Letter to the Editor – Commons Details
(Editor’s note: This letter is addressed to Kimberly Cook who covers Town of Yountville issues for the Yountville Sun. The author, Brendan Kelly, is an architect working on the Yountville Commons project. Letters to the editor are of the opinion, and from the perspective of the author.)
Dear Kim,
I want to thank you for your thoughtful reporting on the Yountville Commons study session. It is clear you listened closely and took time to share residents’ questions and concerns. That care matters. At the same time, I would like to offer a few factual corrections and clarifications to ensure readers have the most accurate picture of the project’s current status.
Public Meetings
The Sept. 16 session was not the final public update until 2026. Two additional public presentations are scheduled this month: Sept. 18 at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and Sept. 25 before the Measure S Committee.
Parking
The article suggested Yountville Fit and Town Hall would lose their parking. In fact, Yountville Fit’s lot is being relocated to the opposite side of the building with 47 spaces—13 more than it has now. Town Hall will see a net gain as well: while 6 spaces are lost in the front lot, the rear lot is being enlarged from 26 to 42 spaces, creating a significant increase in overall capacity. Concerns about Community Church parking are understandable, but it’s important to note the Town has no obligation to provide parking for any church in Yountville.
Amenities
The laundry facility and rooftop garden were reported as “to be determined.” In fact, both are planned to be open to the public during set hours once operations are defined. The Commons House (formerly Guest House) will include 35 furnished studios, and the Council clarified at the meeting that these are intended for seasonal rentals of 30 days or more, targeted to workforce housing needs.
Project Costs and Phasing
It was suggested that financial questions were cut short. In reality, this meeting was an update on design progress, not a budget workshop. To develop reliable cost estimates, relatively complete plans and specifications must first be prepared. Only then can the Town Council make informed choices about phasing and affordability. Uncertainty at this stage is not a flaw—it is a normal and necessary part of responsible project development. As costs become clearer, they will be presented publicly and discussed in open meetings.
I appreciate the effort to bring this complex project into public view. It is a once-in-a-generation investment for Yountville, and thoughtful reporting helps residents stay engaged. My hope is that these clarifications will help ensure our community has the most accurate information as the process continues.
With thanks for your time and coverage,
Brendan Kelly, AIA
C: 415.963.1089
www.kellymorganarchitect.com
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