Packed house, high stakes: Yountville Town Council pivots on Yountville Commons
The April 7 Yountville Town Council meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd, with residents packing the chamber and spilling into overflow seating, underscoring the intensity of community interest in the future of the Yountville Commons project.
Dominating the meeting was a discussion of the Town Council’s options following certification of the referendum that suspended the recent Yountville Elementary School / Yountville Commons site zoning ordinance.
Yountville Town Attorney Gary Bell outlined the available options: repeal the ordinance or send it to a public vote. Either way, he explained, because the matter involves a zoning ordinance, it must first go to the Zoning Design Review Board (ZDRB) for a recommendation and then return to the Town Council for a vote.
Council members asked questions about the status of the project during the suspension period. This discussion led to the understanding that the project has effectively returned to its status of a few months ago, before the zoning change and, under the council’s direction, the town can continue to move forward with planning. The property remains zoned for public facilities and parks and playfields, so any uses allowed under that zoning can proceed.
Council Member Pam Reeves noted, “The goal of the referendum was not to stop the project,” adding that she has heard concerns about finances and usage, but not opposition to the project itself. Mayor Mohler stated that the town can continue hiring experts and gathering support as the project progresses.
Public Comment
Approximately 20 people spoke during public comments. Because the room was filled beyond capacity, overflow attendees were accommodated via a live stream in the Locals Lounge next door.
Gary Jabara, owner of The Estate Yountville, opened the comments by asking if council members had received the two letters and a public records request he submitted on April 1.
Attorney Bell confirmed that all council members had received them. Jabara, who has developed properties all over the world, reiterated his position that Yountville is too small to finance a project of this scale and urged the council to consider alternatives and act responsibly, stating, “Don’t let the wound continue to bleed.”
Several members of the North Coast Carpenters Union spoke in support of using a signatory contractor for the project and shared personal stories about entering the construction industry through union opportunities.
Resident Alan Tenscher encouraged the council to listen to community concerns, incorporate feasible changes and “pivot” the project. He suggested resetting the process, using an independent financial advisor and conducting real market research. He also noted that 120–170 wineries in the Napa Valley are no longer financially viable, so compromise will be required and subsequent zoning may be different. He advised using the interim wisely, emphasizing the need for a long-term perspective.
Other speakers acknowledged the difficult position facing council members and expressed appreciation for their work. While noting the negativity surrounding the project, they also emphasized that important questions are being raised and expressed hope that the project could still lead to successful workforce housing in Yountville.
During public comment, council members chose to respond when they felt clarification was needed. Mayor Mohler addressed concerns about unit size, stating that “very small units were never the plan.” Council Member HilleryTrippe disagreed, noting that previously published plans showed a majority of studio units of approximately 300 square feet. Council Member Eric Knight added that the project remains in the planning stage and that discussions are ongoing. These differing perspectives from council members highlighted the confusion and frustration expressed by some residents.
Additional speakers included a hospitality worker in town, who urged the council to approve a project that fits the character of Yountville, stating, “Starting over may sound harsh, but if the idea is good enough, it can survive the discussion.”
Another employee in town raised concerns about safety and said she did not know anyone who would be willing to live in the project as currently designed. She emphasized the importance of including local workers in the planning process.
Resident Myrna David described the situation as a stressful time for Yountville. She noted that there was great enthusiasm for the project originally but that it declined after the February meeting when financial details were presented, adding that there is still an opportunity to rebuild support by listening to residents and revising the plan.
After public comment closed, the council voted to forward the item to the ZDRB for recommendation at the next opportunity.
Council Direction to Staff
Following the vote, many attendees in the audience left, but the council continued with a discussion to provide direction to staff on how to proceed.
Council Member Knight requested additional research on the needs of Yountville workers.
Council Member Reeves wanted to put this “chapter behind us” so we can move forward with more information gathering. She also supported issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a housing operator but emphasized that she is not committed to any plan that would place the town in financial jeopardy. She also asked how the process could become more collaborative.
Council Member McKee stated, “We are not in the mode to find a quick work around. We want to work through this with clarity.” She described the Feb. 17 meeting as a starting point and acknowledged widespread disappointment with the information presented at that time. She called for moving forward with transparency and suggested hiring a neutral facilitator for the process.
Council Member Trippe had to leave the meeting early and did not provide comments.
Mayor Mohler noted that after discussing many potential options and amenities, the council was confronted with unexpectedly high costs. “It is ludicrous to think that we would go into this kind of debt,” she said.
Town Manager Brad Raulston summarized the council’s direction for the May 5 meeting. Items include developing an RFQ for a housing operator, bringing back BAE for a worker survey, reviewing options under the current zoning designation and exploring the use of a neutral facilitator, though the role and responsibilities of that facilitator were not yet defined.
Other Item
In other actions at the April 7 meeting, the council recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Jennifer Abram accepted the proclamation from Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler on behalf of NEWS (Napa Valley Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Services), an organization that provides a confidential and safe space for victims. Abram invited the public to participate in the NEWS Walk-A-Mile fundraiser on Sunday, May 3.
