That's how things can get done it's really wonderful. Meanwhile Sebastopol has Chain Link Park and is fantasizing a hotel will be built there. How about converting it into a proper town square instead? Why does anyone think visitors will come to a hotel in Sebastopol - to see the empty restaurants in the Barlow and elsewhere?
Notice that Graton and Forestville have more substantial town squares than Sebastopol that were created via grass roots efforts. The large towns of Healdsburg and Petaluma have nice big squares too. Realistically the hotel is unlikely to be built without tax breaks.
The square in Sebastopol is the result of a very large grass roots effort many years ago. Though the design was ultimately more paved than a lot of us had hoped for, having a place for community events, gatherings, and the farmer's market was achieved. It was a huge community effort to get that square built. It had been a parking lot, and convincing the downtown businesses to let go of that lot was a big battle.
Thanks for covering this Laura. Great group of people doing remarkable work in our little village.
Thank you for all your coverage of Graton as well Dewey.
Thanks for covering this Laura! The Town Square has been a dream come true. Big Things happening in Little Graton!
That's how things can get done it's really wonderful. Meanwhile Sebastopol has Chain Link Park and is fantasizing a hotel will be built there. How about converting it into a proper town square instead? Why does anyone think visitors will come to a hotel in Sebastopol - to see the empty restaurants in the Barlow and elsewhere?
But Sebastopol does have a town square.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aYPc6E6UZhX23MLD6
And the people that might come, would they find reason to come again?
Sebastopol has quirks, but sophistication and aesthetics aren’t part of the planning, or desire it seems.
I moved here in 2008 and have observed decline; so many neglected trees on our two main streets shows a lack of respect of….many metrics. IMHO
Notice that Graton and Forestville have more substantial town squares than Sebastopol that were created via grass roots efforts. The large towns of Healdsburg and Petaluma have nice big squares too. Realistically the hotel is unlikely to be built without tax breaks.
The square in Sebastopol is the result of a very large grass roots effort many years ago. Though the design was ultimately more paved than a lot of us had hoped for, having a place for community events, gatherings, and the farmer's market was achieved. It was a huge community effort to get that square built. It had been a parking lot, and convincing the downtown businesses to let go of that lot was a big battle.
The Sebastopol Town Square has acquired a lot of stuff over the years. It feels a bit cluttered to me. Hoping to avoid that in Graton.