Springs Plan workshop to focus on ‘design’

Earlier this year the County of Sonoma began the process of developing the Springs Specific Plan, intended to guide development in the Springs area of Sonoma Valley, which includes the Highway 12 corridor from Agua Caliente Road to Verano Avenue. They held their first workshop in February and another in May, and are following it up with yet another on Wednesday, June 29, this one focused on design preferences.

According to 1st District Supervisor Susan Gorin, “This design workshop is an opportunity for community members to share their ideas and help to shape the future character of the Springs.” The public will be invited to share their design ideas and preferences including architectural design, color schemes, materials, height and scale. Community preferences will be used to shape the design guidelines which will be developed for the Springs Specific Plan.

The Springs Specific Plan will be used to guide future development in the Springs area, transforming the area into a more vibrant, sustainable and pedestrian-oriented community, with a focus on active transportation and enhanced transit opportunities. It’s anticipated to be a two-year process, culminating in the adoption of a Springs Specific Plan by the Board of Supervisors early in 2018.

Another community meeting will be held this fall to receive the public’s input on three potential land use and circulation options for the Plan. The public will also be invited to review a draft of the Springs Specific Plan at a community meeting next spring. The meetings will be conducted both in English and Spanish.

The community design workshop for the Springs Specific Plan will be held on June 29, 6 p.m., at the Sonoma Charter School Multi-Purpose Room, 17202 Sonoma Highway in Sonoma. The community may also provide input on the Springs Specific Plan or request notification of future meetings by contacting County staff. Information may be found by visiting the project website at thesprings.specificplan.org.