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PrintHotel ‘bomb’ site as Valley gateway?
Editor, Index-Tribune:
I wanted to call your attention to the corner of Highway 12 and Keating Street in Agua Caliente. I noticed in the Index-Tribune that PG&E is completing its utility work along the corridor from Boyes Boulevard to Agua Caliente Road. The article stated that bids for completing this project would go out early next year.
As you know, the old hotel at Highway 12 and Keating was torn down by order of Sonoma County. The problem is that the hotel was torn down and all the cement, bricks and dirt have remained piled up as if a bomb had imploded the site.
I have gone to Springs Redevelopment meetings, and it’s my understanding that an elderly lady owns the property but cannot afford to clean it up. The county seems to be immobilized in what to do about the clean-up. Its my impression that the owner is not doing anything in the hope that the county or redevelopment agency will pick up the cleanup tab.
By comparison, if this situation had occurred within the city limits of Sonoma, the site would have been cleaned up in a matter of months, if not weeks. As usual, our part of Sonoma Valley seems to be left out of the equation.
It’s exciting that the highway project may be completed in the next 12 to 18 months. My question is whether or not that eyesore will remain as part of the renewal and make a strange statement as a gateway to Sonoma Valley.
Gordon R. Harvey
Sonoma Valley
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Thank you for your letter. This pile of rubble has been there for over two years now. Driving past it every day, I too agree that this is an eyesore and disgrace for our neighborhood. The owner made an investment that didn't turn out as she had hoped. Its time that she finally take responsibility and clean-up the demolished building. I half-wonder if she's trying to "stick it to us" because the County required her to tear down the unsafe structure.