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Likes park and parking for Patten Street

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  I am a neighbor, on Nathanson Creek Lane, of the old Patten Street firehouse, and have been involved in the workshops and meetings that have taken place about this site. I am also working closely with other neighbors in the area.

  I am writing in response to David Bolling’s editorial (“Pondering Patten Street,” Index-Tribune, Oct. 11) about the use of the land at 32 Patten St. We think that a parking lot and WiFi park is an excellent use of that land. The park, with a prominent piece of artwork, would provide an attractive entrance to Sonoma, while giving the public much needed WiFi access close to the Square. And a parking lot is sure to pull people up Broadway, passing many local businesses along the way.

  This option would seem to comply with Redevelopment Agency goals to enhance local business, unlike putting in more restaurants and stores, which would seem to add more competition to an already struggling area.  Perhaps the lot would be a “first two hours free” lot, with some kind of parking fee to provide funding to manage the park. I really want to thank David Bolling for bringing this kind of idea to the forefront.

  Deborah ?Scholey

  Sonoma

  (Editor’s note: The next public workshop on the Patten Street project is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 5) at the firehouse, 32 Patten St. The public is encouraged to attend.)