Letter to the Editor – Reeves, McKee say Yountville Commons not a done deal; key options to be presented Feb. 17
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your coverage of the Feb. 2 community gathering that Ted and Iren Jenny hosted in the Yountville Fit Locals Lounge. We, Vice Mayor Pam Reeves and Council Member Robin McKee, appreciated the opportunity to share information about the Yountville Commons project, including the overall scope and the planning process to date.
One purpose of the gathering was to address concerns raised during public comment at the Jan. 13 council meeting, where a small number of residents expressed the belief that the project was already a fait accompli. We wanted to clearly state that this is not the case.
We also heard questions about the pace of the process, the overall cost, and the unit sizes and count. We found the questions valid and made our best effort to reassure residents that the information needed to make those important decisions would be available and presented in public, on Feb. 17. We want to underscore that through careful accumulation of data over the past two years, we will be able to engage in analysis and further community discussion before providing any further direction to town staff.
The meeting on Feb. 17, is an important milestone which has been on the project calendar for a year. We can’t emphasize enough that this is the long-awaited date that will clarify options and realistic choices. Then, after Feb. 17, we will take the time we need to make informed decisions. Council decisions of this magnitude will not be rushed to meet an arbitrary calendar date.
Lastly, but equally important to state, Measure S created a dedicated funding source through a one-percent increase in the transient occupancy tax (TOT), that legally restricts those funds for affordable and workforce housing. That affirmative vote of Yountville residents gave a clear directive to address and create workforce housing.
We hope everyone will attend Feb. 17, at, 3:00 p.m. in Schmitt Hall.
Thank you for your continued interest and engagement as we work through this important stage slowly and thoughtfully.
Sincerely,
Council Member
Robin McKee
Vice Mayor
Pam Reeves
Sponsored
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