Email  Print

Plan panel to vet plans for MOB, fitness center

The Sonoma Planning Commission will be reviewing a proposal from Sonoma Valley Hospital to develop the “south lot” on Fourth Street West during its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.

The plan includes a two-story, 20,000-square-foot medical office building and a two-story, 26,000-square-foot gym, with an aquatic center that could be used for a variety of physical therapies. The medical office space is being developed by the Fairfield-based Wiseman Company, while Sonoma County’s Parkpoint Health Club would manage the fitness center. Parkpoint and the hospital plan to work together to develop physical therapy and health programs for patients. Valley seniors would also get a discount on club membership.

During the Nov. 1 meeting of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District board, hospital Chief Executive Officer Kelly Mather said the hospital has held four meetings with neighbors to the property to hear their questions and concerns about the development.

“We’ve not heard a lot of opposition to the project, but I think we’ll know more after the Planning Commission meeting,” Mather said.

The four-acre “south lot,” which spans Fourth Street West between Bettencourt and West MacArthur, is zoned residential, meaning the hospital would have to seek a general plan amendment to move forward with this project.

Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting will include a study session on the project to provide next step recommendations. The meeting is open to the public and takes place at the Community Meeting Room, 177 First St. W.

Also on the agenda, the Epicurean Connection and Jonathan Smith Cellars, both located on the Plaza, are seeking permits to host live music events.