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PrintWhat’s not to approve about Peet’s
Editor, Index-Tribune:
Like Elizabeth Dreyer, I was appalled to hear of the Planning Commission’s denial of a permit for Peet’s coffee.
I worked downtown for five years and never had a problem crossing Broadway in the morning to go to work or to make the bank deposit. The least amount of traffic is in the morning. Peet’s will provide needed jobs in the community, particularly for young people, and they do spend some of their money in Sonoma.
I thoroughly believe in spending “local,” but frankly, am tired of the trendy, crowded and overpriced coffee places around the Plaza. Peet’s will provide a low key alternative and we won’t have to go to Napa to buy their fresh ground coffee.
The businesses on Broadway have difficulty attracting foot traffic; Peet’s will enhance both local and tourist pedestrian traffic on Broadway. The building exterior will not be altered, so it would maintain the historic character of Sonoma.
What’s not to approve? Maybe the Planning Commission thinks another real estate office or tasting room would provide needed business diversity in the downtown historic area?
Sydney Rogers
El Verano
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I am disappointed that Pete's was not approved. There's room for more than two or three coffee houses in the area and Pete's would take over a vacant building at the entrance to our fine town. They have a track record as a good community partner and they would bring jobs for young people...which we desperately need! The discussion about traffic and parking is odd considering the fact that most of Pete's traffic/parking would be in the morning when most/all of the businesses adjacent to the location are not in operation. I certainly understand the concern about "big box" stores on the square but this isn't "on the square" and Pete's certainly isn't a big box. I can't believe that someone would prefer a empty building to a Pete's coffee house at any location in town. Maybe the commissioners believe that by casting this vote they will push Pete's to another (AKA more favorable) location but if I were Pete's I would simply write us off.
Maybe they are waiting for another bank to take the vacancy.