, or be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City;
B. That the formula business establishment will complement existing businesses, and promote diversity and variety to assure a balanced mix of commercial uses available to serve both resident and visitor populations.
C. That the proposed use, together with its design and improvements, is consistent with the unique and historic character of Sebastopol, has an exterior design which appropriately limits “formula” architectural, sign, and other components, and will preserve the distinctive visual appearance and shopping/dining experience of Sebastopol for its residents and visitors;
D. That, as applicable, the proposed use will help residents and visitors avoid the need to shop out of town for goods or services.
E. That the proposed use will be pedestrian-oriented and connect to the area’s existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
F. That if the proposed use is greater than 10,000 gross square feet, the establishment will provide needed goods or services, will promote Sebastopol’s economic vitality, and will be compatible with existing and planned uses. (Ord. 1111, 2018)
E. That the proposed use will be pedestrian-oriented and connect to the area’s existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
F. That if the proposed use is greater than 10,000 gross square feet, the establishment will provide needed goods or services, will promote Sebastopol’s economic vitality, and will be compatible with existing and planned uses. (Ord. 1111, 2018)
With the exception of B - center city already has 2 grocery stores.....the other criteria don't offer many criteria that argue against the approval of Grocery Outlet.
Unfortunately for the city's financial woes, groceries are not generally taxed so this will do little to improve taxable retail sales. Although soda, candy and alcohol are taxed.
I would love to hear what the definition of affordable is ? Empty buildings don’t pay sales taxes only property taxes which pays for fire, police and infrastructure repairs such as sewer, roads and water. I believe it’s important to remember that not every family has the ability to afford over priced food or spend money on gas to go to hunting for cheaper prices.
Hmm, it looks like an obvious incompatibility with at least 3 of the guidelines listed, and no one has mentioned difficult traffic flows in that area. I find the availability of the parking lot at the former right aid a great relief, and it's certainly not unused.
We need another grocery store about as much as we need another coffee shop or antique/thrift store. That site would be a great place for another small infill housing unit, though. They've already got plenty of parking.
It is a formula business. There is no need for it. We have enough markets with affordable food.
I’d trade Grocery Outlet for Amazon’s Whole Foods any day.
Once again, a Sebastopol Times article outlines an important issue in our area. Laura Hagar Rush strikes that useful balance, with a nod towards the usual for/against factions while highlighting the pragmatic nuances between those positions.
There is a lively debate in the business world about the benefits of combining recognized brands with local/cooperative ownership. Local ownership, local management matters, but only if customers walk through the doors.
I believe it's better to have occupied stores in our downtown corridor than not, and ultimately, our local buying habits will decide whether GO stays or not.
We are a region that is fairly supportive of charitable programs addressing food insecurity. And yet, we seem apprehensive of having a store that sells normal food products at a significant discount. What truth does this betray about our core values?
Sebastopol should strikeout the Grocery and show them the Outlet.
we already have 5 or 6 food markets in Sebastopol! we do NOT need another one.
The last thing Sebastopol needs is another grocery store. That’s absolutely not what we need in our downtown core right now.
I’m wondering g if you have an email address for a contact at Grocery Outlet ? I’d like to let them know that my family would never step foot in their store (just as I have never been the new CVS downtown).
Open a Dollar Store at 131 South Main (@ Burnett) for a triple play!
works for me...
We do have quite a few grocery stores, but none with discount groceries. I'll vote for this!
If private enterprise is so darn good for all, how come Sebastopol ends up with a big empty lot and, it seems, a plethora of tattoo parlors, eye lash studios, nail salons, vacancies and a discount grocery store? Why can’t Healdsburg share some of their downtown with us? :) :)
Groceries on Main Street? Harumph! Maybe we should hold out for another tattoo parlor…
Trader Joe's would be so much better.
Reading through the ordinance. It is clear that there are only three prohibited business types allowed downtown. They are described well in the article. Grocery stores are not one of them. The ordinance goes on to provide criteria for the planning committee and the city council to consider in approving the business:
A. If the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the proposed use or development applied for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use or development, or be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City;
B. That the formula business establishment will complement existing businesses, and promote diversity and variety to assure a balanced mix of commercial uses available to serve both resident and visitor populations.
C. That the proposed use, together with its design and improvements, is consistent with the unique and historic character of Sebastopol, has an exterior design which appropriately limits “formula” architectural, sign, and other components, and will preserve the distinctive visual appearance and shopping/dining experience of Sebastopol for its residents and visitors;
D. That, as applicable, the proposed use will help residents and visitors avoid the need to shop out of town for goods or services.
E. That the proposed use will be pedestrian-oriented and connect to the area’s existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
F. That if the proposed use is greater than 10,000 gross square feet, the establishment will provide needed goods or services, will promote Sebastopol’s economic vitality, and will be compatible with existing and planned uses. (Ord. 1111, 2018)
E. That the proposed use will be pedestrian-oriented and connect to the area’s existing and planned pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
F. That if the proposed use is greater than 10,000 gross square feet, the establishment will provide needed goods or services, will promote Sebastopol’s economic vitality, and will be compatible with existing and planned uses. (Ord. 1111, 2018)
With the exception of B - center city already has 2 grocery stores.....the other criteria don't offer many criteria that argue against the approval of Grocery Outlet.
Unfortunately for the city's financial woes, groceries are not generally taxed so this will do little to improve taxable retail sales. Although soda, candy and alcohol are taxed.
I would love to hear what the definition of affordable is ? Empty buildings don’t pay sales taxes only property taxes which pays for fire, police and infrastructure repairs such as sewer, roads and water. I believe it’s important to remember that not every family has the ability to afford over priced food or spend money on gas to go to hunting for cheaper prices.
Hmm, it looks like an obvious incompatibility with at least 3 of the guidelines listed, and no one has mentioned difficult traffic flows in that area. I find the availability of the parking lot at the former right aid a great relief, and it's certainly not unused.
There remains an important unanswered question; who or what entity owns the Rite Aid building and would they open to a more community oriented tenant?
We need another grocery store about as much as we need another coffee shop or antique/thrift store. That site would be a great place for another small infill housing unit, though. They've already got plenty of parking.