Yountville Commons debate intensifies as employers, town ramp up outreach ahead of Feb. 17 meeting
A flurry of new information and public outreach efforts this week has intensified discussion around the proposed Yountville Commons project.
The Yountville Sun published a breaking news update this week that was based on a press release from a group of local business owners expressing concern that the current mix of housing units proposed for the Yountville Commons may not meet workforce needs. The release (available here), issued as the town advances toward key funding and design decisions, has drawn significant attention.
A response from Yountville’s Town Manager Brad Raulston is included in this week’s issue as a letter to the editor, click here.
A flyer outlining concerns similar to those expressed by Thomas Keller and Arik Housley in the news release of Feb. 10 is expected to be delivered to Yountville residents in the coming days. An advance copy of the flyer shared with the Sun emphasizes, “Good Intentions, Rushed Decisions.” The group of concerned citizens are calling themselves, “Commons Sense.”
Agreeing with the goal of the Commons project, Commons Sense states on the flyer that “good goals require sound execution.” The concerns outlined include:
- The housing mix does not match the workforce
- Project scale has increased without clear justification
- Parking and transportation assumptions are unrealistic
- Financial risk falls on the community
Meanwhile, town officials are also preparing to release new project information. Beginning tomorrow, updates will be available on the town of Yountville website as part of the agenda packet for the Feb. 17 Town Council meeting.
An open house is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Schmitt Hall, where residents may review project materials and speak with town representatives.
A Town Council study session will follow at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, also at Schmitt Hall. The session is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to review updated information and ask questions of staff and council members ahead of future decisions.
The upcoming meetings are expected to clarify whether project plans have evolved in response to concerns raised by local employers and residents.
