Bennett Valley Voice

Vol. 15, No.2 BENNETT VALLEY VOICE Bennett Valley Homeowners' Association July, 1992

Bennett Valley Planning

Advisory Board

Imagine a Planning Advisory Committee made up of

Expansion Of City'S Boundary

Bennett Valley residents which would have real authority over It has come to our attention that there has been a land use plans and projects impacting the Valley; they would be "behind closed doors" discussion going on about expanding first line reviewers and then make recommendations to the the urban boundary into rural Bennett Valley to include an Planning Dept., the Planning Commission, and the Board of additional 18 holes of golfat the B. V. Municipal Golf Course.

Supervisors. Asa trade-offto the developer who would be providing the A fantasy dream?.... not necessarily. There is already land for the expansion and who is proposing this plan, alive and well such a modelin the unincorporated area of increased density would be allowed in his as yet undeveloped Kentfield. In 1982, the Marin Board of Supervisors passed a county subdivision which abuts the current ultimate urban resolution establishing the Kentfield Planning Advisory Board boundary. Depending on with whom you talk, the proposal which was mandated to set policy on all planning projects and is either in the discussion only stage, or it is in advanced environmentalissues. This Board has been successfully active planning. (This proposal may have a connection with the for ten years, and they remain a well-respected body in the proposed Water Transmission Main covered on the next community page.) We have not be able to see specific plans, but the We are fortunate to already have a dedicated Design information that we have received includes the following two Review Board that has been given some of this authority.

possible scenarios. 1) The golf course would be expanded However, there has arisen incidents whereby this authority has south and east ofits current position, encompassing land as been over-ridden by the county. Because we believe that the far east as the eastern boundary of Bill Pisenti's property, go Design Review Board needs to be given more clout, a group of across B.V. Rd. (with a tunnel underneath the road) to B. V. residents met to discuss the viability of the Kentfield plan.

Weare only in the preliminary discussion stage, and we would encompass property to the south, including possibly the properties in between. Estate size lots would be a part of this liketo broaden our base of active participants who are interested expansion proposal. Or 2) The golf course would be in formulating a vision of what the Valley should be in the next expanded to the southeast and cross B. V. Rd. to the west decade. If you are interested in becoming part of this process, across from the fly casting pond.: please call #528-9645.

While the specific details vary somewhat in these proposals, the basic premise is the expansion of the urban boundary, intrusioninto rural Bennett Valley and breaching the natural geographical opening which was instrumental in

Announcing Our Special Hot Line

If you have any questions or coments concerning The Voice or issues relating to our Valley, please call our new Hot Line #528-9645 the original, specific designing of the urban buffer. (continued on next page)

GOLFCOURSE (continued) Either scenana would be contrary to the Santa Rosa General Plan, the Sonoma County General Plan, and the Bennett Valley Specific Plan. The negative impacts ofthis idea are far ranging, including but not limited to economic, environmental, planning and zoning, aesthetic, and transportation/circulation.

Expansion of the urban boundary is considered by your Board to be a serious threat to the Bennett Valley we have worked hard to protect and preserve for the past 20 years. We will be meeting with Supervisor Mike Cale to discuss this and other projects, and we will keep you informed. Call our Hotline#528-9645 for more information.

B. V. Rd. Water Transmission Main

The city of Santa Rosa approved the negative declation on the Bennett Valley Rd. Water Transmission Main Project on April 28, 1991. This project consists of a 16 inch diameter pipe extending from the intersection ofB. V.Rd. and Farmers Lane southeast along B. V.Rd. to a point 100 feet southeast of the Matanzas Creek Bridge This represents an intrusion into rural Bennett Valley as lands south of Dan Galvin Park are outside the ultimate urban boundary ofthe city. It will follow the route of the southeast bound lane ofB. V. Rd. and will require that a 6ft. deep and 3 ft. wide trench be dug in which to lay this pipeline. This new pipeline will connect with a pipeline which years ago was extended from the end of Summerfield Rd. (now the city's ultimate urban boundary) to the water tank southwest of Matanzas Creek on the slope of Taylor Mt. The project includes the installation of several new fire hydrants along B.V. Rd. This project was identified in the city's Water Master Plan although the BHA did not become aware of it until notice of the negative declaration was sent in November, 1991.

The purpose of this water main is, ostensibly to provide better water pressure to the urban Bennett Valley and Townview Commercial areas during fire protection draw-down as well as provide water availability to handle total build-out ofthe parcels outside the city limits but within the ultimate urban boundaries. i.e. south ofFarmers Lane, Ronne Dr., Holland Heights, Mt. Taylor Rd. and Bennett View Dr. areas. According to the initial study, the area noted as being of greatest concern re: marginal water pressure under fire flow conditions is the Townview Commercial area at Farmers Lane.

Your BVHA Board hasresponded to the negative declaration in writing and at a hearing before the City Council. The areas of concern raised were: a. Socio-economic and environmental impacts have not been sufficiently addressed b. The potential for housing expansion and other developments as a result of additional water capacity has not been recognized, acknowledged or mitigated c. Size of the water main appears to be greater than that which is sufficient to provide the necessary services.

d. Alternative routing for the pipeline within the urban boundaries has not been looked at or pursued. e. Any expansion of the urban boundary should be a result of policy decision made with due process - public hearings, etc. and not presented as a "fait accompli" TheBVHA Board recognizes the importanceoflong range planning and the need to provide adequate fire protection. Wealso believe it is important that proper attention and due consideration be given to all aspects and effects of a project and that clarity of information and completeness of research be provided For additional information, contact Mr. Lauren Brown, Deputy Dir. Utilities #524-5182

New Zoning Permit Policy

A Violation Of Rights?

What would be your reaction if an activity in your neighborhood which you found disruptive, disturbing, or irritating was approved by the county without allowing you any input into the matter unless you paid an appeal fee of $225 or more? Such a situation exists under the recently created, streamlined process called the zoning permit. Specifically, the animal regulations ordinance was changed. Previously a use permit was required for any property owner who housed 5 or more dogs or had a commercial kennel.

Built into theuse permit process was a public hearing whereby any landowner had the opportunity to comment on the application and use prior to a decision being rendered However, today there is separate category for a hobby kennel and a separate process. A hobby kennelis considered to be 5 or more adult dogs, but not more than 10. Under this new permit process, a person may apply for azoning permit for a kennel and be granted one without a public hearing unless an appeal is filed costing the appellant $224.00. (this fee is reportedly going to be increase by $50.00) Once issued, the zoning permit stays with the land, not the applicant/ owner. Questions and comments should be directed to the Sonoma County Planning Dept. #527-1900 or Board of Supervisors #527-2241

Memo From The

PRESDENT Our thanks to all our old members who renewed their membership, and we also thank and welcome our new members. Your memberships are critical in helping us alert you to possible threatsto the Valley. Considerthe following current issues being monitored and acted upon by the Board 1. The proposed 130 acres golf course and subdivision 2. The 16 inch water transmission pipeline and the subsequent serious traffic disruption.

3. Increased requests for multi-lot subdivisions, many seeking to parcel out current ranch property. While some multi-acre residential development is within reason, we want to maintain overall density restraints. These three immediate issues giveyou anidea of the seriousness ofthe problems that we face. In order for the Homeowners Association to be effective on your behalf, we need more active members. Please become involved and urge your neighborsto become members.

A Face Lift For The Grange

Nestled among centuries old oak trees in sight of Mt. Yulupa (the mountain ofthe burning bird) standsa tall white frame building, the Bennett Valley Grange Hall #16 Patrons ofHusband, the oldest Grange Hall in the U.S. In August of 1990, Grange members decided that this grand old (now in its 119th year) Hall needed a face lift.

Steve Waud volunteered to do the job, and it was his community 4H project to Bennett Valley. In the same spirit that inspired early Grange members to take on a difficult task, Steve and his volunteers labored for over a year to complete the job. The total out-of-pocket expenses were only $406.95, and the completion day on November 1991 was a memorable event for all those involved in the project This grand old Hall is now standing stately and shining, and with gratitude and appreciation we extend our heart and hand to this simple non-assuming man, Steve Waud Ann Burow

Board Of Directors

Kevin McCarthy President Lois Brown Vice-Pres. Nancy Batson Secretary Sam Dakin Treasurer Michael Bates, Kate Ecker, Bill Wright Tamara Bouultbee, Dave Steiner The Board meets the 3rd Wed.each month. We invite your attendance and input

Sonoma County Farmlands Group

At our March 18th meeting, we were treated to an outstanding presentation by Glenda Humiston, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farmland Group. Glenda is a dynamite spokesperson for the preservation of our valuable farmlands, and she also travels all over the state sharing her expertise with other endangered rural communities.

The message of the Farmlands Groupis that Sonoma County's agriculture is a unique economic resource, but in spite of its demonstrated value, much ofit is being lost to urban development. Farmlands are being lost to urban sprawl 5000 acres every year-190,000 acres over the last 40 years.

Preserving farmland is good business as every acre not converted to residential development savestax dollars. Studies show that local governments- therefore all ofus- pay more to provide local services to residential subdivisions than to farms. In addition, this added expense is not offset by tax revenues.

One 1968 study found that the net loss to local government due to development ranged from $700 to $2200 per dwelling depending on the density ofthe development. Local government must spend that much more to provide roads, sewers, schools, fire, police, and other services than it spends if the land is kept in farms.

You can help by buying local products, supporting the Ag Element in the General Plan, and participating in Farmlands Group activities. If you would like more information about becoming a Farmlands Group Member, contact Sonoma County Farmlands Group, #576-0162

The Perils Of Pampas Grass

Bennett Valley resident, Mrs. Grace Jaeger, asked us to please warn homeowners of the damage that can be caused by pampas grass. It can spread out of control and is then impossible to eradicate. She has watched with dismay how pampas has spread in the hill of Marin, Novato, and Bodega Bay. It has become sucha problem south of Half Moon bay that the selling of pampas has been outlawed in that area. Mrs. Jaeger is greatly concerned that if we continue plantingit in the Valley, we could have serious problems in the future.

Bennett Valley Community Day 1992

Sunday, August 16, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Matanzas Creek Winery Meet your neighbors- bring a friend - for a great day of community fun. Auction, raffle, a delicious chicken/salmon/pasta dinner, and wine pouring by ten Sonoma County celebrities. If you have a donation of an item or service, please call Carol Galeazzi at 544-0826 If you can donate homemade bake goods, please call Nell May at 545-1216 CORRECTION In the last issue ofthe Voice, information was presented which appeared to indicate that the BHA Board had taken a collective stand on Measure C. Historically, the Board has always obstained fromtaking a stand on issues that are voted on by the public. We regret any confusion which might have arisenover the mistaken inclusion of partisan information in our newsletter BENNETT VALLEY VOICE BULK RATE

U.S. Postage Paid

Santa Rosa, Ca

Permit No. 945

Bennett Valley

Homeowners Assoc.

P. O. Box 2666 Sania Rosa, CA 85405 Robert & Lois Brown 5145 Burnham Ranch Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404