In 2018, the State of California closed the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) and will be developing the 945 acre property. They are allowing Sonoma County to create a Specific Plan for SDC considering land uses, transportation, economic viability, historic preservation, and conservation of the site’s natural resources.
The planners have drafted three alternatives, all of which claim to envision “a comprehensive network of pedestrian and bicycle paths [that] connects residents to local and regional destinations, and to transit. Well-designed bus stops, crosswalks, and protected bike lanes create an inviting sense of safety for those of all ages and abilities and provide better walking and biking access to Glen Ellen and Eldridge, and to the regional bicycle network.” Its Guiding Principle #8 “promote[s] car-free circulation within the site and promote[s] transportation connections between the SDC site and the larger Sonoma Valley and Bay Area, including through transit access, safe sidewalks and crossings, and regional bicycle routes.”
We have read the report and pored over the maps and what we see does NOT meet this vision! The report mentions adding Class II bike lanes to Arnold Drive and a Class I path along the creek, but that is hardly the robust network described in the goals above.
Please contribute your thoughts and ensure that whatever happens at the SDC property truly meets cycling needs!
- Read the report and other background info
- Attend the Sonoma City Council meeting at 6:00 December 1, virtually or in person, to view a presentation about the plan (there will be an opportunity for public comment)
- Email the planning team (and cc us at eris@bikesonoma.org)