Council Joins Community To Appeal Dutra Approval
The Petaluma City Council voted tonight after a
Closed Session meeting, to appeal Judge
Chouteau’s Dec. 23, 2011 decision (upholding Sonoma County’s approval of the
Dutra asphalt factory at Haystack Landing. ) The Superior Court decision
will be challenged in Appellate Court
in San Francisco by the City of Petaluma, holding together the original coalition of plaintiffs, which
includes Friends of Shollenberger Park, Moms for Clean Air, The Madrone Audubon
Society, Petaluma Tomorrow, The Petaluma River Council and several individuals. The vote was 6 in favor of appeal, and
one, Council Member Albertson, against.
The Petaluma Council heard citizens speak during Public Comment at 5:30
PM tonight at City Hall. People from all walks of life in Petaluma from
Downtown Business Association Executive Director, Marie
McCusker
to
David Keller, Petaluma River Council, to former Mayor Pam Torliatt made a forceful case for the economic basis of funding an appeal citing tourism and Shollenberger Park as crucial
economic drivers for Petaluma’s future.
The citizen comment period culminated with Sheri
Chlebowski , Moms for Clean Air and Joan Cooper, Friends of Shollenberger Park spokesperson
making the City Council the offer of $10,000 to help defray the City’s legal costs of the appeal. With the estimate from the City
Attorney of a maximum of $18,500, the community has generously ponied up more
than 50 % of the City’s projected legal expenses.
Mayor Glass commented that the strong response of
the citizenry urging the Council to appeal figured into his vote to
appeal. He noted that the Dutra
issue had catapulted many into political action who had never participated in
the process before. The anti Dutra movement is a reflection of the strong commitment of the people of Petaluma to preserve and protect Shollenberger
Park and the quality of life as we know it in Petaluma.
Thank you to one and all for signing the
petition, writing to the council, donating money and taking the time to come to
the council meeting and speak, as well as talking to friends and neighbors.
This shows how a community can pull
together and make a difference.
Now
on to the appeal – more fundraising for our own legal expenses will ensue – AND
that means more parties! Events! And community fun.
Next
event: HANDS AROUND SHOLLENBERGER
FEB
12 A VALENTINE FOR OUR PARK
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