Letter to the Editor – Yountville Commons should continue
Dear Editor and Yountville residents,
As a homeowner in Yountville for more than 20 years, I am dismayed at the vitriol and disinformation concerning Yountville Commons. The former Yountville Elementary property was purchased in 2024 for the purpose of building workforce housing in our community.
Four of the five Town Council members voted on Feb. 3 of this year to rezone the property for development under a new Commons Zoning District. Now a petition has been circulated to gather signatures for a referendum to challenge that rezoning, Ordinance 26-539. As of this writing, it is uncertain whether this referendum will move forward. This referendum would effectively stop the project. Supporters assert that if they get what they want from the council, they can repeal the referendum and cancel the public vote.
As of the Feb. 17 study session, it was determined that we would go forward with only Phase 1 of projected 30-40 units with ample parking. The referendum and associated issues have focused on the full buildout, which because of its cost is not currently under consideration.
There have been spurious accusations against our town manager as if he is spearheading and rushing the project. He reports to the council and works at their behest. The ultimate decision makers are the five Town Council members.
We should let the Yountville Town Council continue its slow and deliberate process toward making Yountville Commons a development we all can support.
Jim McDonald
Yountville
Sponsored
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