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American Canyon City Council
March 18, 2025

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Comments
Meeting
March 18, 2025
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American Canyon City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on americancanyon.granicus.com. That file is the official record.

Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Nathell Buford
American Canyon residents voted against the measure J in 2022. As a 20 year resident of American Canyon residing on the Wetlands I still oppose the Green Island Property' s wish to transform this area into Green Island Industrial Park. The environmental impact of such a development I feel endangers the natural wonders of this beautiful area from bird watching, hiking, biking to observing and learning about adaptive techniques of animals and the lives of the former inhabitant of the land. I stand with many of my neighbors on the Wetlands that insist the newly elected City Council listen to our voices and many who have come to enjoy this area. "Pro development City of American Canyon" must not put the investors /developer' s business over the community' s vested interest Oppose 3/18/2025 9:55

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Jerry Negrete Any and all expantion that will affect the Wildlife in American Canyon. Thnk you Oppose 3/18/2025 14:58

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Robert Scalcione
Mayor and City Council Members: Please oppose this and if needed take the proper time to re-evaluate this development. Measure J was clearly defeated and the community' s voice was heard. Thank you, Robert Scalcione Oppose 3/18/2025 13:39

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Jerry Hoffman
The Green Island Vineyard property was already rejected by the citizens of American Canyon two years ago as measure J. Last year the residents were asked by petitioners to sign a document which people were told would enable it to be put on the ballot as measure K. The city council then thru legal maneuvers bypassed a vote by residents and said they could now pass it by their own which is what they did. Many residents felt deceived by this. I would advise the Council not to try this again and bypass the will of the people. Oppose 3/18/2025 9:43

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Joy Malinowski
Voters said No to Measure J. Please uphold voter'ss votes. We want to ensure we keep our open lands open.

There are only a few more places that aren'st taken up by warehouses, concrete and bicycle trails. There are many animals that flourish in these spaces between rural and industrial. Let'ss keep it that way. Let'ss encourage a balanced plan that keeps our neighborhoods so special. We live in a beautiful place and putting industrial space so close to our wetlands and neighborhoods will have a negative impact. As a landowner in American Canyon I believe that a balance is key to everyone' ss wellbeing. Oppose 3/18/2025 8:27

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property
Jeannette
Goyetche
Two years ago the residents of American Canyon voted NO on Measure J. The people did not want the ag land to become industrial so that more warehouses could be built. The Green Island Road property abuts right up against the Wetlands. The beautiful wetlands which people in A.C and many other visitors enjoy for peace and relaxation. The beautiful wetlands where many species of birds and animals enjoy and thrive. The environmental impact on the wildlife will be devastating. And, people need Open Space to thrive. I fear that it won't be long that American Canyon will resemble the Inland Empire. Please keep this area as Open Space. Please honor the vote of the people two years ago. Oppose 3/18/2025 0:05
Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Lauren Buford
I'm writing as a resident of American Canyon to strongly oppose any further efforts to develop Green Island Road. One of the reasons I love the city is its beautiful park and trials. I've spent numerous evenings and weekends walking the trials with my parents and brother. People from across the Bay Area come to walk the trials, view the wetlands and bird watch. We should preserving the the natural beauty of this city, instead of turning this area into an industrial and commercial headache. Allowing industrial development to this area would increase traffic, make the area less safe due to increased traffic, negatively impact wildlife and birds.

Please do not ignore the will of the people who voted No on Measure J merely two years ago. Thank you, Lauren Buford Oppose 3/17/2025 21:30

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Julia Salvador
As a homeowner, resident, and business owner in American Canyon, I urge our Mayor and City Council to remember that we already voted on Measure J, and it failed. We want to maintain its current zoning, not have it be industrial/ warehouse development. The Wetlands Edge Park is a crown jewel of our city, and its trails are used by residents as well as visitors throughout the Bay Area. Allowing warehouse development along its popular trails will give justification to a new moniker for our city, Warehouse Gateway to the Napa Valley.

Please respect the outcome and votes against Measure J. Please preserve our ability to experience and enjoy nature and the wonderful wildlife offered along the wetlands. Thank you, Julia Salvador Oppose 3/17/2025 21:10

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Veronika Annal
Mayor and City Council Members: As a resident of American Canyon, living within a block of the Wetlands Edge, I implore you to please reject Measure J, the further development of Greens Island Road. Our community has voted on this measure and opposed. Wetlands Edge has become a centerpiece of American Canyon, inviting families, active individuals and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the many beauties this area has to offer. With the recent commercial development and elementary school opening we'sve already experienced a number of traffic and negative impacts to the surrounding area. This has included large truck traffic, dumping, and school backups on a daily basis. With the recent housing developments throughout American Canyon I urge you to adhere to your constituents and take the time to re-evaluate the introduction of such developments until the community has time to adjust to the on-going new construction currently taking place. Oppose 3/17/2025 20:26

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Andrea Maniscalco
As an homeowner for 21 years on Wetlands Edge Road and resident of American Canyon, I urge our Mayor and City Council to remember that we already voted on Measure J, and it failed. We want to maintain its current zoning, not have it be industrial/ warehouse development. The Wetlands Edge Park is a crown jewel of our city, and its trails are used by residents as well as visitors throughout the Bay Area. Allowing warehouse development along its popular trails will give justification to a new moniker for our city, Warehouse Gateway to the Napa Valley. Please respect the outcome and votes against Measure J. We the people have spoken! Arianna Maniscalco Oppose 3/17/2025 20:09
Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Nicola Areshenko
This measure was pushed heavily just recently and was voted down by the citizens of American Canyon. We have allowed a number of measures to pass that have increased taxes and other costs of living but we said no to this because we recognize the value of this land being conserved. I hope the City respects the vote of the citizens. Oppose 3/17/2025 20:00

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Chris James
Protect Our Community Uphold the Will of the Voters Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am opposed to the industrial development of the Green Island Road property. As a homeowner and resident of American Canyon, I urge you to respect the will of the voters who rejected Measure J. Our community has spoken clearly"we want to preserve the current zoning and oppose industrial or warehouse development in this area. It is deeply concerning that this issue is being reconsidered despite the outcome of the vote. Wetlands Edge Park is a treasured part of our city, offering scenic trails enjoyed by residents and visitors from across the Bay Area.

Overriding the voters' decision to allow warehouse development along these trails would not only diminish the beauty and accessibility of this natural space but also undermine public trust in our local government. I strongly urge you to prioritize the interests of your constituents, uphold the integrity of our democratic process, and protect the character of American Canyon. Please maintain the current zoning and prevent industrial expansion in this cherished area. Sincerely, Chris James Oppose 3/17/2025 19:32

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property T L Wong
As a homeowner and resident of American Canyon, I urge our Mayor and City Council to remember that we already voted on Measure J, and it failed. We want to maintain its current zoning, not have it be industrial/ warehouse development. The Wetlands Edge Park is a crown jewel of our city, and its trails are used by residents as well as visitors throughout the Bay Area. Allowing warehouse development along its popular trails will give justification to a new moniker for our city, Warehouse Gateway to the Napa Valley. Please respect the outcome and votes against Measure J. Thank you Tammy Wong Oppose 3/17/2025 19:18

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Elmer Manaid
I am sending this on behalf of Mr. Jod'l Cruz, President of FilAm Association of American Canyon Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: Please accept this letter as our official endorsement. Fil-Am strongly supports the Green Island Property application for Napa County Lafco to include the Green Island Property within the sphere of influence of the City of American Canyon. We believe by doing this, it will be open to different types of development that will directly benefit the city, specifically job and business opportunities for its citizens. Our city will also have full control on decisions regarding land use and development on this particular property. Thank you for taking the time to consider our endorsement. We would be happy to make ourselves available for further discussion. Regards, Jod'sl Cruz President of Fil-Am of American Canyon Support 3/17/2025 18:04 Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Fran Lemos
I am supporting the industrial development of the Green Island Road property on agenda item 16. This property is adjacent to existing City of American Canyon Industrial development, it is not suitable for agricultural development, and the property owners should have the right to develop their property to suite nearby adjacent properties. Based on LAFCO' ss recent document revisions, they would probably have no problem with this land being developed as Industrial. There are many avenues to reserve land for nature. Property owners who want to develop their property should not be forced to turn their land into Nature Preserves. Support 3/17/2025 17:55

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Colleen Hershon
I am opposed to the industrial development of the Green Island Road property. I patronize this property as well as the connected Wetlands Edge, and I want to continue to do so. I also volunteer with Napa Wildlife Rescue and would like to see our open spaces remain as such for the preservation of local wildlife. This is very important to me. Oppose 3/17/2025 13:46

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Charesa Harper
I strongly oppose developing the 157-Acre Green Island Vineyard property. Please continue to preserve the property for nature. We don't need more developments, we need more space for nature. Oppose 3/17/2025 12:10

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Yvonne Baginski
In 2022, Measure J was defeated by American Canyon voters. This City Council has a responsibility to honor this mandate. It clearly states that the people of American Canyon do not want the 157 acres of Green Island Vineyard converted into land for development. There are many reasons why the mandate needs to be upheld.

Mostly, though, it's for the quality of life for not just the wildlife, birds and residents of American Canyon, but for all of us. We need nature. Let's hold on to what is left because our lives depend on it. Oppose 3/17/2025 11:58

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property SUSAN CROSBY
Please do NOT allow the Green Island Road property to be rezoned for industrial development. The public -- think of us as your "constituents"? -- voted to preserve this area as wetlands just two years ago. If anything, our wetlands are even more critical now, both to preserve wildlife, which is on a dramatic decline largely because of habitat destruction; and to mitigate sea level rise, which is more of an ominous reality every day. The highest use of this land would be to preserve it as open space forever, creating a place where nature can thrive and we humans can feel a bit better about the manner in which we live on the Earth. Thank you, Susan Crosby Oppose 3/17/2025 11:47

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Lori Stelling
Dear American Canyon City Council, As a parent who cares deeply about protecting the beauty and biodiversity of our valley for future generations, I agree with American Canyon residents who oppose developing the 157- acre Green Island Vineyard property. This issue was already decided upon two years back when voters cast their NO" on Measure J to keep this property, located beside the levee and estuary and under the jurisdiction of the County, zoned Agricultural to protect the birds and wildlife that utilize this natural habitat. I urge you to stay steadfast in following the decision of the people over the preferences of developers who wish for this land to be converted to city property and developed in the future. Thank you for your work on behalf of your community and future generations, Lori Stelling Oppose 3/17/2025 10:38 Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Elaine Herrick
I am opposed to developing the property. Wetlands habitat in its natural state without the encroachment of paving, lights, noise, etc. benefits wildlife including the thousands of birds that use this area. Please do not rezone this Green Island Road property and instead maintain the environment that benefits wildlife. Oppose 3/17/2025 9:28

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property
Tara McClintonHorner
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to support the development of the David Gilbreth property. This property is currently zoned Agricultural and is under Napa County's jurisdiction. However, I understand that Mr. Gilbreth may soon advocate for its annexation to the City of American Canyon in order to pursue development. I urge the City Council to stand firm in protecting this land and reject any attempt to change its zoning for development. The 157-acre Green Island Vineyard (GIV) property, which borders the levee and the estuary within theAmerican Canyon Wetlands, has been a critical part of our region's agricultural heritage and natural landscape. It should remain open space, as it was originally intended when purchased for agricultural use. This land provides essential ecological value and should be preserved for future generations, not lost to industrial development or urban sprawl. Two years ago, voters in American Canyon sent a clear message when they defeated Measure J, an investor- backed initiative aimed at developing this very land into an industrial park. The voters decisively said "No!" to development, demonstrating their strong preference for protecting our environment and agricultural lands. I respectfully request that the City Council honor the will of the voters and prioritize sustainable land use policies that protect our wetlands, agricultural resources, and the unique character of American Canyon. The proposed annexation and development of the Gilbreth property would be a step backward for our community, and I urge you to consider the long-term environmental and social impacts of such a decision. Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that the City Council will continue to stand for the preservation of open space and the wellbeing of American Canyon' s residents. Sincerely, Tara McClinton- Horner Oppose 3/16/2025 15:14

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Jose Rangel
American Canyon politicians are corrupt. After having defeating Measure J, you all are trying to destroy what is good in American Canyon. We already have too many warehouses, and are quickly destroying the habitat that birds and critters use for a home. What you've done to our city is nothing short of let the few greedy developers destroy nature to make a few bucks and make the rest of us suffer. Y'all might make a few bucks to get reelected in the process. Agricultural lands shouldn't be developed - period. Once they're gone, they're gone forever. The same goes for the rooted up vineyards on hwy 29. I'd rather drive through the "gateway to the Napa Valley" by driving through vineyards, instead of driving through warehouse upon warehouse upon more warehouses or whatever y'all have up your sleezy sleeves. This is just wrong! Oppose 3/16/2025 0:21 Item Name Comment Position Received

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Anne Ramos
Hello, Please do not sacrifice the beautiful waterfront space to developers while destroying what gives value to our community. American Canyon wetlands are a destination resting, feeding and nesting site on the flyway during the winter months for birds to thrive. I have seen up to 78 different species in one morning walk. It is an extrordinarily beautiful thing to experience. People come from all over the Bay Area to visit this amazing diverse environment. This is not simply a bird sanctuary, this place is also a sanctuary for the AC residents who come to the wetlands for mental and physical health. With the constant growth of the city over the last 5 years, people have increasingly utilized the waterfront space to relax their minds after a stressful workday and commute. The parking lot is now always full! To scar the environment with warehouses would be a crime against nature and humanity and just continues to make AC the garbage dump of Napa County. It is important that we respect what is providing VALUE to our community and set some boundaries against industrial development in our community to the detriment of our quality of life. . Thank you and please do the right thing for the people of AC.

Anne Ramos Resident of AC for over 10 years. Oppose 3/15/2025 11:09

16.) 1661 Green Island
Road Property Wayne Antol
I do not support destroying this habitat for industrialization. I have walked so often in the area the vineyard owners are seeking to incorporate into "The Sphere of Influence" so it can be rezoned and eventually developed into warehousing and possibly workers' s housing. Measure J was defeated. The American Canyon citizens have spoken. This naturally was not the answer the developers wanted to hear. When I drive through American Canyon I am amazed at the changing landscape. The unrestricted building and growth is saturating the area.

Such uncontrollable growth; although it is good for the tax base will soon overtax and choke the support systems necessary for all this building. When I see all this building much of it on what once was public use land I often think of our children and wonder if the land around me will be there for them. It is then that I often remember the song " Whose Garden Was This?" sung by the late John Denver. The song on the album of the same name is available on line. I respectfully ask each of you on the city council to listen to John Denver'ss wonderful lyrics "Ah, tell me again I need to know. The forests had trees. The meadows were green. The oceans were blue. And the birds really flew. Can you swear that was true?" Listen and then vote with your conscience, your soul. Wayne Antol Oppose 3/14/2025 21:04
American Canyon City Council
4381 Broadway, Suite 201
American Canyon, CA 94503
Subject: Opposition to Adjusting the Sphere of Influence of 157 Acres of Agricultural Land
Dear Mayor Washington, Vice Mayor Joseph and Councilmembers Oro, Lamattina, and Cruz,
I am writing to urge you not to approve any resolution of adjusting the sphere of influence of the 157-acre Green Island property currently zoned as Agricultural in Napa County. In 2022, the voters of American Canyon and Napa County overwhelmingly rejected Measure J, clearly affirming their desire to preserve this land as open space rather than allow it to be developed. Approving any action in favor of changing the sphere of influence would directly contradict the will of the people.

The Urgency of Climate Reality
We are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis—from wildfires and extreme heat to intensified flooding and sea level rise. Wetlands are one of our most powerful natural defenses against climate change. They sequester and store large quantities of carbon in their vegetation and sediment, preventing further greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet, over 80 percent of the Bay Area’s wetlands have already disappeared. This property is part of a critical remaining wetland ecosystem that supports migrating waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway, as well as spawning and rearing habitat for fish, including the endangered green sturgeon, whose juveniles are found in the lower reaches of the Napa River.

We can no longer support the continued development of land alongside the estuary, marshes, and wetlands without jeopardizing the future of our homes, our residents, and the entire shoreline. Land-use decisions made 20 to 30 years ago did not consider the escalating climate risks we now face—this Council has an obligation to make decisions that reflect the environmental realities of today.

Why This Proposal Should Not Move Forward

1. Preserving Wetlands and Agricultural Land
This land provides an essential buffer between urban development and wetlands, supporting biodiversity and reducing the impacts of flooding and storm surges. With climate change accelerating, these natural protections should be strengthened, not destroyed.

2. No Public Discussion or Environmental Review
There is no zoning change or ordinance on the agenda—only a request for a vote of support to begin the process to include this property in the sphere of influence. If the Council votes in favor, it opens the door to development without proper public scrutiny or environmental review.

What Happens If an Eventual Annexation Moves Forward?
If the Council votes to support an eventual annexation, years from now, when today’s elected officials are no longer in office and developers have sold their newly industrialized land for millions in profit, American Canyon residents will witness the following:

An increase in flooding along the shoreline due to the removal of wetlands which will have financially devastating consequences for the businesses and residents.

Wildlife destroyed as concrete is poured over critical habitat And when the community asks "Who allowed this to happen?", they will be met with the silence of those who came before them.

Our Requests to the Council:

Deny any resolution of support for an change the sphere of influence of this parcel
Honor the 2022 voter mandate and keep this land protected.

Ensure public participation in any future discussions before irreversible decisions are made.

The future of American Canyon, its wetlands, and its community depends on the decisions made today. I urge you to not move forward with including this project in the American Canyon sphere of influence and stand with the people you were elected to represent.

Sincerely,
Zoe Siegel
The map below shows a best case scenario for the amount of flooding that this parcel will have with 36 inches of sea level rise and 100 year flood. Without the existing wetlands the impact of the flooding would be even worse.

Napa Solano Audubon Society
P.O. Box 10006
Napa, CA 94581
NapaBirder@gmail. com
707-246-2795
Dear American Canyon City Council Members
The Audubon Society of Napa Solano Counties opposes any development of the 157-acre parcel currently known as Green Island Vineyard. This land is currently zoned agriculture/ open space and is still in the auspices of Napa County. However, the investor has voiced the intent of moving this property into a Sphere of Inuence of American Canyon at a commission and a council meeting. The eventual intent is development, and that’s why we plead that this intent be taken off the table of considerations.

We strongly believe this property should be protected with a conservation easement and saved as open space not just for the wildlife currently in desperate need of foraging and nesting habitat, but as an urban interface marshland for the inevitable sea level rise, Audubon Society members walk the paths along the wetlands daily, and each Sunday, we hold a Beginner’ s Bird Walk. If you want to see the incredible numbers of birds using that area for subsistence, just go to eBird. org. Many of our members regularly post some very remarkable sightings. These birds need the grasslands and open space for food and shelter. Numerous other animals are using this property as well. It is all interconnected.

Currently there are Bald Eagles nesting in the area. We also had sightings of other rare birds including White-tailed Kites, and are very enthusiastic about seeing populations grow. People throughout the Bay Area regularly visit this area for birding and walking. This recreation needs to be encouraged and promoted as an incentive for tourism for the City of American Canyon. Developing this property, with the subsequent noise, lighting, destruction will severely impact the ecological balance of this area.

There are conservation options, including state and federal monies available for the preservation of agriculture land. Californians recently passed Proposition 4, which will also release more funding for land restoration for conservation. There are other paths to consider. These can be researched before any decisions are made on what is the best option for the people and remaining wildlife of American Canyon.

Before moving forward, please consider all options so that an irrevocable decision in a rush of investor pressure is avoided.

The members of the Audubon Society appreciate and thank you for the work you do in keeping these wetlands open and viable for public enjoyment. Let’s leave them be.

Thank you.

Mark Stephenson, President
napasolanoaudubon. com
Napa Solano Audubon is a 501( c)( 3) NonproKit organization. California tax ID: 94- 2375760 Federal tax ID EIN): 237325783 Customer Feedback
Have something you would like to tell us? Please use this form for whatever you have to say - maybe someone you'd like to thank a staff member, make a request for additional information, or share a problem you encountered? Whatever it is, we're listening! Let us know if you want us to contact you and the best way to do that.

Your contact information will be kept confidential and will only be used for this specific purpose. You' ll be hearing from us soon!
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Number
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feedback relates to?
Any other comments?
Pat Friday
No
[email protected]
7074844579
Save the American Canyon Wetlands from
development.

City Planning
The Wetlands are a gem for the whole county and a great example of preserving open space for animals, birds and the public to appreciate them. Please do not let a developer encroach on this amazing open space. It is important to the wellbeing of the entire county.

Customer Feedback
Have something you would like to tell us? Please use this form for whatever you have to say - maybe someone you'd like to thank a staff member, make a request for additional information, or share a problem you encountered? Whatever it is, we're listening! Let us know if you want us to contact you and the best way to do that.

Your contact information will be kept confidential and will only be used for this specific purpose. You' ll be hearing from us soon!
Full Name *
Would you like to be contacted?*
Email *
Number
What would you like to say?*
Staff name or department your
feedback relates to?
Any other comments?
Robert Raven
Yes
[email protected]
Don' t rezone and develop along the wetlands!
It should become a county public park!
I plan to join the meeting on zoom.

From: Lupe Lusk <lupe.lusk@yahoo. com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 3:12 PM
To: Jason Holley <jholley@americancanyon. gov>
Subject: Meeting on March 18 concerning item 16: Wetland To whom it may concern,
I am opposed to developing the property.

Voters did vote "NO" on Measure J.

I feel one day we will all be sorry if we let this be supported. There is a lot to learn from nature. I actually wish I knew this sooner, because I would ask you to go out and see for yourselves. You see, some like to travel away to other places to see things. Some of us like to stay in the county to view certain things. People love birds, nature, science, etc.

The Wetlands Edge Park is something I still want to be able to actually visit.

There are some things I have missed out on not being able to see because by the time I get around to it, someone has messed it up by greedy ways or it's no longer available.

I am sure this was one of the school field trips that happened back in Waldorf and I could not go because I was sick and mind you this was early 2000's.

I have seen what happens when people just decide to say yes without really taking time to actually see what is around them. I am not sure who actually lives nearby that is in council but if I did, I would be there often! Please honor the vote from the citizens. As I see many are opposed.

If the wildlife could vote, surely they would say no as well.

I am sure 'opportunities' could be found somewhere else not surrounding the area.

It's a beautiful place that does not need to be ruined. I am from North Napa and I live on Ag preserve, and I enjoy the beauty of the insects, animals, and flowers more than the vineyards.

Some viewers from other states via a webcam see it as an escape where I am and I wish more of this was available and it could be, if opposed.

Thank you,
Lupe Vazquez
You don't often get email from lupe.lusk@yahoo. com. Learn why this is important

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