Attachment 11 - Public Comment — Santa Rosa City Council, February 24, 2026

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To:

Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] To Monet Sheikhali, Project Manager Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 1:59:00 PM
Hi Anita,

Thank you for your email and for sharing your comments and concerns regarding the Lago Fresca project. I just wanted to confirm that I have received your email, and your comments will be shared with the Planning Commission for their consideration as part of the public record.

Regards,

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here , and more
information will be coming soon!

From: Eugene Heil
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 12:37 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] To Monet Sheikhali, Project Manager

RE: Lago Fresca Apartments Project [email protected] To Monet Sheikhali, Project Manager for Santa Rosa,

We are very concerned about the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments Project at the corner of

Summerfield and Hoen in Santa Rosa.

The parking lot now is reserved for patients of Bennet Valley optometry and sleep and pulmonologist, (of which I am one) located on the corner of Hoen and Summerfield Roads.

We are against this project because of Parking concerns and increase traffic.

Hoen Ave. now is akin to a freeway for many to get home and this could easily lead to more deaths from children crossing the street. (As just recently happened) In case of another fire outbreak like in the past, I am also afraid that more traffic congestion could lead to more dangerous outcomes.

Please say No to this. It is not safe and is not smart!

Thank You,
Anita Jackson and Eugene Skip Heil

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Ann Butler"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment project
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 10:09:00 AM
Good morning, Ann,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about the Lago Fresca Apartments project.

The decisions made by the Planning Commission and the Design Review & Preservation Board regarding this project were appealed. The City Council is the review authority for the appeal. Once the project is scheduled for review, notification will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

We have created a webpage for the project that addresses comments and concerns regarding traffic, fire safety, and density. You can view the page at this link: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments I will ensure that your email is shared with the City Council, along with the other emails received, for their consideration as part of the public record.

Have a great day and Happy New Year.

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] “PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed all day Friday, December 26th, and January 2nd.” Coming soon, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.” -----Original Message-----
From: Ann Butler
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 11:30 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment project
Dear Project Planner Sheikhali,
I live in the Sierra Creek Village neighborhood, which is near the intersection of Hoen Avenue and Summerfield Road. It is a delightful place to live—except for one dangerous challenge: exiting the development onto Hoen Avenue.

Hoen Avenue is loaded with traffic. Even though the four lanes have been reduced to two, vehicles speed by the exits of Sierra Creek Village, making it dicey for drivers to merge onto Hoen Avenue. Compounding the challenge are vehicles parked on Hoen, thus creating a poor line of vision. One has to nose the car out onto the street and then gun the gas pedal to reach the middle lane to wait for an opportunity to merge into the flow of traffic.

The proposed Lago Fresca Apartments to be built near the intersection of Hoen Avenue and Summerfield Road will create a nightmare!
Please, please, PLEASE, scale down the project! It’s inevitable that apartments will be built at this location, but in

its present state, it will jeopardize the safety of people who live in Sierra Creek Village. The project will accommodate on-site parking for only ONE vehicle, forcing residents of the Lago Fresca Apartments who have more than one vehicle to park on Hoen. Most likely, vehicles will be parking on Hoen all the way to the Sierra Creek Village exits onto Hoen Avenue and beyond, presenting difficult lines of vision to enter onto Hoen Avenue.

It’s bad now, but I can’t imagine what it would be like with all of the vehicles parked along Hoen! The number of additional cars will create a traffic nightmare. Apparently, when the Lago Fresca project was originally proposed a few years ago, there had been an official study of the traffic conditions. But this study was conducted DURING THE PANDEMIC, when traffic was unusually light! Again, please, please, PLEASE scale down the size of the project! Already we’ve had one death of a pedestrian attempting to cross Hoen—a student crossing Hoen to get to school was hit by a car. This project will endanger the lives not only our development but also those of people living in nearby neighborhoods who drive daily on Hoen Avenue as well as Summerfield Road.

Sincerely,
Ann Butler

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Becky Hopper
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Questions
Date: Monday, January 5, 2026 1:36:00 PM
Hi Becky,

Happy New Year.

I hope you had a good holiday season, and I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. I have responded to your questions below in red:

Which member of the Design Review Board voted no on the project, and what reason was given for the vote? Board Member Weigl voted no but didn’t say the reason.

Who filed the appeal? The property owner at 4750 Hoen Ave, his name is Kashy Ghazzagh.

Has a date been determined for the City Council appeal meeting? Once the project is scheduled for review, notification will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

Will all those in the surrounding area outside the 1000 ft circle who request notification receive postcard notification before the City Council meeting? As last time, we will only send postcard notifications to properties within a 1,000-foot radius of the project site.

According to California Government Code Section 65091, notification is required to be mailed to properties within 300 feet, and the Santa Rosa Zoning Code Section 20-

66.020(C) mandates that notifications go to all property owners and occupants within a 600-foot radius. In response to community feedback, the City of Santa Rosa has graciously expanded the notification area to 1,000 feet, exceeding both state and city requirements.

Are the minutes of the 12/18/2025 Design Review & Preservation Board meeting now available? No, the minutes are not ready. Once the resolution is updated, it can be added to the draft minutes and made available to the public.

Is Ingrid Anderson a voting member of the Design Review board? I realize she was not in attendance at the meeting and so did not vote on the project. John Anderson did the presentation. Is she the same Ingrid Anderson who is an architect with Anderson Architects and Planning, the architectural firm named on the disclosure form for the Lago Fresca Apartments? Ingrid Anderson serves on the Design Review and Preservation Board. Under California’s Brown Act, a public official may not vote on a project if they have a financial interest or a direct and substantial conflict of interest, such as personal gain or close ties to a private party involved. The Brown Act requires local government meetings and decisions to be open and transparent, and these conflict-of-interest rules ensure decisions are made fairly, prevent favoritism or secret deals, and protect the public’s trust by requiring officials to recuse themselves when impartiality could be compromised.

Does this help?
Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Have a great Monday.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Coming soon, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform.

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: Becky Hopper
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 9:29 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Questions

Good morning, Monet,

The fog is finally lifting from the very nasty flu bug I've had for the past 10+ days, and now I have further questions which I hope you can answer.

Which member of the Design Review Board voted no on the project and what reason was given for the vote?

Who filed the appeal?

Has a date been determined for the City Council appeal meeting?

Will all those in the surrounding area outside the 1000 ft circle who request notification receive postcard notification before the City Council meeting?

Are the minutes of the 12/18/2025 Design Review & Preservation Board meeting now available?

Thank you for your patience with my many questions. I am on a city government learning curve here.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
From: Bryan Scott
Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2026 4:39 PM
To: _CityCouncilListPublic <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments opposition
Dear Council members,
I am writing to you today to voice my concern regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartment project. We currently live in the community of Sierra Creek Village which will be impacted by this project. My primary concern is the parking impact to the community as well as the increased traffic to an already overburdened intersection on Hoen and summerfield road.

There is also a safety concern with individuals parking on the northside of Hoen and crossing a very busy Hoen ave. This is in the same area of Hoen that a 13 year ago boy was struck by a car several years ago and received severe injuries of which he eventually died from. While we don't oppose the project in its entirety we believe the lack of parking will greatly impact the community. We asked that the council reject the project as proposed and suggest the developer consider a scaled down number of apartments 25 to 30 which would allow ample on site parking. Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
Bryan M. Scott
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
[email protected]
www.rapidexpressonline.com
This e-mail and any attachments contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete this e- mail and destroy any copies. Any dissemination or use of this information by a person other than the intended recipient is unauthorized and may be illegal.

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: C Carmona
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Concerns About Safety and Neighborhood Impact of Lago Fresca Project Date: Monday, January 5, 2026 11:44:00 AM
Good morning, Caitlyn,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about the Lago Fresca Apartments project. The decisions made by the Planning Commission and the Design Review & Preservation Board regarding this project were appealed. The City Council is the review authority for the appeal. Once the project is scheduled for review, notification will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

Also, we have created a webpage for the project that addresses comments and concerns regarding traffic, fire safety, and density. You can view the page at this link:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

I will make sure that your email is shared with the City Council, along with the other emails received, as part of the public record.

Have a great day.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

“PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed all day Friday, December 26th, and January 2nd.”

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: C Carmona <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 1:13 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns About Safety and Neighborhood Impact of Lago Fresca Project

Hello,
I am a resident of the Hoen/Summerfield area and am writing to express my strong opposition to the Lago Fresca Apartment project approved by the Planning Commission on December 11.

I want to be clear that I support responsible housing development — but this particular project, in this specific location and configuration, raises serious safety, traffic, and livability concerns that have not been adequately addressed.

Hoen Avenue is already heavily congested during commute hours and becomes extremely stressed during emergencies and evacuations. Adding 50 units with only one parking space per unit will inevitably push vehicles onto Hoen Avenue and into surrounding neighborhoods, worsening congestion and creating unsafe conditions.

The City’s finding that this project will not significantly impact traffic simply does not match what residents experience daily.

Our community has been through wildfire evacuations, and we understand how critical clear, uncongested routes are during emergencies. This project introduces real risk by increasing congestion and curbside parking along evacuation corridors.

Additionally, the scale of a three-story, 50-unit building is out of character with the surrounding neighborhood and would fundamentally change the feel and function of this area.

Finally, many residents were unaware of or unable to attend the December 11 hearing due to the timing during the holiday season. This has left many in the community feeling unheard and excluded from a decision that directly affects them.

I respectfully ask the City Council to support the appeal, require further safety and infrastructure analysis, and push for meaningful modifications before allowing this project to move forward.

Thank you for your time and for listening to these concerns.

Sincerely,
Caitlyn Carmona
From: Sheikhali, Monet
To:

Cc: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Comments: Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 4:44:00 PM
Hello Chris and Christina,
Thank you for your email. I will make sure this email is included in the public record and shared with the Planning Commission, along with other emails we have received.

Also, you can visit the project website to review the project and see responses to some of the questions raised by neighbors. Here is the link to this website:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments
Have a great night,
Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here , and more
information will be coming soon!
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 2:49 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comments: Lago Fresca Apartments
Hi Monet,
Please include our written comments in the upcoming meetings as appropriate. We won’t be able to attend the meetings.

Thanks,
Chris & Christina
Chris Millard I

RE: Comments on Lago Fresca Apartments – 2445 Summerfield Rd & 4744 Hoen Ave To the Planning Commission and Design Review & Preservation Board, Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project. We are supportive of adding new housing in Santa Rosa, including affordable housing, and recognize the critical need for more supply. However, we have concerns with the project in its current form that we believe should be addressed before approval.

1. Traffic and Circulation Impacts
Traffic in this area is already heavily congested during peak hours. In particular, Hoen Avenue during the morning and afternoon commute hours is already heavily impacted. Adding 50 units will reasonably introduce an estimated 75–150 additional vehicles, and without meaningful mitigations, the project will only make current congestion worse. We ask the City to fully evaluate these circulation impacts and consider mitigations or a reduced density that better aligns with local traffic conditions.

2. Building Height and Scale
The renderings show a four-story structure. No other buildings in the immediate neighborhood reach this height, and the scale would be out of character with surrounding development. A maximum of two stories would be more consistent with the existing built environment and less imposing for adjacent homes and businesses.

3. Architectural Compatibility
The modern, flat-roof design shown in the image does not reflect the architectural character of nearby homes and buildings. We request that the design be reconsidered to better match the traditional styles in the neighborhood, ensuring the project blends with the existing community rather than contrasting sharply with it.

In Summary
We support housing growth and the inclusion of affordable units, but believe this project needs modifications to height, design, and traffic impacts to be compatible with the neighborhood. We respectfully ask the City to require these adjustments before moving the project forward.

Thank you for considering our comments.

Sincerely,
Chris & Christina Millard

Santa Rosa, CA 95405

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Dana Davies"; Stapp, Mark
Cc: Guasco, Cher; Jones, Jessica; Osburn, Gabe
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca apartments Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 10:24:00 AM
Good morning, Dana,
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed comments regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project.

The decisions made by the Planning Commission and the Design Review & Preservation Board regarding this project were appealed. The City Council is the review authority for the appeal. Once the project is scheduled for review, postcard notices will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

I will make sure that your email is shared with the City Council, along with the other emails received, for their consideration as part of the public record.

Thank you again for your engagement and thoughtful input.

Have a great day and Happy New Year.

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] “PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed all day Friday, December 26th, and January 2nd.” Coming soon, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.” -----Original Message-----
From: Dana Davies
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 2:55 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; Stapp, Mark <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca apartments
Dear Ms. Sheikali and Mr. Stapp:

I am writing to express my objection to the proposed Lago Fresca Apartment development at the corner of Hoen and Summerfield. While I understand that this iteration of the development is scaled back from the original, I continue to have serious concerns about traffic at that intersection and surrounding ingress / egress points.

I see that the parking and traffic study concludes that the impact of the project’s adjusted Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is “less than significant.” While I am not in a position to argue with the adjustment, VMT does not address traffic timing and circumstance. The impact of this development during peak hour traffic is not included in the study.

During daytime hours, the flow of traffic on Hoen and Summerfield is light. By contrast, commute and school hours are quite then opposite. For example, westbound vehicles on Hoen stopped for the Yulupa intersection can reach all the way to Arroyo Sierra Circle. Hoen is increasingly an alternative route to Farmer’s Lane for Highway 12 traffic;

speeding and traffic collisions are becoming more common.

At the east end of Hoen, between Arroyo Sierra Circle and Summerfield, there are 8 entrance and exit points for streets, offices, and parking lots: specifically, 5 on the south side and 3 on the north. During high traffic hours, entering onto or exiting off of Hoen can be hazardous. This is compounded by on-street parking that compromises visibility. It is hard to imagine how adding a SIXTH access point (for up to 63 vehicles, most of which will be used during commute hours) along the south side of Hoen almost immediately next to the Summerfield intersection doesn’t pose a significant congestion and accident hazard. How are cars exiting Lago Fresca going to turn westward on Hoen when eastbound traffic is stopped for a red light at Summerfield? Or enter into position to proceed northward on Summerfield?
Finally, increased congestion has significant implications for emergency circumstances: fire trucks and ambulances responding to emergencies during peak hours; westbound vehicles from the Valley of the Moon and Rincon Valley following evacuation orders. These are comparatively rare circumstances but growth and climate change will likely increase their occurrence.

I am sorry to have missed the earlier deadlines for comment.

The holiday season is a busy time that makes it
difficult for public engagement. From previous experience in another community, I also know that it is a convenient time for developers to pass through the approval process with limited public input.

I am not anti development and I think Lago Fresca looks like a perfectly nice development. Unfortunately, it is proposed for an unsuitable location.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments,
Dana Davies

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "David Ginilo"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment Inquiry
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 12:24:00 PM
Attachments: image002.png
Hi David,

Thanks for your email and your comments. I will include this email along with the other email you sent in the public record and provide it to the Planning Commission.

Also, please see my answer below in red.

Regards,

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

-----Original Message-----
From: David Ginilo [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 10:28 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet [email protected]
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment Inquiry

Hello Monet,

Thanks I was able to find the information after my email. I am all for new housing at this location but squeezing 50 units, many over 1 bedroom units and up to 4, on a parcel less than 1.5 acres with minimal parking is a poor idea.

Many of the current multifamily apartments on Hoen Drive are much smaller in number of units and currently filled with vehicles parked on the street. A quick drive by will prove this right now.

1. Are the 52 on street parking spots in the study all on Hoen Drive? Summerfield is strictly a bike lane with no street parking. Are you going to take away the bike lane? The parking study has provided on-street parking counts that were collected on Hoen Avenue between Summerfield Road and Arroyo Sierra Circle, which is broken up into the following segments:

• Segment 1: North side, between Summerfield Road and Sierra Creek Lane, 14 spaces • Segment 2: North side, between Sierra Creek Lane and Arroyo Sierra Circle (West of Arroyo Sierra Drive), 9 spaces • Segment 3: South side, between Arroyo Sierra Circle (West of Arroyo Sierra Drive) and Arroyo Sierra Drive, 6 spaces • Segment 4: South side, between Arroyo Sierra Drive and Arroyo Sierra Circle (East of Arroyo Sierra Drive), 7 spaces • Segment 5: South side, between Arroyo Sierra Circle (East of Arroyo Sierra Drive) and Sierra Creek Lane, 3 spaces • Segment 6: South side, between Sierra Creek Lane and Summerfield Road, 13 spaces

The bike lane along Hoen Avenue will remain same as shown on the project plans. Also below is a screenshot of the project plan showing location of the bike lanes and street parking and fire lanes along Hoen Ave.

2. How are you going to address the situation if apartment residents start parking in residential neighborhoods and crossing the street without a cross walk?

The City of Santa Rosa Zoning Code does not regulate parking in the public right-of-way, such as on public streets. Instead, public street parking is governed by the Santa Rosa City Code. In general, occupants and guests may park in surrounding neighborhoods on public streets as long as they comply with all applicable parking regulations, such as posted signs, time limits, and restrictions related to driveways, fire hydrants, and intersections. A crosswalk with enhanced warning devices (rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs) will be installed approximately 300 feet west of Summerfield Road to facilitate additional crossings that will occur between the signal at Summerfield and the RRFB at Sierra Creek.

I feel the city should meet in the middle on the number of units. Corporations want to fit as many units as possible for one reason: Profit.

Everybody knows this, but it doesn’t make it right. This proposal should include less units and more on site parking.

Thank you.

David Ginilo

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 3, 2025, at 09:46, Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Good morning, David,
>
> The project provides 63 on-site parking spaces. A comprehensive Traffic Study has been conducted, indicating approximately 52 on-street parking spaces within the project area. For more information about this project, please review this website: https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.srcity.org%2F3774%2FLago-Fresca-
Apartments&data=05%7C02%7Cmsheikhali%40srcity.org%7C5ece1b228d3e4ed3b7db08de3299aae7%7C0d511985462e4402a0b038e1dadf689e%7C1%7C0%7C639003 832749083643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C% 7C%7C&sdata=KXIMUd5PMIzG2XcaC37V85bwLMCpb3O5qo4ZszaaaV8%3D&reserved=0. >
> Your email will be included in the public record and provided to the Planning Commission for their consideration. >
> Have a great day,
>
> Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
> Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | > Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. > Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] >
>
> Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Ginilo <[email protected]
>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 5:34 PM
> To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]
>
> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment Inquiry
>
> Hello!
>
> I just received a notice of public hearing regarding the Lago Fresca apartments. I live on the corner of Stonehedge and Summerfield, but am unable to make the first meeting due to work.
>
> How many parking spots are you allocating to this project? >
> I have personally seen projects such as this not allocate enough parking and residential neighborhoods become inundated with vehicles of renters and guests. Is there a plan to mitigate this potentially occurring?
>
> Thank you.
>
> David Ginilo
>
>

From: ESTEVE ANDRE
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Friday, January 2, 2026 2:24:43 PM
Thank you, Moet Sheikhhali
For keeping me in the loop regarding the Largo Fresca Apartments. I am in favor of the project.

Esteve Andre
From: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 2, 2026 1:09 PM
To: ESTEVE ANDRE <[email protected]>
Cc: Osburn, Gabe <[email protected]>; Jones, Jessica <[email protected]>; Guasco, Cher <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lago Fresca Apartments

Hi Esteve,

Happy New Year.

The Planning Commission and the Design Review & Preservation Board both approved the project. A neighbor has appealed both of the decisions, saying the project is unsafe. The City Council is the review authority for the appeal. Once the project is scheduled for review, postcard notices will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

You can watch the Planning Commission meeting on YouTube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGc4YMh2nOo
,
and the Design Review and Preservation Board meeting on YouTube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEDmkiiWxJM

Also, we have created a webpage for the project that addresses comments and concerns regarding traffic, fire safety, and density. You can view the page at this link: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago- Fresca-Apartments.

I will make sure that your email is shared with the City Council, along with the other emails received, for their consideration as part of the public record.

Have a great weekend.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

“PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed all day Friday, December 26th, and January 2nd.”

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: ESTEVE ANDRE
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 11:35 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Rogers, Natalie <[email protected]>; MacDonald, Dianna <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lago Fresca Apartments

I don't understand. You say the project is unsafe!!! Why and by what means did you determine that the project is Unsafe !!! Please explain and show your facts !!

Did you buy your own property without checking the zoning codes for your area? Since you did not check the zoning when you purchased, you now want to change the rules and
stop all development in this area. Is that right?

And now that someone wants to develop their property that they purchased, and they did check the zoning for the area, you now want to change the rules and call everything "unsafe".

I have an idea, why don't you and those who oppose the development, call the owner of the property and offer to buy it from them.

Then after purchasing it
you can then decide not to develop the property and leave it vacant for as long as you want. That way you can win, and they can win too..... Great idea.

Everyone wins !!!

Esteve Andre
Santa Rosa, California 95405

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "[email protected]"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Apartments
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 11:01:00 AM
Good morning, Jack,

Thanks for your email and comments on the proposed project.

The project is now proposing four very low-income affordable units instead of six low-income affordable units. Under California's Density Bonus Law (Government Code Section 65915), developers who include affordable housing units in their projects are eligible for various incentives, such as waivers or modifications of development standards, including setback requirements. In this case, the applicant is providing four affordable housing units out of a total of 50 units, which qualifies them for a waiver of the building setback restriction. This setback waiver is directly tied to the provision of affordable housing units and is in line with the goals of the Density Bonus Program, which aims to encourage the development of affordable housing across the state. By utilizing California's Density Bonus Law, the applicant can maximize the site's potential, providing 50 units in total rather than being restricted to fewer units due to the setback limitation.

The project is providing 63 parking spaces on site. The reduced parking concession also comes from California state law. Under California’s Density Bonus Law (Government Code § 65915), any housing development that includes a required percentage of deed-restricted affordable units is entitled to specific concessions and incentives, and reduced parking requirements are one of the concessions.

Your email from 2021 has been included in the Planning Commission meeting package for the commissioners' review, along with other emails we have received. I will also include this email in the public record and share it with the Planning Commission. Here is the link where you can review all the documents for the upcoming public hearing: https://santa- rosa.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7768844&GUID=75569FC9-680C-406B-A945- 101F7A400BE1&Options=&Search=

Also, you can visit the project website to review the project and see responses to some general comments raised by neighbors: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 7:42 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Apartments

Dear Ms. Sheikhali,

On September 13, 2021, I sent you a letter listing the six "adjustments"( I call them variances) to existing zoning that this project then required. The project then listed six "affordable units" while the present submittal lists four. So have there been other "adjustments" to this proposal?

A real concern with the then project was the lack of on-site parking, with the city zoning requiring 107 spaces, while the project proposing 63. In some locals, underestimating on-site parking requirements may not be critical as
adjacent on-street-parking is readily available,
which is NOT the case here. Hopefully this parking issue has been corrected in this present proposal.

Sincerely,
Jack Walton
Santa Rosa CA 95405

From: [email protected]
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Apartments
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 11:57:56 AM
Dear Ms. Sheikhali,
Thank you for taking time to respond so completely to my email.

The absence of adjacent on-street parking, not only for Apartment residents but also deliveries, will, in my opinion, create future traffic problems on Hoen Ave. and Summerfield Road.

Regards,
Jack Walton
From: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 11:01 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Apartments

Good morning, Jack,

Thanks for your email and comments on the proposed project.

Also, you can visit the project website to review the project and see responses to some general comments raised by neighbors: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 7:42 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Apartments

Dear Ms. Sheikhali,

Sincerely,
Jack Walton
Santa Rosa CA 95405

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To:

Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Appartments
Date: Monday, December 22, 2025 9:51:00 AM
Good morning, Jack,

Both the Planning Commission and the Design Review and Preservation Board approved the project. One person on the Design Board (one of five) voted no, and the rest voted yes.

You can watch the Planning Commission meeting on YouTube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGc4YMh2nOo
, and the Design Review and Preservation
Board meeting on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEDmkiiWxJM.

However, a neighbor has appealed the decisions and submitted an appeal form, along with payment, on Friday, December 19th. The City Council is the review authority for this appeal, and I will need to prepare the project package for the meeting. Once the project is scheduled, we will send postcard notifications, and the applicant will also be required to post on-site signs indicating the meeting date and time.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

“PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: Wednesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 31st, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and closed all day Friday, December 26th.

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2025 12:23 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Largo Fresca Appartments

Dear Ms. Sheikhali,

With both the PC and Design Review meetings on the Largo Fresca Apartments I was unable to stay to the end of both these meetings, and thus don't know what decisions these boards made. Would you please let me know what happened or possibly just send me copies of their decisions.

Thank you.

Jack Walton

From: James Lloyd
To: PLANCOM - Planning Commission
Cc: CMOffice; City Clerk; CA Office; Planning Shared
Subject: [EXTERNAL] public comment re item 11.2 for tonight"s Planning Commission meeting Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 11:30:01 AM
Attachments: Santa Rosa - 2445 Summerfield Rd - HAA letter.pdf Dear Santa Rosa Planning Commission,
The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) submits the attached public comment re item 11.2 for tonight's Planning Commission meeting, the proposed 50-unit housing development project at 2445 Summerfield Rd, which includes 4 very low-income units.

Sincerely,
James M. Lloyd
Director of Planning and Investigations
California Housing Defense Fund
[email protected]
CalHDF is grant & donation funded
Donate today - https://calhdf.org/donate/

Dec 11, 2025

City of Santa Rosa
637 1st St
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Re: Proposed Housing Development Project at 2445 Summerﬁeld Rd

To: [email protected]

Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

Dear Santa Rosa Planning Commission,

The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) submits this letter to remind the City of its obligation to abide by all relevant state laws when evaluating the proposed 50-unit housing development project at 2445 Summerfield Rd, which includes 4 very low-income units.

These laws include the Housing Accountability Act (“HAA”), the Density Bonus Law (“DBL”), AB 130, and California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines.

The HAA provides the project legal protections. It requires approval of zoning and general plan compliant housing development projects unless findings can be made regarding specific, objective, written health and safety hazards. (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subds. (d), (j).) The HAA also bars cities from imposing conditions on the approval of such projects that would render the project infeasible (id. at subd. (d)) or reduce the project’s density (id. at subd. (j)) unless, again, such written findings are made. As a development with at least two-thirds of its area devoted to residential uses, the project falls within the HAA’s ambit, and it complies with applicable local zoning code and the City’s general plan. Increased density, concessions, and waivers that a project is entitled to under the DBL (Gov. Code, § 65915) do not render the project noncompliant with the zoning code or general plan, for purposes of the HAA (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subd. (j)(3)). The HAA’s protections therefore apply, and the City may not reject the project except based on health and safety standards, as outlined above. Furthermore, if the City rejects the project or impairs its feasibility, it must conduct “a thorough analysis of the economic, social, and environmental effects of the action.” (Id. at subd. (b).)

2201 Broadway, PH1, Oakland, CA 94612
www.calhdf.org

CalHDF also writes to emphasize that the DBL offers the proposed development certain protections. The City must respect these protections. In addition to granting the increase in residential units allowed by the DBL, the City must not deny the project the proposed waivers and concessions with respect to affordable unit location, parking, height, front yard setbacks, and covered parking. If the City wishes to deny requested waivers, Government Code section 65915, subdivision (e)(1) requires findings that the waivers would have a specific, adverse impact upon health or safety, and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact. If the City wishes to deny requested concessions, Government Code section 65915, subdivision (d)(1) requires findings that the concessions would not result in identifiable and actual cost reductions, that the concessions would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety, or that the concessions are contrary to state or federal law. The City, if it makes any such findings, bears the burden of proof. (Gov. Code, § 65915, subd. (d)(4).) Additionally, the California Court of Appeal has ruled that when an applicant has requested one or more waivers and/or concessions pursuant to the DBL, the City “may not apply any development standard that would physically preclude construction of that project as designed, even if the building includes ‘amenities’ beyond the bare minimum of building components.” (Bankers Hill 150 v.

City of San Diego (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 755, 775.)

Additionally, the project is exempt from state environmental review under the Class 32 CEQA categorical exemption (In-Fill Development Projects) pursuant to section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines, as the project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as the applicable zoning designation and regulations; the proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.The project is also eligible for a statutory exemption from CEQA pursuant to AB 130 (Pub. Res. Code, § 21080.66), which was signed into law on June 30, 2025 and effective immediately (Assembly Bill No. 130, 2025-2026 Regular Session, Sec. 74, available here). Caselaw from the California Court of Appeal affirms that local governments err, and may be sued, when they improperly refuse to grant a project a CEQA exemption or streamlined CEQA review to which it is entitled. (Hilltop Group, Inc. v. County of San Diego (2024) 99 Cal.App.5th 890, 911.)

As you are well aware, California remains in the throes of a statewide crisis-level housing shortage. New housing such as this is a public benefit: by providing affordable housing, it will mitigate the state’s homelessness crisis; it will increase the city’s tax base; it will bring new customers to local businesses; and it will reduce displacement of existing residents by reducing competition for existing housing. While no one project will solve the statewide housing crisis, the proposed development is a step in the right direction. CalHDF urges the City to approve it, consistent with its obligations under state law.

2 of 3

CalHDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission includes advocating for increased access to housing for Californians at all income levels, including low-income households. You may learn more about CalHDF at www.calhdf.org.

Sincerely,

Dylan Casey
CalHDF Executive Director

James M. Lloyd
CalHDF Director of Planning and Investigations

3 of 3

Dec 11, 2025

City of Santa Rosa
637 1st St
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Re: Proposed Housing Development Project at 2445 Summerﬁeld Rd

To: [email protected]

Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];

Dear Santa Rosa Planning Commission,

These laws include the Housing Accountability Act (“HAA”), the Density Bonus Law (“DBL”), AB 130, and California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines.

2201 Broadway, PH1, Oakland, CA 94612
www.calhdf.org

City of San Diego (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 755, 775.)

2 of 3

Sincerely,

Dylan Casey
CalHDF Executive Director

James M. Lloyd
CalHDF Director of Planning and Investigations

3 of 3

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Jim McAdler"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Comment on Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 8:30:00 AM
Good morning, Sandy and James,

Thank you for your email and for sharing your comments. I just wanted to confirm that I have received your email and that it will be shared with the Planning Commission, along with other emails we have received for their consideration as part of the public record.

You can visit this project website and see responses to comments raised by neighbors at this link:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Jim McAdler
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 5:18 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment on Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments

Hello Monet,

The proposed 50-unit multifamily project at 2445 Summerfield Road and 4744 Hoen Avenue is near our home, where we have lived for the past 27 years. We are concerned that the proposed apartment complex will create a significant amount of traffic on Summerfield and Hoen, when the traffic is already heavy even during non-commute hours. In addition, a development this size will require adequate parking, and there is no on-street parking in the area. This is a major

development that does not fit in the surrounding neighborhood. Please consider a smaller- scale project that maintains the character and lower density of the surrounding neighborhood.

Thank you for your consideration of our input.

Sandy and James McAdler
Santa Rosa, California 95405

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "janice weare"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca apartments
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 12:03:00 PM
Hi Janice,
The project provides 63 on-site parking spaces. A comprehensive Traffic Study has been conducted, indicating approximately 52 on-street parking spaces within the project area.

For more information about this project, you can review this website: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca- Apartments
Have a great day,
Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon!
-----Original Message-----
From: janice weare
Sent: Monday, December 1, 2025 9:05 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca apartments
Reading Notice of Public Hearing, wondering about parking. Will there be street parking? Thank you, Janice Weare
Sent from my iPad

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: JOE ROBERTS
Cc: Patricia Roberts
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Question about lago Fresca proposed project Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 3:08:00 PM
Hello Roberts,
Thank you for your email and for sharing your comments regarding the Lago Fresca Project. I confirm that I have received your message ahead of the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday. Your comments will be included in the public record and provided to the Planning Commission for their consideration.

Here is the link to the project website I mentioned over the phone: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca- Apartments. We have addressed some of the neighbors' comments and questions about this project.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions or materials to share.

Best regards,
Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon!
-----Original Message-----
From: JOE ROBERTS
Sent: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 2:51 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Cc: Patricia Roberts
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Question about lago Fresca proposed project Greetings
From the upcoming meeting notice, if I read it correctly, you-are the point of contact about the upcoming meeting regarding the zoning waivers for the Lago Fresca project on the corner of Hoen and Summerfield.

I have read the proposed documents along with the independent report on traffic. I am concerned about the additional traffic the complex will have on the Hoen and Summerfield intersection and the lack of adequate off street parking.

By my observation of the area there isn’t adequate spaces along Hoen or Summerfield intersection area to accommodate on street parking and since the volume of units would have required 106 spaces off street the project is seeking a waiver to supply only 63. This
appears to exacerbate the traffic pedestrian interface. Within 100 yards of the Hoen intersection the crosswalk had a fatality a few years ago and the intersection crosses a busy bike lane that serves the park access from Hoen.

This wavier seems dangerous by allowing pedestrians and motorists to intermix .

I therefore voiced a strong concern about this project and its impact on the neighborhood.

Thank you
Joseph Roberts P.E. (Retired)
Santa Rosa
Sent from my iPad

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Kashy Ghazzagh
Cc: Annette Romios L.Ac.

Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 3:42:00 PM
Hi Kashy,
Happy Holidays as well.

Fire and Traffic have reviewed the project. You can visit this website to review the project and see responses to comments raised by neighbors: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments Here is the link where you can review all the documents for the upcoming public hearing: https://santa- rosa.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7768844&GUID=75569FC9-680C-406B-A945- 101F7A400BE1&Options=&Search=
Thanks for raising the parking questions. This question comes up often with affordable-housing proposals. The reduced parking concession comes from California state law. Under California’s Density Bonus Law (Government Code § 65915), any housing development that includes a required percentage of deed-restricted affordable units is entitled to specific concessions and incentives, and reduced parking requirements are one of the concessions.

I will include this email in the public record and share it with the Planning Commission. Your previous emails have been added to the package for the Planning Commission meeting.

Have a great weekend,
Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon!
-----Original Message-----
From: Kashy Ghazzagh
Sent: Thursday, December 4, 2025 10:14 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Cc: Annette Romios L.Ac. <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Good morning Monet-
Happy holidays!
I’m reaching out to you on this project to see if this proposed complex has yet been reviewed by Fire and Traffic as of yet, and if so, to what extent. If there are comments available from them, I would be interested to know and have the opportunity to review.

Another question:

Are the project owners and designers assuming that all residents in the complex will never have any visitors?? No birthday parties, NFL games, NBL, NBA, NHL games? I see no visitor parking allocated, no I see any reason why visitors wouldn’t park in other areas and other properties adjacent to this project. Who’s to stop them?

We have serious valid and concerns for safety issues this project brings to the table.

Thank you
Kashy

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Kashy Ghazzagh"
Cc: Annette Romios L.Ac.

Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:24:00 AM
Attachments: image001.png
Exhibit A.pdf
Attachment 9 - Traffic Study.pdf
Kashy,

Please see the attached “Exhibit A”, which includes conditions from Fire and Traffic, along with conditions from other departments. An addendum to the traffic study dated December 1, 2025, has also been provided and reviewed by the Traffic Engineering Division. Traffic had no comments or issues with the addendum. All of these are included in the link I sent you for today’s agenda.

I will be sure to share your email with the Planning Commission for their consideration as part of the public record.

Regards,

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Kashy Ghazzagh
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 8:36 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Cc: Annette Romios L.Ac.

Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca

Good morning Monet-
I’m not seeing any comments or documents from Traffic or Fire department. Where can I locate this? All I see is a flawed traffic study commissioned by the developer which was done during COVID shut down era when there was less traffic, many offices closed near this project and ample parking because of it.

Please help me understand what traffic department had to say about the driveway, the lack of visibility due to set back and other safety concerns.

As you may or may not know, there have been deaths and several accidents in this area in recent times.

Kashy
> On Dec 5, 2025, at 3:42 PM, Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Hi Kashy,
>
> Happy Holidays as well.
>
> Fire and Traffic have reviewed the project. You can visit this website to review the project and see responses to comments raised by neighbors: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca- Apartments
> Here is the link where you can review all the documents for the upcoming public hearing: https://santa-rosa.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7768844&GUID=75569FC9-680C-406B- A945-101F7A400BE1&Options=&Search=
>
> Thanks for raising the parking questions. This question comes up often with affordable-housing proposals. The reduced parking concession comes from California state law. Under California’s Density Bonus Law (Government Code § 65915), any housing development that includes a required percentage of deed-restricted affordable units is entitled to specific concessions and incentives, and reduced parking requirements are one of the concessions. >
> I will include this email in the public record and share it with the Planning Commission. Your previous emails have been added to the package for the Planning Commission meeting. >
> Have a great weekend,
>
> Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
> Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 > Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. > Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] >
>
> Coming soon in 2025, the Planning, Building, and Engineering Divisions of the City of Santa Rosa's Planning and Economic Development Department will fully transition to an online application submittal process through the Accela Citizen Access platform. Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon! >
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kashy Ghazzagh <
> Sent: Thursday, December 4, 2025 10:14 AM
> To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]
>
> Cc: Annette Romios L.Ac
> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
>
> Good morning Monet-
>
> Happy holidays!
> I’m reaching out to you on this project to see if this proposed complex has yet been reviewed by Fire and Traffic as of yet, and if so, to what extent. If there are comments available from them, I would be interested to know and have the opportunity to review. >
> Another question:
> Are the project owners and designers assuming that all residents in the complex will never have any visitors?? No birthday parties, NFL games, NBL, NBA, NHL games? I see no visitor parking allocated, no I see any reason why visitors wouldn’t park in other areas and other properties adjacent to this project. Who’s to stop them? >
> We have serious valid and concerns for safety issues this project brings to the table. >
> Thank you
>
> Kashy

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Kathleen Meadows"; Roger Meadows
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment project
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 8:31:00 AM
Good morning, Kathleen,

Thank you for your email. I will make sure this email is included in the public record and shared with the Planning Commission.

Also, you can visit this website to review the project and see responses to comments raised by neighbors: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Kathleen Meadows
Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 5:34 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; Roger Meadows <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment project

Ms Sheikhali,

I cannot make the Dec 11 planning meeting, nor the Dec 18 design review, but I would like my comments to be heard by both commission/boards.

Thank you.

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Lucia A"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Apts
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 12:10:00 PM
Hi Lucia,

The project provides 63 on-site parking spaces. A comprehensive Traffic Study has been conducted, indicating approximately 52 on-street parking spaces within the project area.

The project bedrooms are as follows:
16 One Bedroom Flats
21 Two Bedroom Flats
4 Two-Bedroom Townhome Apartments
4 Three-Bedroom Townhome Apartments
5 Four Bedroom Flats 50 Units
Total 98 bedrooms

For more information about this project, you can visit this website:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Have a great day,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Lucia A <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2025 9:13 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Apts

Monet Sheikhali,

How many parking spots will be available on the potential 50 unit Lago Fresco Apartment complex?
How many total bedrooms for this apartment complex?

Lucia Amezcua
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Mindy Shambaugh"
Cc: Stan Shambaugh
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about Lago Fresca Project Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 10:47:00 AM
Good morning, Mindy,

Thank you for your email and for your comments.

The Planning Commission reviewed the project and approved it on Thursday. The video is available on YouTube; here is the link: Planning Commission 12-11-25 . The Planning
Commission decision is appealable, and anyone can appeal it. Similar comments and questions were raised during the meeting, and City staff and the applicant answered them.

Also, you can visit the project website at this link: https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca- Apartments. Some questions and comments have been answered on this webpage as well.

This Thursday, the project will be presented to the Design Review and Preservation Board for design review. I will include a copy of this email conversation in the public record and provide it to the board along with other emails we have received. Here is the link for this meeting:
https://www.srcity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=2356

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Mindy Shambaugh
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2025 9:52 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Cc: Stan Shambaugh
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about Lago Fresca Project

Dear Monet,
I hope this message finds you well.

Attached is a letter outlining several safety-related concerns I have regarding the proposed Lago Fresca project on Hoen Avenue. I respectfully request that the Planning Commission consider these points as part of the project review.

Thank you very much for your time and attention. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if any clarification is needed.

Sincerely,
Mindy Shambaugh, PMP
Santa Rosa Resident

1 | P a g e

Mindy Shambaugh, PMP
4835 Hoen Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
[email protected]
707-627-6223
Date: December 12, 2025
City of Santa Rosa – Planning & Economic Development
AƩenƟon: Planning Commission
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding the Proposed Lago Fresca Development Good morning,
My name is Mindy Shambaugh, and I am a resident of BenneƩ Valley. I appreciate the City’s review of the Lago Fresca project, and I would like to raise several safety-related concerns that I hope the Planning Commission will carefully consider.

1. Parking and Traﬃc Safety
The last focused parking study for this project was conducted in November 2021, during pandemic condiƟons when traﬃc and parking levels were signiﬁcantly lower than they are today. Current condiƟons are not represented in that analysis. I am concerned that on-street and on-site parking may be insuﬃcient for today’s usage, potenƟally leading to unsafe congesƟon or obstructed access for residents, service vehicles, and emergency responders.

In addiƟon, the project’s requested waivers—including reduced parking supply, narrower stall widths, and setback reducƟons along Hoen Avenue and Summerﬁeld Road—may further contribute to safety risks. Reduced parking and narrower stalls can increase spillover parking on surrounding streets, impacƟng sight lines and access. Reduced setbacks may aﬀect pedestrian and cyclist visibility near driveways, intersecƟons, and the new mid-block crossing.

Given these factors, I respecƞully request an updated parking and traﬃc study that reﬂects current condiƟons, evaluates the eﬀect of design concessions on circulaƟon safety, and includes evenings and weekends.

2. Pedestrian Safety
While the planned mid-block crosswalk is a posiƟve improvement, its close proximity to the Summerﬁeld Road intersecƟon and exisƟng traﬃc signal raises concerns. Mid-block crossings depend heavily on driver compliance and visibility. As traﬃc increases due to the project, pedestrian exposure and conﬂict risk may rise.

I encourage the City to evaluate whether the crossing locaƟon, beacon visibility, and curb sight lines are suﬃcient, especially given reduced setbacks and roadway geometry.

3. Emergency EvacuaƟon and CommunicaƟon Reliability
During a recent Planning Commission meeƟng, the ﬁreﬁghter addressing evacuaƟon risks stated that residents should rely on cellular networks and Comcast service to stay informed about evacuaƟon zones. I would like to 2 | P a g e

highlight that during previous wildﬁre emergencies in our area, both cellular and Comcast services were down for many residents.

When communicaƟon systems fail, individuals oŌen evacuate based on insƟnct rather than oﬃcial guidance. This can lead to boƩlenecks, uncoordinated traﬃc surges, slowed evacuaƟon Ɵmes, and greater risk to residents.

Increasing housing density without addressing the known reliability challenges of communicaƟon infrastructure during wildﬁre condiƟons could exacerbate these evacuaƟon issues.

AddiƟonally, although the site is not currently mapped within a designated Wildland Urban Interface area, wildﬁre behavior and emergency paƩerns are changing regionally. EvacuaƟon planning should reﬂect realisƟc, worst-case scenarios rather than assumpƟons based on average condiƟons.

I respecƞully ask that the City evaluate emergency evacuaƟon feasibility using models that incorporate communicaƟon outages, surge-traﬃc ﬂows, and previous real-world performance during local wildﬁre events.

4. ConstrucƟon Safety
While temporary, construcƟon acƟvity can signiﬁcantly impact traﬃc, pedestrian movement, and visibility within the neighborhood. This is parƟcularly concerning given the high number of children who walk to and from the nearby schools each day. ConstrucƟon vehicles entering and exiƟng the site, reduced sidewalk access, and shiŌing traﬃc paƩerns create condiƟons that may pose serious risks to young pedestrians.

I respecƞully ask the City to ensure that a detailed construcƟon pedestrian safety plan is in place prior to groundbreaking. This should include clearly marked detours for children walking to school, temporary protected walkways, and measures to limit construcƟon truck movements during peak school commute hours. These steps are essenƟal to prevent hazardous interacƟons between construcƟon operaƟons and school children.

AddiƟonally, construcƟon acƟvity may create temporary choke points that could impede emergency vehicle access.

This risk is ampliﬁed by the area's wildﬁre evacuaƟon history. A clear emergency access plan, parƟcularly during peak construcƟon phases, should be an explicit requirement.

5. LimitaƟons of the Categorical CEQA ExempƟon
I understand the project is proceeding under a categorical CEQA exempƟon as urban inﬁll. However, categorical exempƟons do not require detailed analysis of emergency access, evacuaƟon Ɵming, or cumulaƟve safety eﬀects.

Given the project’s density, the requested waivers, and the known communicaƟon vulnerabiliƟes during disaster events, I encourage the City to take a closer look at safety impacts even within this streamlined process.

Thank you for your aƩenƟon to these concerns. I respecƞully request that the City require updated traﬃc, parking, and safety analyses and consider addiƟonal miƟgaƟon measures to ensure the Lago Fresca project does not compromise resident safety now or during future emergencies.

Sincerely,
Mindy Shambaugh, PMP
Santa Rosa Resident

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "
Cc: Jones, Jessica; Guasco, Cher
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment Concerns…just became aware of developments today Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 9:57:00 AM
Attachments: image004.png
Good morning, Nancy and Reed,

Thank you for your email regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project and for taking the time to share your concerns. I confirm that we have received your email and will be shared with the Design Review Board and the Preservation Board.

I can explain the reason you did not receive the public notice. Public hearing notices were mailed based on geographic distance from the project site. Under California Government Code
Section 65091, notice of the hearing shall be mailed or delivered at least 10 days before the hearing to all owners of real property as shown on the latest equalized assessment roll within
300 feet of the real property that is the subject of the hearing. Santa Rosa Zoning Code Section 20-66.020(C) requires that notices be mailed to all property owners and occupants within a 600-foot radius of a project site. However, in response to community requests, the City of Santa Rosa expanded the notification area to 1,000 feet, which exceeds both the State and City requirements.

The City of Santa Rosa generates mailing lists using its GIS (Geographic Information System), which identifies occupants and property owners.

Property address and ownership information used for this process come from Sonoma County’s assessor records. Your property at 4762 Devonshire is outside the 1,000-foot buffer (as shown below); as such, you did not receive a notice because it falls beyond the notification boundary.

The State Density Bonus Law, established under California Government Code Section 65915, is a law intended to promote the development of affordable housing. It allows developers to build more residential units than what is otherwise permitted under local zoning laws if they include affordable units. The goal is to increase the overall housing supply while ensuring that affordable housing options are available within communities. Under this law, a project providing 10 percent very low-income units can qualify for a 32.5 percent density bonus (See the table below). Also, under this law, developers who include affordable housing may request the following:

Increased residential density beyond local zoning and General Plan limits; Concessions from development standards that help reduce the cost of development; and
Waivers from development standards that would otherwise preclude the additional units (including height limits)

A Focused Traffic Study was prepared by W-Trans, for this project which found that; Nearby streets can accommodate the expected traffic, 53 on-street parking spaces exist within walking distance, and adequate site access from Hoen Avenue only (not Summerfield Rd). The Focused Traffic Study, which was also reviewed and accepted by the City’s Traffic Engineer, concludes that the project would not result in significant traffic impacts. The project includes bicycle parking and is near transit stops, further reducing dependence on personal vehicles. A crosswalk with enhanced warning devices (rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs) will be installed approximately 300 feet west of Summerfield Road to facilitate additional crossings that will occur between the signal at Summerfield and the RRFB at Sierra Creek. You can access this report by clicking on this link:

Traffic Study.

For more information about this project, you can review the project website at this link:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

We appreciate your long-standing involvement in the Bennett Valley community and your thoughtful input on this matter.

Have a great day,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

“PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: Wednesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 31st, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and closed all day Friday, December 26th.

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here
”

December 17, 2025

Dear Mayor Stapp and Members of the City Council,

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project. My husband and I have lived in the Bennett Valley neighborhood for over 30 years. It is where we raised our children and where my husband’s dental practice was located until he retired. We have always been
deeply invested in our community, have long supported lower- income families and have served on various boards and committees with the goal of strengthening our community as a whole.

While I recognize the need for additional housing in our city, the Lago Fresca project, as currently proposed, appears more likely to create new problems than provide meaningful benefits. Most concerning is the lack of adequate communication with the neighborhood most directly affected. My husband and I did not receive the notification postcard, which I only saw for the first time today. Others have expressed the same sentiment. Since the project seemed to be paused several years ago—when the fencing was removed—there has been little to no significant outreach or transparency regarding its progress.

The project proposes 50 units, with only four designated as very low-income affordable housing. Given this minimal ratio, it is troubling to see the number of concessions and waivers being granted. Even with a higher proportion of affordable units, the extent of these concessions would be concerning.

The proposed building height is particularly incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

A maximum height of 35 feet would already exceed anything currently built in the area; a 45- foot concession for one of the buildings is wholly out of character and disruptive to the established scale of the community.

Traffic impacts are another major concern. The installation of the bike lane on Hoen several years ago significantly reduced traffic flow and already strains the roadway. Adding 50 apartment units—with the likelihood of multiple vehicles per household, certainly more than anticipated in the plan—will further exacerbate congestion, particularly during peak school and work hours. From my home on Devonshire Place, since the bike lane addition, it can take
up to 20 minutes to reach the freeway during these times. I do not understand how it was determined that this project would not negatively affect existing traffic conditions.

Hoen has also been the site of serious accidents, including the tragic death of Atticus, whose family I had the opportunity to meet before he passed away.This area needs safety improvements—not additional strain that could increase risk.

We respectfully ask the Council to pause and reconsider this project. A smaller-scale development with a greater number of affordable housing units would be more appropriate and beneficial. Most importantly, the neighborhood deserves meaningful notice and the opportunity to present our concerns and ideas. We were unaware that the previous meeting had occurred and only learned today of the meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Due to a prior commitment, we are unable to attend.

This project is too significant, and its impacts too widespread, to rush through final decisions without genuine community input. Please allow your constituents the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful, collaborative process to ensure any development is viable and beneficial for everyone involved.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Nancy and Reed Ferrick

Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Sent from my iPad

From: Omar Lopez
To: PLANCOM - Planning Commission
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment on Item 11.2
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025 3:40:25 PM
Attachments: 2025 1211 Santa Rosa PC Item 11.2.pdf
2022 08 23 Lago Fresca Endorsement Letter.docx
Good evening,
Attached below is public comment in support of Item 11.2: Lago Fresca Development on the 12/11 Planning Commission Agenda from Generation Housing.

All the best,
_____
Omar Lopez | Policy Coordinator
He/Him/His/El
Generation Housing

(707)237-4792 | 427 Mendocino Ave, Suite 100 | Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Best,

Jen Klose
Executive Director, Generation Housing

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Patti Fitch
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Apartments
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:33:00 AM
Good morning, Patti,

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Patti Fitch
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:08 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Apartments

Hello,
I am a 30 year + resident of Santa Rosa who lives in close proximity to the proposed Lago Fresca project on the corner of Hoen and Summerfield.

I am writing this letter to you to ask
that this project be reduced in size in order to remain in scale to the area. We are a single family neighborhood on three sides of the project, with some professional office sites on the fourth side.

This multi family high density housing project does not fit with the surrounding area. Our infrastructure does not support the increased traffic and parking access that this

number of residents will require. I've lived in this area long enough to remember when Hoen Avenue was a four lane road with no bike lanes or center turning lane. In order to make the road more safe, it was redesigned several years ago to create safe bike lanes in both directions, and a safe turning lane in the center. This alone, while making the road safer, increased the traffic build up, especially during the work and school commute hours.

During the morning school commute, traffic is often backed up for several blocks, and several signals, making it necessary to either change routes or change plans for driving anywhere during that time.

Will the city eventually reduce the safety of Hoen Ave. and return to a four lane road without bike lanes or a turning lane to accommodate the increase in traffic flow with the increase of cars this project will create? I do hope we all have more
sense than that. Parking will be an issue, since there are not enough parking spaces planned to support the occupants of the complex. Overflow will take place in the surrounding neighborhoods that already need the spaces for their own residents. This is not to even mention the evacuations residents in my area have now experienced due to the Tubbs Fire and the Glass Fire.

During those times, Hoen was at a complete crawl to get to the freeway and on to safety.

While I realize that there is a shortage of housing in our beloved city, to build high density living in existing communities is not the answer.

That vacant lot, which is an L-shape
around a current business, would be better suited for a lower density model plan, such as the homes in the adjacent Sierra Creek neighborhood.

I have recently returned from a visit
to Southern California in the city of Irvine. What I saw was massive apartment home projects block after block. The roads down there have been expanded to eight lanes with traffic and noise from traffic that doesn't let up. I am so thankful to live in an area that cares about the beauty of its surroundings. Please don't destroy what we have. Please don't force us to have to think about relocation because of what our city is turning into.

Thank you,
Patti Fitch
Concerned Santa Rosa Resident

From: Becky Hopper
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Planning Commission Meeting 12/11/2025 Re; Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 3:57:59 PM
Monet,
Thank you for getting back to me so promptly.

After a quick reading of the staff report, I am quite concerned by the scope of the setback and height waivers attached to this development. Probably the most alarming aspects are the traffic and parking impacts of so many additional vehicles. The public responses delineated in the report reflect my overall reaction to this development. I recognize the need for affordable housing in our city. However, cramming 50 apartments in 4 story buildings on 1.3 acres with limited parking will only create hazardous conditions in the surrounding neighborhood.

Rebecca Hopper
On Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Rebecca,

Here is the link for the meeting: https://www.srcity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=2306 And here is the link for the documents for the meeting: City of Santa Rosa - File #: 25- 115PC
The Planning Commission meeting starts at 4:30 today. I have attached the agenda for today's meeting.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 |
[email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here
, and more information will be
coming soon!

From: Becky Hopper <
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 1:26 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; Bill Hopper < Subject: [EXTERNAL] Planning Commission Meeting 12/11/2025 Re; Lago Fresca Apartments

My husband and I received a notice about the above referenced meeting. I was unable to find a link to meeting instructions and documents. Is this meeting still occurring today? If so, please send me pertinent information.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Rebecca Hopper

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Robert Bradle"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Summerfield at Hoen
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 12:49:00 PM
Hello Robert,

Thank you for your email and for your comments.

The Planning Commission reviewed the project and approved it on Thursday. The video is available on YouTube; here is the link: Planning Commission 12-11-25 .

The Planning Commission decision is appealable, and anyone can appeal it.

For more information about this project and to review the FAQ, please visit the project website at https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments .

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Robert Bradle
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 4:53 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Summerfield at Hoen

Ms.Sheikhali,
I understand that the city of Santa Rosa is under heavy state pressure to add more housing, but there is a right way and a wrong way.

Lago Fresca Apartments to the corner of Hoen and Summerfield is the wrong way. I have lived in the area for fifty years and I understand why people want to move here. The problem we all face is that every time we expand, we degrade the reason we moved here. Sounds like another incidence of NOMBY syndrome.

Maybe, but as a Sonoma County “non-native” I am willing to compromise.

The problem, as I see it, is with the infrastructure. If you are going to add more apartments you are going to need to provide adequate parking, adequate transportation and make that expansion fit the area you want to squeeze it into. Adding an apartment complex of this size to the area you are debating does not address any of these issues.

I am strongly opposed to this proposal.

Thank you for your time,
Robert Bradle

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Robert Ostling"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago FrescA or Lago FrescO? Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 4:38:00 PM
Thank you, Robert, for sending me this email.

I will make sure this email is included in the public record and shared with the Planning Commission.

Have a great night,
Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

From: Robert Ostling
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2025 10:07 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago FrescA or Lago FrescO?

Hello Monet,

I sent this email Monday tot an incorrect address for you. It really has the essence of the phone voicemail left that day, but I forward after seeing the error. I hope to see you to say hello at the Thursday town hall.

Best regards,

Robert Ostling

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: Robert Ostling
Date: December 8, 2025 at 10:36:08 AM PST
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lago FrescA or Lago FrescO?
Good morning, Monet …
This note duplicates a recent voicemail to your workphone.

Robert and Iris Ostling relocated to 4705 Stonehedge Drive in late 2023.

This
places us in very close to the scheduled construction adjacent to Hoen Ave and Summerfield Road.

Putting aside concerns about traffic and parking, I remain confused by the naming of the 50 units as Lago Fresca.

My second language to English is intermediate
Spanish, and that leads to my confusion for appending the feminine adjective “Fresca” with the masculine noun ( EL Lago ).

My request is that the naming gets
vetted for correct grammar by qualified Native Spanish speakers or bilingual educators.

Current postings for this project confound the matter by usage of both Fresco and Fresca in the related documents.

Incidentally, I see no lake located on this small property. ???.

If you choose to respond by email or text:

Sent from my iPad

From: Robert Ostling
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago FrescA or Lago FrescO? Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 4:50:39 PM
Monet, Imhave canvassed Bennett Valley apartments and the near universal nor. or acceptable design is for 2 stories not 3. the property size is 1.3 acres, same as a football field. Density is the common element or concerns with this design. Two stories reduces unis reduces parking enhances safety.

Thank you.

Robert Ostling
On Tue, Dec 9, 2025 at 4:38 PM Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected] > wrote:

Thank you, Robert, for sending me this email.

I will make sure this email is included in the public record and shared with the Planning Commission.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here, and more information will be coming soon!

From: Robert Ostling <
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2025 10:07 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago FrescA or Lago FrescO?

Hello Monet,

Best regards,

Robert Ostling

Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:

Robert and Iris Ostling relocated to 4705 Stonehedge Drive in late 2023.

This
places us in very close to the scheduled construction adjacent to Hoen Ave and

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Robert Ostling"
Cc: Jones, Jessica; Osburn, Gabe; CMOffice
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Project
Date: Monday, January 5, 2026 5:12:00 PM
Hi Robert,

Happy New Year.

I just wanted to let you know that I received your voicemail today regarding the on-site signs being removed. Zoning Code Section 20-66.020 (C)(3)(b) requires the on-site signs to be removed within 15 days after the public hearing.

Once the project is scheduled for the City Council Meeting, notification will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted again 10 days before the meeting.

Does this help?
Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: Robert Ostling
Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2026 8:38 PM
To: MacDonald, Dianna <[email protected]>
Cc: Robert Ostling ; Stapp, Mark <[email protected]>; Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Project

Dianna, please accept this belated thanks for giving me the opportunity to express my opposition to the Lago Fresco Apartment project. The half-hour you granted me during your personal time was most generous.

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Sage Love
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 11:17:00 AM
Good morning, Sage,

Thank you for your email and your comments on the proposed project. I will make sure to include this email in the public record, along with other emails we have received, and share it with the Planning Commission.

We have received several comments about the number of parking spaces provided on site. The reduced parking concession comes from California state law. The proposed project includes 4 affordable units for very low-income households out of 50 units, making it eligible for a Density Bonus under California Government Code Section 65915
. Pursuant to Government Code Section
65915(p)(5), a housing development applicant may request a reduction in required parking ratios as part of a Density Bonus application.

Fire and Traffic have reviewed the project and provided conditions and comments. You can visit the project website to review the project and see responses to comments raised by neighbors:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

Also, here is the link where you can review all the documents for the upcoming public hearing:
https://santa-rosa.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7768844&GUID=75569FC9-680C-406B- A945-101F7A400BE1&Options=&Search=

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments

Hello Monet.

I have heard about the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments - and although I do support Santa Rosa growing, I do not support these apartments. It is clear that not enough parking spaces are being allotted for these apartments. It is also clear that Hoen can't handle an extra 60 cars in the morning - have you seen Hoen during rush hour? Hoen gets so backed up!!! And the last thing that we would want is an emergency where people have to evacuate and something bad happens because Hoen is blocked up.

I don't know what the answer is. Maybe 60 untis is too much? Maybe it needs to be downsized?

Thank you for hearing me. I know a lot of people feel these sentiments. ~Sage Love, a Bennett Valley neighbor
From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: sandra Ryan
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Summerfield & Hoen Avenues
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 9:58:00 AM
Good morning, Sandra,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about the Lago Fresca Apartments project. I appreciate how you and your neighbors care about the neighborhood's safety and quality of life. We have created a webpage for the project that addresses comments and concerns regarding traffic, fire safety, and density. You can view the page at this link:
https://www.srcity.org/3774/Lago-Fresca-Apartments

The decisions made by the Planning Commission and the Design Review & Preservation Board regarding this project were appealed. The City Council is the review authority for the appeal.

Once the project is scheduled for review, notification will be distributed, and an on-site sign will be posted for public awareness.

Your email will be shared with the City Council for their consideration as part of the public record.

Have a great day and Happy New Year.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

“PED Holiday Counter and Phone Hours: will be open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31st, and we will be closed all day Friday, December 26th, and January 2nd.”

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: sandra Ryan

Sent: Friday, December 26, 2025 12:42 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Summerfield & Hoen Avenues

I can’t tell you how the plan for 50 units without adequate parking distresses me and many of my neighbors. I live on Arroyo Sierra Circle which is a side street off Hoen. It already takes way too long to safely exit my street to merge onto the very high traffic and fast moving vehicles on Hoen Avenue.

I can’t imagine how you expect anyone in Sierra Creek Village to safely do so with the addition of 50 new apartments and the added stress on an already extremely busy street. Also, the red no parking areas at side streets have been shortened years ago which makes it difficult to see around parked cars and trucks when trying to get onto Hoen. It is going to be even more dangerous.

I know people need a place to live in Santa Rosa, but adding high density apartments at Summerfield and Hoen with inadequate parking available to those units is a terrible and dangerous idea.

Why not 25 units instead of 50 with adequate parking for the residents who will live there? It seems greed has taken over both by the developer and the County.!!!

When we were told to evacuate during the first wildfire, it was impossible to get out of Sierra Creek Village onto Hoen Avenue.

There is no other way to exit the area from the homes in this development. Traffic in this area came to a complete standstill. I can’t imagine why the County is willing to put so many residents at risk.

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Stephen Schwartz"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 8:46:00 AM
Good morning, Stephen,

I confirm that I have received your email and that it will be shared with the Planning Commission, along with other emails we have received, for their consideration as part of the public record.

Regards,

Monet Sheikhali | Supervising Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here
, and more information will be
coming soon!

From: Stephen Schwartz
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2025 8:25 AM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments

As per our phone conversation yesterday, I am sending you this request for denial of the Lago Fresca Apartments proposed project to be included in the record for the planning commission hearing today.

To: Santa Rosa Planning Commission
From: Stephen Schwartz, 4727 Suite A Hoen Ave. Santa Rosa CA

I am asking the planning commission to deny the request for approval of the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments.

I feel that there will be significant traffic impact from the project and disagree with the traffic analysis conducted by W-Trans in December 2023.

I have owned an office across the street for 38 years and have directly observed the traffic pattern over this time. Currently eastbound traffic on Hoen avenue when approaching Summerfied Rd. stacks up in the in the two left turn lanes during peak traffic hours. Any traffic exiting the single driveway from the proposed project will find it difficult to exit either east or west. Any traffic heading west on Hoen and turning into the project will be conflicting with the stacked eastbound cars waiting to turn left.

I am enclosing a photo taken this week showing this pattern of stacking but not even at its worst – Of course over time the condition will worsen as overall traffic on Hoen worsens. Currently at peak hour westbound traffic backs up close to the Hoen and Summerfield intersection due to the congestion at the Yulupa and Hoen intersection .

The City can deny the developer’s proposed project if it poses a public safety concern. I feel that this project is a definite safety hazard.

The traffic study is now 2 years old and is not consistent with my observations. The proposed
approximately 19 AM peak-hour trips, and approximately 20 PM peak-hour trips generated by 50 units does not seem realistic as well.

Even if you accept these projected peak hour numbers --the close proximity of the only entrance or exit from the project to the Hoen and Summerfield intersection is what makes this project unsafe.

I also feel the concession to allow 4 stories is out of place compared to any surrounding architecture. The waiver allowing reduced onsite parking will introduce additional safety concerns with increased off site street parking even with an added crosswalk.

Therefore, please deny this proposed project. Certainly, there can be a better proposed use for this site.

From: Adelyn Lyon
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Grave concerns re:new apartments Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 10:23:33 PM
As Ms. Murray is apparently out of town, I am sending you my letter intended for her about the huge risk to our community in building the new apartment complex.

Thank you.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Adelyn Lyon <a
Date: Thu, Oct 6, 2022 at 9:34 PM
Subject: Grave concerns re:new apartments
To: <[email protected]
>
Dear Ms. Murray,
As a resident who lives off Summerfield I am gravely concerned about the plans for a new apartment complex. Hoen already suffers from awful congestion and we simply do not have the resources in that area of town to add so many new families. This is especially concerning with the lack of parking space being provided and with the traffic issues that will be caused. If we have another fire evacuation we will be in danger.

Above all else we need low income housing which this doesn’t provide (more than a few token units)
Please stop this project.

Adelyn Lyon

From: Carolyn Patrick
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago Fresco Design
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 4:56:25 PM
From: Carolyn Patrick
Date: October 6, 2022 at 4:53:33 PM PDT
To: Susie Murray <[email protected]>, [email protected], City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Lago Fresco Design
Dear
Hello Susie, Senior Planner and Planning Commission, councilmembers, In this district we have long been told we would get a greenway. Instead we are having a 3 story large box imposed about the neighborhood. The lot is too small for the amount of apartments proposed and standard setbacks should not be revised for this poorly planned project.

The businesses that currently exist at Hoen and Summerfield are are friends, healthcare providers and vetinarians. They and the bordering neighbors should not have to bear the brunt of inadequate parking spaces and a building that is not in proportion to the lot size.

Please turn this proposal down.

Thank you,
Carolyn Patrick
.

From: Don Hack
To: Nicholson, Amy
Cc: Don Hack
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Project Date: Friday, September 23, 2022 6:54:30 PM
Email below forwarded to: [email protected].

To: Ms. Murray, Project Planner
City of Santa Rosa

From: Don and Kathi Hack
4953 Hoen Ave
Santa Rosa, CA
95405

RE: Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Project
4744 Hoen Ave

The proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Project, located at the corner of Hoen Ave. and Summerfield Road, is UNACCEPTABLE! As you know, this busy intersection is even more congested during those times when we have been evacuated due to the wild fires. Placing a high-density housing complex at that very intersection is negligent, if not criminal, given the changing demands on our roadways during times when we are dealing with life threatening emergencies!
The situation will be made worse by approving waivers to increase the number of housing units (from 38 to 50) but, in addition, reducing the number of required parking spaces (65 spaces vs. 105) normally required for a project of this nature.

Where are these
residents to park? Will they park on the streets, making a bad situation worse during commute hours, and potentially deadly during evacuations?
Please RECOMMEND DISAPPROVAL of this project when it comes to the City Council for their consideration.

Thank you.

From: Genny Jump
To: Murray, Susie
Cc: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Objection to the Application for Lago Fresca Apartments (File No.: PRJ22-019) Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 7:46:00 PM
Good Evening Ms. Murray,
As a lifelong resident of both Santa Rosa and Bennett Valley, I would like to voice my concerns to the development of the Lago Fresca Apartment complex for the following reasons:

1. As detailed in the notice of application card from the City of Santa Rosa, this complex will feature 50 units with only 65 apartment designated parking stalls. As someone who has lived in this area for quite some time, it is a known fact that parking is difficult, if not impossible at times, to find on Hoen
Ave. and the surrounding areas. Today alone, I encountered multiple cars from nearby businesses and residential areas that were parked illegally (i.e. in red zones, blocking crosswalks and fire hydrants, too close to corners, etc.). Not only is this activity dangerous, but it also makes it difficult for current residents and employees to safely exit and
merge onto Hoen and the other major streets. Even assuming that only half of the aforementioned
units will be multi-car households, the 65 designated spaces will not be sufficient. These cars will need to find parking elsewhere, which will further exacerbate the problem.

2. Stemming off of my previous concern, the addition of this apartment complex will greatly increase the amount of traffic on Hoen. Once again, this will not only make it difficult to merge onto Hoen, but it can also pose a pertinent safety risk. As I'm sure you know, this area has been evacuated multiple times in recent years as the result of wildfires (i.e. Nuns Fire, Glass Fire, etc.). With multiple populated residential areas, existing apartment complexes, businesses, and schools feeding into the major surrounding streets during the evacuations, I have concern that adding this many units, and therefore people and cars, will greatly increase the amount of time to safely evacuate the area.

3. There are many affordable apartment complexes already available in the area (such as at the corners of Hoen and Yulupa, further down Yulupa by the Golf Course, across the street from Howarth Park, etc.). As long as I've been here, most if not all of these complexes have open availability for new tenants. As such, the addition of a new high density housing complex is unnecessary as there are many options already available.

4. Based on the map provided in the flyer, it appears that this complex will back up to the local creek. The environmental impact of not only water runoff from the construction project, but also from the development of high density housing nearby should be of concern. Given that in rainy years this creekbed has the tendency to flood, planning should also be in place for this event. Additionally, I have concern for how this development will impact the local wildlife, as we currently have a diverse array of animals who have made this area their home, including deer, lizards, turkeys, and foxes. Developing this open space will likely negatively impact their habitats.

Overall, with as many high density housing complexes that are currently in development in Santa Rosa and the surrounding area, we do not need another to satisfy the current demand.

Santa Rosa, especially in the past decade, has become supersaturated with low income housing complexes that always have vacancies and more than satisfy the demand of the longtime residents. Personally, I would much rather see the development of more middle income single family dwellings, as these have a great demand in our city that has gone unacknowledged for too long. It is for these reasons that I request that you decline the application for the development of this apartment complex.

I would love the opportunity to hear your input and discuss these concerns further with you.

Thank You,
Geneva Jump
From: Jerry Fabiano
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments proposal
Date: Monday, September 19, 2022 9:14:46 PM
Dear Ms. Nicholson,

I just sent my letter below to Susie Murry and received an “out of office” response directing me to contact you with my comments. Please consider the letter below with my sincere request to reject the Lago Fresca Apartments proposal.

Thank you,
Jerry and Susan Fabiano
Santa Rosa, CA
95405

Dear Ms. Murray,

As a citizen of Bennett Valley I am writing to ask you to completely reject the Lago Fresca Apartments proposal. No modified parking, no scaled down compromises, no exceptions! This proposition is another Bennett Valley Golf course proposal about which the citizens of Bennett Valley have already spoken loud and clear.

No high density housing development
please!

This is just another money-making scheme put forth by greedy developers who have no concern or long-term interest in our community.

I have read the proposal and it’s Ludacris
request for an exception to the Cities parking ordinance.

I will not labor your time with a point-by-point argument about the details which I have read.

My request is short and to the point. Please reject this proposal outright!

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry and Susan Fabiano
Santa Rosa, CA
95405

From: James Gurke
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Opposition to Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Zoning Exceptions Date: Friday, October 7, 2022 10:37:53 AM
Forwarding my comments to you while Ms Susie Murray is out of the office. Thanks.

Jim Gurke
Begin forwarded message:

From: James Gurke <1
Subject: Fwd: Opposition to Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Zoning Exceptions
Date: October 7, 2022 at 10:35:10 AM PDT
To: Barnacle Nancy
Begin forwarded message:

From: James Gurke
Subject: Opposition to Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment
Zoning Exceptions
Date: October 7, 2022 at 10:34:41 AM PDT
To: [email protected]
Cc: "Sawyer, John" <[email protected]>
To: Susie Murray, Project Planner, City of Santa Rosa
My wife and I are writing in opposition to the developer’s requests to bypass local zoning requirements for the Lago Fresca Apartments.

These are the apartments proposed for the Hoen & Summerfield area of my neighborhood.

It’s my understanding the developer is asking for an exception to the following zoning requirements:

Excessive Density - using a high density standard in what is now a low to medium density zoned area by placing
50 units on a lot size
zoned for 38 units. The developer is asking to use 'central city density’ for an outlying area of our city that clearly does not meet the state definition. The immediate area is now primarily single family homes bordered by a light commercial area and low density apartments.

Inadequate Parking - the developer is asking that it provide only 65 parking spaces of the total 105 required by city. This is borderline

From: JadMail
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 10:23:50 PM
I am forwarding this to you due to her automated email reply.

Hello Ms. Murray,
My family lives just down the street from this proposed apartment complex. It is of great concern that several zoning changes are being asked by the developer and considered by the city.

Bennett Valley already has more than it’s share of large apartment complexes along Summerfield, Hoen, Sonoma, Yulupa, Bethards, Montgomery and Mission. This impaction rate proved to be a serious hazard when we were evacuated during the Tubbs Fire. Gridlocked cars blocked our neighborhood’s only path to safety. We had no other escape route because our homes back up to Spring Lake Park. Several years later we were again evacuated and again trapped by the number of cars preventing our exit.

Please consider the senior living facilities on Summerfield and on Hoen. Police barricaded the roads while residents were wheel-chaired into ambulances, shuttles and buses. This magnified the sense of panic and drivers tried to squeeze past barricades, placing the emergency staff at risk. Add in another 100 or more cars from this proposed complex and imagine the chaos.

Clearly, the city is not considering the safety of its Bennett Valley residents.

Do the right thing and limit this development to what is currently zoned for the location. Do it for the safety of those of us who currently live here and those who will in the future.

Thank you.

Jodi Duckett
From: KATHY WERTZ
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Proposed Apartment Complex Lago Fresca Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 4:59:46 PM
I am forwarding to you since Susan is unavailable. If you are not a planner please send to the planner filling in for Susan.

Thank you.
---------- Original Message ----------
From: KATHY WERTZ
To: Susan Murray <[email protected]>
Date: 10/06/2022 4:20 PM
Subject: Proposed Apartment Complex Lago Fresca
Hello,
My name is Kathy Wertz and I have lived in Santa Rosa all my life. The last 36 years have been in the Bennett Valley area and both houses have been within 3-4 blocks of Hoen Avenue. I am Currently on Rock Springs Dr. There are many
apartments and duplexes within the area of the project. Not to mention the apartments on Summerfield and Sonoma Avenues. So I do not consider this a "not in my neighborhood" issue.

Adding 50 dwellings to the corner of Hoen and Summerfield is going to make traffic so much worse during commute/school hours. Not to mention the parking problems since most renters have 2 cars these days and they will be parking on the street which is already consumed by cars.

Living so close to the hills has become an increasing fire risk to our neighborhood and evacuations are critical. We only have one direction to flee and that route is Hoen
and Sonoma Avenue.

Please do not allow any exceptions to the building code for this project.

Thank you
Kathy Wertz

From: Kim Sayre
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago Fresca apartments
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 2:32:12 PM
Begin forwarded message:

From: Kim Sayre <
Date: September 27, 2022 at 2:30:00 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lago Fresca apartments
Hi Susie,
I live right behind this proposed site and HIGHLY oppose these apartments getting exceptions to normal city rules. I beg you do not do it, for the safety of those who live in the area.

Especially for all the children who use this route to attend the multiple schools in the area! In addition, fire evacuations would be a nightmare, with only one way in/out. People’s lives are at stake building densely in an area not zoned for it. I beg of you, please no!! Kim & Rich Sayre

From: Marvin Mai
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: 2425 Summerfield Road-Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Monday, September 19, 2022 4:20:13 PM
Amy,
Everyone I send this to seems to be out of office and I wanted to ensure my comments got passed on to the Design Review committee

Thank you,
Marvin Mai
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Marvin Mai
Date: Mon, Sep 19, 2022 at 11:25 AM
Subject: 2425 Summerfield Road-Lago Fresca Apartments
To: <[email protected]
>
Monet and Design Review Committee:

The proposed apartments at 2425 Summerfield Road with 50 apartments is lacking in sufficient parking. When we look around at other apartment complexes in the area, many lack sufficient parking spaces and tenants are forced to park on the street. In the case of Lago Fresca apartments there is no on street parking on Summerfield road or Hoen Avenue which means overflow will be on to the parking at Sutter (Warick) medical

facility or other offices in the vicinity. This will be total unacceptable to those offices and lead to disputes and possible towing of those vehicles.

I urge the committee to increase the parking spaces required to a minimum of 2 per apartment and possibly even 3 for the large apartments.

Marvin F. Mai
Santa Rosa, CA
--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

From: Pattigramz
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] cc of Email to Susie Murray who is away re Lago Fresca Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 3:30:00 PM
Lago Fresca email
Sent to [email protected] 9/20/22
Hello,
I am a 30 year + resident of Santa Rosa who lives in close proximity to the proposed Lago Fresca project on the corner of Hoen and Summerfield.

This multi family high density housing project does not fit with the surrounding area. Our infrastructure does not support the increased traffic and parking access that this number of residents will require. I've lived in this area long enough to remember when Hoen Avenue was a four lane road with no bike lanes or center turning lane. In order to make the road more safe, it was redesigned several years ago to create safe bike lanes in both directions, and a safe turning lane in the center.

This alone, while making the road
safer, increased the traffic build up, especially during the work and school commute hours.

Overflow will take place in the surrounding neighborhoods that already need the spaces for their own residents. This is not to even mention the evacuations residents in my area have now experienced due to the Tubbs Fire and the Glass Fire. During those times, Hoen was at a complete crawl to get to the freeway and on to safety.

While I realize that there is a shortage of housing in our beloved city, to build high density living in existing communities is not the answer. That vacant lot, which is an L-shape around a current business, would be better suited for a lower density model plan, such as the homes in the adjacent Sierra Creek neighborhood.

Thank you,
Patti Fitch
Concerned Santa Rosa Resident
From: Tina Paradise
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Concerns with proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 11:54:22 PM
In Susie’s absence, I’m forwarding the letter below.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tina Paradise
Date: October 6, 2022 at 11:51:47 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Concerns with proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex Dear Susie Murray,
I’ve recently received the notice of the proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex near the corner of Hoen Ave and Summerfield Rd. I live in Bennett Valley and feel compelled to write to express my disappointment on many levels that the city would consider a 3 story building on that very small lot. There are no other 3 story buildings close by - including the commercial properties, so from a city design perspective this building doesn’t fit in and should be no taller than 2 stories. The architectural design of the building is not cohesive to the neighborhood either.

From a safety standpoint, the parking study suggests tenant overflow and all guest parking would be along Hoen Ave. The intersection at Hoen and Summerfield is busy during morning and evening commute (outside their study timeframe) and I can’t imagine visibility being good for drivers going in/out of local medical office building driveways along Hoen and Summerfield with a street lined with parked cars. Bicycles use the bike lane on both Hoen and Summerfield in route to the nearby parks and children as well in route to neighborhood schools.

This is a very
big safety concern. The parked cars along Hoen get more congested as you head toward Yulupa and I can attest to the difficulty of safely driving from the residential cross streets turning onto Hoen because parked cars make it difficult to see oncoming traffic and bicyclists in the bike lane. The complex should have fewer units so they have the appropriate amount of parking for tenants and guests with their property lines and not consider utilizing 84 street parking spaces for this purpose.

During the evacuation in 2017 due to the fires, the traffic along Summerfield and Hoen from current residents was outrageous and would only be impacted further with the volume of residents planned for this apartment complex. This is another serious safety concern. How will emergency vehicles be able to get through with heavy traffic congestion?
I read there is a request to build even closer to the sidewalk/lot perimeter than what is normally allowed and this request should not be granted. The other buildings in that area are set back from the sidewalk and this allows for more

visibility. A building closer to property lines and sidewalks reduces visibility increases the chance of accidents.

I understand the need for additional housing throughout Santa Rosa, but there needs to be more thought into the design and planning to keep the community look and feel so many current residents enjoy in Santa Rosa. Our city is becoming over crowded and poorly planned for traffic congestion. Our city planning can, and needs to, do better to support current residents.

Sincerely,
Tina Paradise
From: V Jump
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Objection to Application for Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 3:41:20 PM
Good Afternoon Ms Nicholson,
I received an out of office message from Ms Murray so I'm sending you a copy of the objection I sent to her since the notice I received states that comments are due by Friday.

Good Afternoon Ms. Murray,
As a life long resident of Santa Rosa and long time resident of Bennett Valley I would like to voice my opposition to the Lago Fresca Apartments. for the following reasons:

1. Due to the many schools in the neighborhood and the fact that Hoen Ave. is the access point to the freeway on ramp, traffic especially during peak commute and school start/end times is impossible. It is extremely difficult to make left hand turns onto Hoen from the side streets especially where this proposed apartment complex is at any time of day. Made even more difficult by the fact that already existing complexes and the nursing home on Hoen do not have adequate parking for employees and visitors thus they park on the street often times illegally (on top of fire hydrants, in the fire lane, in the wrong direction...). The traffic issues were compounded when Hoen was reduced to one lane to add bike lanes no one uses.

Allowing this complex to be built will be a huge safety issue especially during an evacuation, such as the one that took place during the 2017 fires.

2. More apartments are not what Santa Rosa needs. There are many many apartment complexes within a 1 mile radius of the proposed project that always have vacancy signs out.

Santa Rosa residents need and want single family homes. Single family homes that were reasonably priced would be a great addition to that corner, may 4 or 5 could fit there.

3. The environmental impact on the nearby creek should also be assessed, as well as the danger more traffic will pose to the wild life living in the area. Deer, turkeys, foxes and cougars walk the area.

4. The large density request should be denied. The area can't handle that size of a building not to mention it will be one more eyesore. The City of Santa Rosa is letting down it's residents.

The city has become an ugly eyesore of large box like apartments popping up all over the city taking away the green spaces and trees. Add to that the ever expanding homeless population and the town just gets uglier every day.

Please do not allow this complex to be built in any form it's unnecessary, unwarranted and unwanted.

Thank you,
Vicki Jump
From: Lisa Palmer
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2445 Summerfield Road
Date: Friday, September 16, 2022 11:43:22 AM
Hello,

I am inquiring about the proposed 50 Unit housing project at 2445 Summerfield Road.

I am inquiring about the status and if there are any updates.

Sincerely,

Lisa Palmer

Sent from Mail for Windows

From: Murray, Susie
To:

Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Project : Lago Fresca Apartments at 4744 Hoen Ave/2445 Summerfield Road comments Date: Monday, October 10, 2022 10:50:00 AM
Hi Annette,

Following up to my voicemail, I’m just starting to catch up on email received during my vacation, and I apologize if this is a duplicate response. Thank you for sending in your comments. I have included a copy in the public record and will provide a copy to decision makers before any action is taken.

The project is in the very early stages of staff review. The project materials include a traffic and parking analysis, which I’m happy to forward, but I suggest waiting until after the City Traffic Engineer has completed his review in case any revisions are necessary. I expect the project review will take at least a few months before hearings are scheduled, at which point another mailed notice will be sent, signs will be posted at the project site, and a Notice of Public Hearing will be published in the Press Democrat.

Please feel free to check back in with me in early December for a status update.

Susie

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, October 7, 2022 8:22 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Project : Lago Fresca Apartments at 4744 Hoen Ave/2445 Summerfield Road comments

Hello Susie,

As a business and property owner at 4730 Hoen Avenue since 2018, I am writing you today to voice my concerns over the development of the Lago Fresca Apartment complex on the corner of Hoen Avenue and Summerfield Road. For your information, my address is 4730 Hoen Avenue Suite A, approximately 800 yards
west from the intersection of Summerfield Road and Hoen Avenue.

Over the years , I have witnessed the increase of traffic at this corner and I myself have challenges with exiting the parking lot to head west on Hoen, from the western end of the parking lot (near Advanced Fertility Associates). At the eastern end of my parking lot (there is an exit on the other side

of the Cardiology office at 4740 Hoen) we are only able to turn right from that exit onto Hoen. Many of my patients and other customers use this exit. If there is another exit from the proposed apartment complex just a few feet from the current driveway exit it will be very unsafe for anyone trying to exit my lot as well as people coming and going from the apartment complex. There is no way to try and prevent the apartment complex residents from exiting that lot and turning left onto Hoen which will be incredibly dangerous. Those two exits are too close to one another for it to be safe for anyone exiting from either parking lot. I can almost guarantee that apartment complex residents will not take the time to turn right onto Hoen and go down to Summerfield to then turn right or left? make a u-turn at Summerfield?
to then try and head west on Hoen to get on Highway
!2 or the 101 Freeway (which is the direction most residents will most likely want to head). Not to mention that Hoen is a very well traveled thoroughfare and cars are generally traveling quite fast/speeding down Hoen. I think the city traffic department needs to repeat the traffic study of this area now that all businesses are back to work and traffic has resumed its' usual patterns.

Furthermore there have been several incidents where a car coming off of Summerfield heading west onto Hoen has crashed into the northeastern corner of the building I currently own.

There are
records detailing two incidents, August 9, 2015 and May 21, 2016, and there was a third incident 15 years prior. I am very concerned about the safety of pedestrians, clients coming and going from the parking lot for the various businesses, and employees, as all would be subjected to danger due to the increased traffic. Traffic increase would not only be from the residents and their guests in the apartments, but will include the comings and goings of delivery services, ie...UPS, Fed Ex, food deliveries, and Uber drivers etc.

The parking situation would create big issues as well. The surrounding businesses depend on the spaces provided and maintained by our Common Area Maintenance fees. The Lago Fresca Apartments parking spaces are not sufficient to serve all the residents. Where will all these people park?
How many cars, per unit are being taken into consideration by the developers and the city? What percentage of the residents will be riding public transit? It is unacceptable to think that the local businesses would absorb the over flow of cars needing to park. Who would be responsible for policing the parking situation?

Overall the design is unreasonable and generates questions regarding pedestrian and driver safety, increased traffic, access to both Hoen and Summerfield Road, and a lack of sufficient parking for that development.

It is my sincere hope that the city will seriously consider the aforementioned problems with safety, traffic and parking that this project will create. The builders have failed to address any of these concerns which were all brought up previously as well.

Sincerely,
Annette

Annette Romios, L.Ac., FABORM
Acupuncture Mama
4730 Hoen Ave, Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Office (707) 303-7200
www.acupuncturemama.com

"Ancient medicine treating the modern world"

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail transmission, including any attachment(s), are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain privileged and/or confidential information. Unless you are the intended recipient(s) or are authorized to receive this message for the intended recipient(s), you may not review, use, disclose, copy disseminate, or distribute this message or any information contained here in as this is prohibited by law. If you have received this e-mail and are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail, destroy any copies, and delete this e-mail from your files.

From: FRED BLATT
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: Re: Automatic reply: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment Project Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 9:46:57 AM
Attachments: image001.jpg
image002.jpg
Ms, Nicholson,
I'm unable to do that as I'd have to type the letter to Susan all over again. With the program on my email I'm only able to forward things. As a senior on a fixed income I'm unable to afford the $150 Geek call, & I'm not very techy. I guess I'll just have to wait till Susan is back in her office.

Thank you
Michael Ann Blatt
On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 08:52:13 AM PDT, Nicholson, Amy <[email protected]> wrote:

Good morning Fred,
Thank you for your email. I only see Susie’s out of office response in your email below. Would you be able to forward me the message you originally sent to her? Thanks,
Amy
Amy Nicholson | Supervising Planner – Current Development Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Mobile (707) 321-0935 | Tel. (707) 543-3258 | [email protected]

This alone, while making the road
safer, increased the traffic build up, especially during the work and school commute hours.

Thank you,
Patti Fitch
Concerned Santa Rosa Resident
From: Marvin Mai
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: 2425 Summerfield Road-Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Monday, September 19, 2022 4:20:13 PM
Amy,
Everyone I send this to seems to be out of office and I wanted to ensure my comments got passed on to the Design Review committee

Thank you,
Marvin Mai
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Marvin Mai <
Date: Mon, Sep 19, 2022 at 11:25 AM
Subject: 2425 Summerfield Road-Lago Fresca Apartments
To: <[email protected]
>
Monet and Design Review Committee:

facility or other offices in the vicinity. This will be total unacceptable to those offices and lead to disputes and possible towing of those vehicles.

I urge the committee to increase the parking spaces required to a minimum of 2 per apartment and possibly even 3 for the large apartments.

Marvin F. Mai
Santa Rosa, CA
--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

From: Tina Paradise
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Concerns with proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 11:54:22 PM
In Susie’s absence, I’m forwarding the letter below.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tina Paradise <
Date: October 6, 2022 at 11:51:47 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Concerns with proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex Dear Susie Murray,
I’ve recently received the notice of the proposed Lago Fresca apartment complex near the corner of Hoen Ave and Summerfield Rd. I live in Bennett Valley and feel compelled to write to express my disappointment on many levels that the city would consider a 3 story building on that very small lot. There are no other 3 story buildings close by - including the commercial properties, so from a city design perspective this building doesn’t fit in and should be no taller than 2 stories. The architectural design of the building is not cohesive to the neighborhood either.

visibility. A building closer to property lines and sidewalks reduces visibility increases the chance of accidents.

Sincerely,
Tina Paradise
From: Adelyn Lyon
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Grave concerns re:new apartments Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 10:23:33 PM
As Ms. Murray is apparently out of town, I am sending you my letter intended for her about the huge risk to our community in building the new apartment complex.

Thank you.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Adelyn Lyon <
Date: Thu, Oct 6, 2022 at 9:34 PM
Subject: Grave concerns re:new apartments
To: <[email protected]
>
Dear Ms. Murray,
As a resident who lives off Summerfield I am gravely concerned about the plans for a new apartment complex. Hoen already suffers from awful congestion and we simply do not have the resources in that area of town to add so many new families. This is especially concerning with the lack of parking space being provided and with the traffic issues that will be caused. If we have another fire evacuation we will be in danger.

Above all else we need low income housing which this doesn’t provide (more than a few token units)
Please stop this project.

Adelyn Lyon

From: Kim Sayre
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Lago Fresca apartments
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022 2:32:12 PM
Begin forwarded message:

Please turn this proposal down.

Thank you,
Carolyn Patrick
.

Jim Gurke
Begin forwarded message:

From: James Gurke <
Subject: Fwd: Opposition to Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Zoning Exceptions
Date: October 7, 2022 at 10:35:10 AM PDT
To: Barnacle Nancy <1
Begin forwarded message:

From: James Gurke <
Subject: Opposition to Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment
Zoning Exceptions
Date: October 7, 2022 at 10:34:41 AM PDT
To: [email protected]
Cc: "Sawyer, John" <[email protected]>
To: Susie Murray, Project Planner, City of Santa Rosa
My wife and I are writing in opposition to the developer’s requests to bypass local zoning requirements for the Lago Fresca Apartments.

These are the apartments proposed for the Hoen & Summerfield area of my neighborhood.

It’s my understanding the developer is asking for an exception to the following zoning requirements:

Inadequate Parking - the developer is asking that it provide only 65 parking spaces of the total 105 required by city. This is borderline

From: KATHY WERTZ
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Proposed Apartment Complex Lago Fresca Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 4:59:46 PM
I am forwarding to you since Susan is unavailable. If you are not a planner please send to the planner filling in for Susan.

Living so close to the hills has become an increasing fire risk to our neighborhood and evacuations are critical. We only have one direction to flee and that route is Hoen
and Sonoma Avenue.

Please do not allow any exceptions to the building code for this project.

Thank you
Kathy Wertz

From: Jerry Fabiano
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments proposal
Date: Monday, September 19, 2022 9:14:46 PM
Dear Ms. Nicholson,

Thank you,
Jerry and Susan Fabiano
Santa Rosa, CA
95405

Dear Ms. Murray,

No high density housing development
please!

This is just another money-making scheme put forth by greedy developers who have no concern or long-term interest in our community.

I have read the proposal and it’s Ludacris
request for an exception to the Cities parking ordinance.

I will not labor your time with a point-by-point argument about the details which I have read.

My request is short and to the point. Please reject this proposal outright!

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry and Susan Fabiano
Santa Rosa, CA
95405

From: JadMail
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 10:23:50 PM
I am forwarding this to you due to her automated email reply.

Clearly, the city is not considering the safety of its Bennett Valley residents.

Do the right thing and limit this development to what is currently zoned for the location. Do it for the safety of those of us who currently live here and those who will in the future.

Thank you.

Jodi Duckett
From: V Jump
To: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Objection to Application for Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 3:41:20 PM
Good Afternoon Ms Nicholson,
I received an out of office message from Ms Murray so I'm sending you a copy of the objection I sent to her since the notice I received states that comments are due by Friday.

Good Afternoon Ms. Murray,
As a life long resident of Santa Rosa and long time resident of Bennett Valley I would like to voice my opposition to the Lago Fresca Apartments. for the following reasons:

Allowing this complex to be built will be a huge safety issue especially during an evacuation, such as the one that took place during the 2017 fires.

2. More apartments are not what Santa Rosa needs. There are many many apartment complexes within a 1 mile radius of the proposed project that always have vacancy signs out.

Santa Rosa residents need and want single family homes. Single family homes that were reasonably priced would be a great addition to that corner, may 4 or 5 could fit there.

4. The large density request should be denied. The area can't handle that size of a building not to mention it will be one more eyesore. The City of Santa Rosa is letting down it's residents.

Please do not allow this complex to be built in any form it's unnecessary, unwarranted and unwanted.

Thank you,
Vicki Jump
From: Don Hack
To: Nicholson, Amy
Cc: Don Hack
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Project Date: Friday, September 23, 2022 6:54:30 PM
Email below forwarded to: [email protected].

To: Ms. Murray, Project Planner
City of Santa Rosa

From: Don and Kathi Hack
Santa Rosa, CA 95405

RE: Proposed Lago Fresca Apartment Project
4744 Hoen Ave

Thank you.

From: Kashy Ghazzagh <
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 3:00 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] 4744 Hoen Ave./2445 Summerfield Rd./Lago Fresca apartments Thank you so much Susie!
Kashy
707-738-7714
On Jul 13, 2023, at 2:14 PM, Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Kashy,
Traffic Engineering, the Fire Department, and several other City departments and outside referral groups have reviewed the project plan sets that were submitted with the application.

A formal Issues Letter was provided to the applicant on February 8, 2023. I believe the applicant team is working through the issues (things that need to be resolved before the proposal can move forward). When all issues have been addressed, they can submit revised plans for staff review. At this point, we haven’t seen any changes. I have no idea what their timeline is, so please check back in the next month or so.

I hope that helps.

Susie
Susie Murray
| Senior Planner | Staff Liaison to the Cultural Heritage Board Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Tel. (707) 543-4348 | Fax (707) 543-3269 |
[email protected]
<image001.jpg>
From: Kashy Ghazzagh
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 9:42 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] 4744 Hoen Ave./2445 Summerfield Rd./Lago Fresca apartments
Hi Susie-
I wanted to check in and see where things stand with this project.

Could you please provide an update as we have not seen any updates on what was initially proposed.

Curious if traffic and fire have reviewed this project yet? Thank you
Kashy

On Oct 11, 2022, at 4:05 PM, Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello Kashy,

Monet received a promotion and has taken on different
responsibilities. As such, the Lago Fresco project was reassigned to me.

I’m still catching up on email received during my vacation, and I apologize if this is a duplicate response.

Thank you for sending in your comments. I have included a copy in the public record and will provide a copy to both the applicant and decision makers before any action is taken.

The project is in the very early stages of staff review, including the traffic and parking analysis, which will be reviewed by both the City’s Traffic Engineering Division as well as Planning.

All public comments
received will be considered during this time. I expect the process will take at least a few months before hearings are scheduled, at which point another mailed notice will be sent, signs will be posted at the project site, and a Notice of Public Hearing will be published in the Press Democrat.

Please feel free to check back in with me in early December for a status update.

Susie

<image001.jpg>

From: Kashy Ghazzagh <
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 9:54 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 4744 Hoen Ave./2445 Summerfield Rd./Lago Fresca apartments

Good morning Susie-

I hope this email finds you well. I assume you have taken over for Ms.

Monet Sheikhali? Would you be able to elaborate as to why the change in the planners for this proposed project?

I am writing to you to voice my strong concerns and objections about this project as it is being proposed.

My name is Kashy Ghazzagh and I’m the owner of the one and only property that is essentially being encapsulated by this project, located at 4750 Hoen Ave. My property is also the only one that is illustrated in the drawings of this project, sharing a border on both the Summerfield Rd and Hoen Ave sides. The adverse impact of this

project is perhaps greater on my property than any other.

I have several concerns about this project as proposed today.

Majority of my concerns evolve around issues with safety, traffic and parking.

I believe the project’s owners/developers are leveraging AB2345 state law to essentially ask for exemptions that will create massive safety, traffic related concerns, jaywalking and creating parking issues for nearby businesses, streets and residential areas.

AB2345 was proposed and became law to promote infill in high density areas where people tend to work. This project’s location is miles away from high density downtown area. This is essentially at an extreme east side location of town, where there are limited jobs.

There is no hospitality or retail jobs anywhere near this location!!!
This law not only was created to create affordable living units for where people tend to find jobs, it was also created and envisioned for areas that offer robust public transportation. This location offers neither of of those, nor it is near downtown area or even a semi tangible public transportation.

The only mode of public transportation currently near this location has one bus stop offering one bus per hour! There is no train or more frequent options for bus rides. What this will create is a housing which lacks sufficient parking for residents and it completely overlooks visitor parking. Also, in today’s internet shopping/services world, I question where an Uber driver, Taxi Cab, FedEx and UPS Drivers, Door Dash and other food delivery services would park to serve the needs of 50 dwellings, most of which are 3-4 bedroom units.

The reality is the proposed parking spaces for this project are at almost HALF of city of Santa Rosa’s MINIMUM requirements!! HALF!! This proposal has zero visitor parking, and zero short term parking.

Cleary, I will have to protect my property’s limited parking spaces to protect my tenant’s needs and their customers. I need to know what the developer and the city of Santa Rosa will do to protect my parking spaces from being poached by the residents, visitors, guests, delivery services and etc.

Also, the city of Santa Rosa needs to take a VERY close look at safety issues involving parking, jaywalking from north side of Hoen Ave (a very busy area) as well as ingress and egress of this proposed project.

I predict that if this project moves forward as proposed, we will witness injuries and possibly fatalities due to jaywalking which is all related to the lack of parking. I honestly believe that this will become a liability concern at some point. The city of Santa Rosa carries a sensitive burden on this matter within the areas of safety and traffic.

Please note that the traffic study which was commissioned and paid for by the developer occurred during Omicron outbreak when most were still working from home and vast majority of offices near by were vacant at the time...

I believe by leveraging AB2345, the developers are trying to stretch the intended power of this state law, to develop an unreasonable project to increase their ROI on their investment. The exceptions asked in this project are beyond what the law was intended to achieve and this is not the area this law was intended for. This project will have adverse and absolutely negative impact for all businesses and residents in the area. I have spoken to many many other neighbors who feel absolutely the same way as I do, and the impact on them is perhaps less than what negative impact this project would bring to my property and current businesses occupying the area.

When we had a neighborhood meeting about this project months ago, literally no one was in support of this project as proposed, yet the developers seem to want to push ahead with this unsafe and unreasonably designed complex. I sure hope that you have access to the zoom meeting that transpired a few months back on this project before your involvement. The developer has clearly chosen to ignore all concerns and continue to push their agenda at all the neighboring property’s concern.

I have spoken to the City of Santa Rosa’s traffic division extensively about this flawed proposal and verbally, they agree that this project is a huge concern for safety, traffic and parking related matters.

The heavy traffic on Hoen Ave. at this location is a huge concern too. I can’t even imagine how the driveway of this project will impact the area. I will guarantee you that we will witness many accidents involving residents turning west on Hoen Avenue during rush hour.

Equally, the narrow entrance of this project is another concern for those who are trying to turn into this driveway from either direction for Hoen Ave. This will be a huge cluster!!!

Thank you

Kashy Ghazzagh

From: Murray, Susie
To: Kathleen Hoare
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Project comments
Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 5:05:00 PM
Mr. & Mrs. Hoare,

I’m catching up on email received during my vacation, and I apologize if this is a duplicate response.

Thank you for taking time to send in your neighborhood comments. I have included a copy of the petition in the public record, will provide a copy to the applicant, and will be sure a copy is given to decision makers, both the Design Review Board and Planning Commission, before any actions are taken.

The project is in the very early stages of staff review. There was a traffic and parking analysis prepared that will be reviewed by the City’s Traffic Engineering Division as well as Planning. I expect it will be at least a few months before hearings are scheduled, at which point another mailed notice will be sent, signs will be posted at the project site, and a Notice of Public Hearing will be published in the Press Democrat.

Please feel free to check back in with me in early December for a status update.

From: Kathleen Hoare
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2022 7:00 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Project comments

Hello Susie Murray,
Please find attached a letter from neighbor residents in the Sierra Creek Village HOA on the same block as the Lago Fresca project.

Thank you for this consideration of our input.

Kathleen and Roger Meadows

Project: Lago Fresca Apartments September 24, 2022
Santa Rosa City Project Planner,
We are formally opposing the Lago Fresca Apartments project primarily due to the violation of community safety that the proposed project would violate and impact.

Hoen Ave is a 2-lane street, one lane in each direction. This is currently inadequate to serve the current 2 x a day traffic demand heading west out of the eastside neighborhoods, resulting in a backed -up lane of cars, idling motors and long wait times to get through traffic lights.

Hoen is the primary exit route in the event of fire or other emergency required evacuation for the neighborhoods that abut the 3 parks in the east side of town. All three of these parks have been impacted by wildfire in the last 5 years and are expected to experience more fire in the future. In planning approval, thought must be given to evacuation in emergencies. Because so many residences are currently using Hoen for emergency evacuation, adding high-density housing this far from the city center and the main road arteries of Hwy 101 and Hwy 12 is dangerous and irresponsible.

In addition to this primary concern, we have other concerns. ● This proposed project is far from the city center and commuter rail therefore does not create a walkable lifestyle, nor fall into the category of a Priority Development Area, To reach downtown Santa Rosa would take a 35-minute bus ride. To walk to Safeway for groceries or to a drugstore would be 1.4 miles away and take 30 minutes. As a result, most all of the residents of the proposed project would be traveling Hoen Ave by car multiple times a day for work, schools and provisions.
● The proposed height of these buildings is three to four times the height of any abutting commercial building in the area.
● 65 parking spaces are clearly inadequate for a potential apartment population of excess of 200 residents. Overflow parking will be at least 44 street parking spots on Hoen street parking overloading current public street parking and impairing visibility for cars entering Hoen Ave from driveways and side streets.
● The standard setbacks for this area are 15 feet. This project is requesting 9 ft and 8 ft setback exceptions bringing the 3 and 4-story buildings up to the sidewalk in a way that is incongruous with the current neighborhood.
● The density of the proposed project is higher than the standard zoning for the property. A project with this high density is more suitable closer to the city center.

Based on these concerns, we object to the Lago Fresca application.

Thank you,
Kathleen Meadows
2331 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Denise Scaglione
2305 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Robin Fautley
2338 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Ann Butler
2335 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Sonjia Rustad
1733 Arroyo Sierra Circle
[email protected]
Sharon Baiocchi
2334 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Cheryl Dunn
2337 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
Sonya Ranrup
1729 Arroyo Sierra Circle
[email protected]
Dana Davies
2311 Sierra Creek Circle
[email protected]
From: Susan Boyle
To: Murray, Susie; Nicholson, Amy
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comments: Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 4:59:31 PM
Attachments: Outlook-2owhj20p.png

10.4.22 Letter Lago Fresca Apartments.pdf
Hello,
I am submitting this letter on behalf of Social Advocates for Youth regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments to be built at 4744 Hoen Avenue and 2445 Summerfield Drive. It is our hope that the concerns outlined in this letter will be taken into consideration before final approval of this application.

Please let me know if I should direct this to another individual. Thank you so much! Warmly,

Susan Boyle
Communications & Marketing Manager
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Social Advocates for Youth
2447 Summerfield Rd.

Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Cell Phone: 415-320-2126

Phone: 707-206-7498
[email protected]
www.saysc.org
521 youth in our county don't know where they will sleep tonight. Become an Advocate today, and help SAY be there when young people need us the most.

The information in this e-mail and in any attachments is confidential, privileged, and the property of Social Advocates for Youth. If you received this message in error, please destroy this message, delete any copies and attachments stored on your systems and notify the sender immediately. Any further distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

From: Daniella Stanghellini
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Planning meeting on Weds Sept. 15th Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 9:37:33 AM
I would like to know what is being done about parking and the impact to the neighborhood.

You are talking about putting in 4, 3 story buildings w/50 multi-family units. With only 63 parking spots.

Simple math would be the following:
50 units x 2 cars per unit (minimum it could be higher) = 100 cars 63 parking spots - 100 cars = 37 cars with no place to park Where are those other 37 cars expected to park? Street parking? The hospital/office parking lot next door? The adjacent neighborhoods are already overflowing with cars.

What about Visitor parking? If every house a single visitor you are talking about 50 cars in the area and no place for them to park.

Has an impact study been done for traffic in the area? Is that shared with the public? Daniella Stanghellini
Pursue your passion, live your dream
On Monday, September 13, 2021, 08:08:51 AM PDT, Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]> wrote:

Good morning,

You can email me your questions and I can send them to the applicant team.

Thanks,

Counter Hours
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

From: David Torre
To: JCook
Cc: Lori G; Jeffrey Sargent; Rich Abazia; Teresa Moore; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; BOB ROTTMAYER; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Carolyn Patrick; Colleen Murray; D. K. Riley; DAWN MAWHINNEY; Dave Giannetto; Deanna Zanoni; Deborah Meekins; Dee & Gary Bondi; Delores Flinn; Elaine Kast; Gene Zingarelli; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Jim & Leslie Badiner; John Poremba; Judy Miller; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; Keith Boxerman; Kirk Mancini; Lynnda Barthlome; Marsha Boxerman; Nancy Ferrick; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; ROBERTO CATANIA; Ralph Belton; Ray Tovar; Reed Ferrick; Robert & Margaret Turley; Robert Owen; Robyn Mancini; Sheila Wolski; Rich Abazia; ; City Clerk; CityCouncilListPublic; Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:51:44 PM
Kay and I have been discussing this issue that seems to be concerning a lot of people in the neighborhood.

Our feelings are that we do not oppose an apartment complex per se. In fact, it is clear there is a legitimate need for more housing in this city.

However, we are in agreement with what appears to be a growing consensus that the size of the proposed
complex is not appropriate for the area or consistent with what has been done in the past.

After much back and forth, we have come to the conclusion that the complex as currently proposed would set undesirable
precedents in terms of both building height and inadequate parking.

So to be clear, our position is that we would welcome a smaller complex that is consistent with those already in the area.

David and Kay Torre
On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 6:33 PM JCook > wrote:

Has anybody gotten into the webinar. I have been waiting 45 minutes and have not been let in.

Sent from iPhone
On Sep 29, 2021, at 4:10 PM, Lori G wrote:
https://www.srcity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1253
Information and Project Plans on the City of Santa Rosa site On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 3:18 PM Jeffrey Sargent <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks Rich for all your du-diligence on this matter. Linda and I think it’s too large of a project as it stands. The traffic situation is already an issue at certain times of the day. The parking is only going to overflow into all the existing neighborhoods and create possible problems. It’s clear that the property must have this amount units in order to support it’s cost of doing business , tax base and property mortgage, building fees etc., and developer would be making money on it down the road. More units more money... If it were smaller the developer wouldn’t be able to make ends meat, probably, we aren’t in favor of it.

On Sep 29, 2021, at 2:24 PM, Rich Abazia <[email protected]> wrote:

That’s kind of how I feel. 3 Stories, 50 units and not enough parking is too big.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email:
[email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

Over the course of the transaction, I may send you emails containing requests for information. WIRE FRAUD IS ON THE RISE. If you receive wire transfer information from our office via email, it is very important that you call to confirm the account

From: Teresa Moore

Subject: Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts

I don’t oppose an apartment building but I do oppose how big this one is! The space is too small for 50 units. I also think 2 stories would fit better with the structures already there.

On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 1:15 PM Rich Abazia > wrote:

Just to be clear. This project calls for 4 buildings of 3 stories each.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email:
[email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

From: Lori G
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 9:57 AM
To: JCook <
Cc: Deanna Zanoni

Subject: Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts

One of the reasons the meeting was postponed until today was that the neighborhood was to be notified in writing by mail. We didn't receive anything....did anyone else?

Fyi - The Assessor Use Code for the property zoning is Commercial Land.

I will tell you that the owner of the property is Janver Holly, who owns a large family owned and run construction company, Holly & Associates.

Janver Holly
has over 30 years of construction experience in building in Sonoma County including handling the mitigation of the Windsor building defects back in the
1990's (where I believe he made his fortune). I heard via the grapevine that his nephew is taking the lead on this Summerfield project.

On Tue, Sep 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM JCook > wrote:

I agree a 2-4 story building doesn’t belong in this area, maybe 20 apartments but no more, an EIR is needed. I can’t even imagine a building as high as the Old AT &T down town in that area. It is poor planning and not in line with the area and other buildings.

We need to email and put it in writing otherwise the council and city planning committee will ignore that anything was opposed. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. We definitely need to attend in full force and let the city know we oppose anything higher than a one story in that area and request an EIR study.

Email:
[email protected].

You can include your opposition in this email as I included the project planner Monet Sheikhali, all city council members and city planning emails in this email.

Thank you everyone for keeping our area/ neighborhood a desirable area.

Please make your voice be heard.

Imagine a 4 story building and what that will do to properly value, traffic, and our quiet neighborhood.

Guadalupe

Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Sep 28, 2021, at 2:09 PM, Deanna Zanoni
wrote:

We’ll see you all tomorrow night. And what about the drought, people renting don’t care how much water they use. And the parking is always a problem, plus the traffic. I will shut up I am so upset. But there minds aren’t made up! Just like with the SAY. I went to all the meetings and it was a waste of time. The paid people to come in and only called on them. They weren’t even from here. Hope to see most of you tomorrow night!
DeannaZanoni

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 28, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Deborah Meekins
> wrote:

Thank you for the details Rich! Very helpful.

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 28, 2021, at 12:48 PM, abazia
< wrote:

Hello Neighbors: As you may have
known the neighborhood meeting is
scheduled for September
29 th (tomorrow) at 5 pm. You can
access the meeting
here: www.srcity.org/developments
look for Lago Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as
submitted. I feel it is too big for the
parcel,
generates a lot more traffic
and creates a vehicular safety

situation by putting more traffic on
Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls
for 30 units (with use permit) or
commercial/office (CO) l space.

Applicant wants 50 residential units!
2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a
priority development area”.

The site
is adjacent to a low density residential
area. Council should look at higher
density projects downtown.
3: Use Permit. a “major conditions”
use permit is required to change the
use to multifamily within a CO zoning
district!
4: Building height. The project has 4-3
story buildings. There is nothing 3
stories within miles. This would be one
of tallest buildings in Bennett Valley.
5: Variances.

Applicant is requesting
variances to the rear and side yard
setbacks reduced from 15 feet to 8
feet. Basically the buildings would
almost be at the sidewalks.

6: Parking. Applicant is requesting a
waiver of the parking guidelines to
reduce the required parking from 105
to 63 stalls. This is a no go for me. If
there are 50 units and say 4 people to
a household. That’s 200 people. Out of
those 200 people I am guessing there
will be 100 cars. 63 spaces is not
adequate. The
Parking will spill out
on surface streets. i.e. our and
surrounding neighborhoods.

7: Access. Vehicular traffic
(ingress/egress) is proposed on Hoen
Avenue. We all know both Hoen and
Summerfield are real busy roads
especially during the school year. The
traffic is plentiful and fast. I don’t see
how this is going to work in such close
proximity to the traffic light a Hoen
and Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the
City Council (copied on this email as
well as the Planner) take a hard look at
this project and get it down to a more
reasonable size.

From: David Torre
To: Lori G
Cc: JCook; Deanna Zanoni; Sheikhali, Monet; City Clerk; CityCouncilListPublic; Deborah Meekins; abazia; Rich Abazia; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; Sheila Wolski; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; Robert & Margaret Turley; Gene Zingarelli Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 12:44:12 PM
Just my two cents, for what it's worth. Do you realize how lucky we are to live here? We have a beautiful regional park, adjacent to our neighborhood. We regularly see families of deer, turkeys, foxes, and other wildlife. There is a great golf course, which a lot of us use. There are trails to hike and bike with gorgeous views and vistas. Go out Bennett Valley and you're on a lovely, winding rural road with wineries and and horse ranches.

A small apartment complex will not change any of that. We already have them everywhere around us. I can't tell you how many cities I've been to where apartments and single family homes coexist peacefully. It happens all the time. Not everyone can afford a house. They deserve a nice place to live anyway. I'm always for inclusivity, never exclusivity. That's all.

On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 9:57 AM Lori G wrote:

One of the reasons the meeting was postponed until today was that the neighborhood was to be notified in writing by mail. We didn't receive anything....did anyone else? Fyi - The Assessor Use Code for the property zoning is Commercial Land.

I will tell you that the owner of the property is Janver Holly, who owns a large family owned and run construction company, Holly & Associates. Janver Holly has over 30 years of construction experience in building in Sonoma County including handling the mitigation of the Windsor building
defects back in the 1990's (where I believe he made his fortune). I heard via the grapevine that his nephew is taking the lead on this Summerfield project.

On Tue, Sep 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM JCook > wrote:

Email: [email protected]
.

You can include your opposition in this email as I included the project planner Monet Sheikhali, all city council members and city planning emails in this email.

Thank you everyone for keeping our area/ neighborhood a desirable area. Please make your voice be heard.

Imagine a 4 story building and what that will do to properly value, traffic, and our quiet neighborhood.

Guadalupe
Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone
On Sep 28, 2021, at 2:09 PM, Deanna Zanoni <i
wrote:

Thank you Rich. I am so upset about the building of the appts. and four stories high. If they want ti build them go somewhere else. If there were apts. here I would not have bought the house. I am sure it will take down the values of our homes. We’ll see you all tomorrow night. And what about the drought, people renting don’t care how much water they use. And the parking is always a problem, plus the traffic. I will shut up I am so upset. But there minds aren’t made up! Just like with the SAY. I went to all the meetings and it was a waste of time. The paid people to come in and only called on them.

They weren’t even from here. Hope to see most of you tomorrow night! DeannaZanoni
Sent from my iPad
On Sep 28, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Deborah Meekins
wrote:

Thank you for the details Rich! Very helpful.

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 28, 2021, at 12:48 PM, abazia
< wrote:

Hello Neighbors: As you may have known the
neighborhood meeting is scheduled for September
29 th (tomorrow) at 5 pm. You can access the meeting

here: www.srcity.org/developments look for Lago
Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as submitted. I feel it is too big for the parcel, generates a lot more traffic
and creates a vehicular safety situation by putting
more traffic on Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls for 30 units
(with use permit) or commercial/office (CO) l space.

Applicant wants 50 residential units!
2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a priority
development area”.

The site is adjacent to a low
density residential area. Council should look at
higher density projects downtown.
3: Use Permit. a “major conditions” use permit is
required to change the use to multifamily within a
CO zoning district!
4: Building height. The project has 4-3 story
buildings. There is nothing 3 stories within miles.

This would be one of tallest buildings in Bennett
Valley.
5: Variances.

Applicant is requesting variances to
the rear and side yard setbacks reduced from 15 feet
to 8 feet. Basically the buildings would almost be at
the sidewalks.
6: Parking. Applicant is requesting a waiver of the
parking guidelines to reduce the required parking
from 105 to 63 stalls. This is a no go for me. If there are 50 units and say 4 people to a household. That’s
200 people. Out of those 200 people I am guessing
there will be 100 cars. 63 spaces is not adequate. The
Parking will spill out on surface streets. i.e. our
and surrounding neighborhoods.
7: Access. Vehicular traffic (ingress/egress) is
proposed on Hoen Avenue. We all know both Hoen
and Summerfield are real busy roads especially
during the school year. The traffic is plentiful and
fast. I don’t see how this is going to work in such
close proximity to the traffic light a Hoen and
Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the City Council
(copied on this email as well as the Planner) take a
hard look at this project and get it down to a more
reasonable size.

Richard Abazia

From: JCook [mailto:

Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 11:19 AM
To: Rich Abazia
Cc: Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA
BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi;
Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn
Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY
FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE
GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn
Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN
MAWHINEEY; DEBBIE MEEKINS; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina
Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray;
Robert Owen;
John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY
ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David
Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; DEANNA ZANONI; Gene
Zingarelli; abazia
Subject: Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of
Summerfield and Hoen

50 units will put 100 or more cars on our road. It’s
too many for the lot which includes parking. Where
will cars egress and ingress? Hoen? Summerfield?
Driveway too close to signal light. Environmental
Impact Report/ study is needed and we should
request one. Maybe it’s time to move? Quality of life
going downhill in our area.

Units should be 10-15 and no more in my opinion.

Glad to see that the corner of Hoen and Summerfield
a deterrent has been put in the middle of the

intersection to to the sideshow/donuts.

Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Sep 9, 2021, at 10:05 AM, Rich Abazia
wrote:

For more information and a look at the
plans go to:

Fresca Apartments”.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email: [email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

Over the course of the transaction, I
may send you emails containing

From: Deanna Zanoni
To: Deborah Meekins
Cc: abazia; Sheikhali, Monet; CityCouncilListPublic; Rich Abazia; Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; [email protected]; [email protected]; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; Gene Zingarelli; GUADALUPE COOK Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 2:09:46 PM
Thank you Rich. I am so upset about the building of the appts. and four stories high. If they want ti build them go somewhere else. If there were apts. here I would not have bought the house. I am sure it will take down the values of our homes. We’ll see you all tomorrow night.

And what about the drought, people renting don’t care how much water they use. And the parking is always a problem, plus the traffic. I will shut up I am so upset. But there minds aren’t made up! Just like with the SAY. I went to all the meetings and it was a waste of time.

The paid people to come in and only called on them. They weren’t even from here. Hope to see most of you tomorrow night!
DeannaZanoni
Sent from my iPad
On Sep 28, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Deborah Meekins
wrote:

Thank you for the details Rich! Very helpful.

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 28, 2021, at 12:48 PM, abazia > wrote:

Hello Neighbors: As you may have known the neighborhood meeting is scheduled for September 29th (tomorrow) at 5 pm. You can access the meeting here: www.srcity.org/developments look for Lago Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as submitted. I feel it is too big for the parcel, generates a lot more traffic and creates a vehicular safety situation by putting more traffic on Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls for 30 units (with use permit) or commercial/office (CO) l space. Applicant wants 50 residential units! 2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a priority development area”.

The site
is adjacent to a low density residential area. Council should look at higher

density projects downtown.
3: Use Permit. a “major conditions” use permit is required to change the use to multifamily within a CO zoning district!
4: Building height. The project has 4-3 story buildings. There is nothing 3 stories within miles. This would be one of tallest buildings in Bennett Valley.
5: Variances.

Out of those 200 people I am guessing there will be 100 cars. 63 spaces is not adequate. The
Parking will spill out on surface streets. i.e. our and surrounding neighborhoods.
7: Access. Vehicular traffic (ingress/egress) is proposed on Hoen Avenue.

We all know both Hoen and Summerfield are real busy roads especially during the school year. The traffic is plentiful and fast. I don’t see how this is going to work in such close proximity to the traffic light a Hoen and Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the City Council (copied on this email as well as the Planner) take a hard look at this project and get it down to a more reasonable size.

Richard Abazia
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 707-481-6845

From: JCook [mailto:j
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 11:19 AM
To: Rich Abazia
Cc: Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; DEBBIE MEEKINS; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; b
om; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; DEANNA ZANONI; Gene Zingarelli; abazia Subject: Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen

50 units will put 100 or more cars on our road. It’s too many for the lot which includes parking. Where will cars egress and ingress? Hoen?

Summerfield? Driveway too close to signal light. Environmental Impact Report/ study is needed and we should request one. Maybe it’s time to move? Quality of life going downhill in our area.

Units should be 10-15 and no more in my opinion.

Glad to see that the corner of Hoen and Summerfield a deterrent has been put in the middle of the intersection to to the sideshow/donuts.

Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Sep 9, 2021, at 10:05 AM, Rich Abazia <r
wrote:

For more information and a look at the plans go to:

www.srcity.org/developments “Lago Fresca Apartments”.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email: [email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

Over the course of the transaction, I may send you emails containing requests for information. WIRE FRAUD IS
ON THE RISE. If you receive wire transfer information
from our office via email, it is very important that you call to confirm the account

From: Lori G
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 9:43 AM
To:

From: Diana Varnum
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:30:15 PM
Dear Monet:

Thank you in advance for taking commentary and objection over the Lago Fresca Apartment plans.

I moved to Bennett Valley in Santa Rosa over 24 year ago. I was smitten with the quiet, small town feel that if provided, as well as the beauty and safety of the surrounding area. While we cannot say that it still has that same appeal as 24 years ago, it is still a desirable area.

Traffic is now horrendous, it is not as safe as it once was, buildings are deteriorating. While we can accept what time has done to our beloved neighborhood, we cannot accept a purposeful plan such as the Lago Fresca apartments to be approved to further degrade the area.

The building of these apartments will bring more traffic, parking issues and further crime to our area.

It will change the entire feel of the neighborhood to a busy downtown area. We all live in Bennett Valley and not downtown to avoid these types of issues.

A 3-story building has no place in a residential area such as Bennett Valley. It changes the entire dynamic of the neighborhood. In addition, that little corner now becomes a dense population of apartments, medical, youth housing, etc....right smack dab next to homes.

Have you ever tried to turn out onto Hoen from one of the residential areas? I doubt it, or you would already know of the traffic nightmare over here.

What is the city thinking when bringing this forward? Is there not some compassion and thought for those of us that have called this area home for most of our lives...and invested in our homes?
Please provide me with the rationale of this, along with the environmental impact and traffic study that was done.

Certainly, this was not given the thought that was needed, nor were those that currently live in the area cared for in this decision.

With this, I respectfully ask that this project is not approved.

Kind regards,
Diana Varnum
From: JCook
To: Deanna Zanoni; Sheikhali, Monet; City Clerk; CityCouncilListPublic Cc: Deborah Meekins; abazia; Sheikhali, Monet; CityCouncilListPublic; Rich Abazia; Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; [email protected]; [email protected]; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; Gene Zingarelli Subject: [EXTERNAL] Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 9:06:49 PM
I agree a 2-4 story building doesn’t belong in this area, maybe 20 apartments but no more, an EIR is needed. I can’t even imagine a building as high as the Old AT &T down town in that area. It is poor planning and not in line with the area and other buildings.

Email: [email protected].

You can include your opposition in this email as I included the project planner Monet Sheikhali, all city council members and city planning emails in this email.

Thank you everyone for keeping our area/ neighborhood a desirable area. Please make your voice be heard.

Imagine a 4 story building and what that will do to properly value, traffic, and our quiet neighborhood.

Guadalupe
Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone
On Sep 28, 2021, at 2:09 PM, Deanna Zanoni > wrote:

Sent from my iPad
On Sep 28, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Deborah Meekins
wrote:

Thank you for the details Rich! Very helpful.

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 28, 2021, at 12:48 PM, abazia
:

Hello Neighbors: As you may have known the neighborhood meeting is scheduled for September 29th (tomorrow) at 5 pm. You can access the meeting here:
www.srcity.org/developments look for Lago Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as submitted. I feel it is too big for the parcel,
generates a lot more traffic and creates a
vehicular safety situation by putting more traffic on Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls for 30 units (with use permit) or commercial/office (CO) l space. Applicant wants 50 residential units!
2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a priority development area”.

The site is adjacent to a low density residential area.

Council should look at higher density projects downtown. 3: Use Permit. a “major conditions” use permit is required to change the use to multifamily within a CO zoning district! 4: Building height. The project has 4-3 story buildings. There is nothing 3 stories within miles. This would be one of tallest buildings in Bennett Valley.
5: Variances.

Applicant is requesting variances to the rear
and side yard setbacks reduced from 15 feet to 8 feet.

Basically the buildings would almost be at the sidewalks. 6: Parking. Applicant is requesting a waiver of the parking guidelines to reduce the required parking from 105 to 63 stalls. This is a no go for me. If there are 50 units and say 4 people to a household. That’s 200 people. Out of those 200

people I am guessing there will be 100 cars. 63 spaces is not adequate. The Parking will spill out on surface streets. i.e. our and surrounding neighborhoods.
7: Access. Vehicular traffic (ingress/egress) is proposed on Hoen Avenue. We all know both Hoen and Summerfield are
real busy roads especially during the school year. The traffic is plentiful and fast. I don’t see how this is going to work in such close proximity to the traffic light a Hoen and
Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the City Council (copied on this email as well as the Planner) take a hard look at this project and get it down to a more reasonable size.

Richard Abazia

From: JCook [mailto:j
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 11:19 AM
To: Rich Abazia
Cc: Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave
Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; DEBBIE MEEKINS; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina
Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; ; John Poremba;
Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; DEANNA ZANONI; Gene Zingarelli; abazia
Subject: Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of
Summerfield and Hoen

50 units will put 100 or more cars on our road. It’s too many for the lot which includes parking. Where will cars egress and ingress? Hoen? Summerfield? Driveway too close to
signal light. Environmental Impact Report/ study is needed and we should request one. Maybe it’s time to move?
Quality of life going downhill in our area.

Units should be 10-15 and no more in my opinion.

Glad to see that the corner of Hoen and Summerfield a
deterrent has been put in the middle of the intersection to to the sideshow/donuts.

From: Jeffrey Sargent
To: Rich Abazia
Cc: Teresa Moore; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; BOB ROTTMAYER; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Carolyn Patrick; Colleen Murray; D. K. Riley; DAWN MAWHINNEY; Dave Giannetto; David Torre; Deanna Zanoni; Deborah Meekins; Dee & Gary Bondi; Delores Flinn; Elaine Kast; Gene Zingarelli; Gina Melton; JCook; Jamie Melton; Jim & Leslie Badiner; John Poremba; Judy Miller; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; Keith Boxerman; Kirk Mancini; Lori G; Lynnda Barthlome; Marsha Boxerman; Nancy Ferrick; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; ROBERTO CATANIA; Ralph Belton; Ray Tovar; Reed Ferrick; Robert & Margaret Turley; Robert Owen; Robyn Mancini; Sheila Wolski; Rich Abazia; [email protected]; City Clerk; CityCouncilListPublic; Sheikhali, Monet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 3:18:59 PM
Thanks Rich for all your du-diligence on this matter. Linda and I think it’s too large of a project as it stands. The traffic situation is already an issue at certain times of the day. The parking is only going to overflow into all the existing neighborhoods and create possible problems. It’s clear that the property must have this amount units in order to support it’s cost of doing business , tax base and property mortgage, building fees etc., and developer would be making money on it down the road. More units more money... If it were smaller the developer wouldn’t be able to make ends meat, probably, we aren’t in favor of it.

On Sep 29, 2021, at 2:24 PM, Rich Abazia wrote:

That’s kind of how I feel. 3 Stories, 50 units and not enough parking is too big.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email:
[email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

From: Teresa Moore

Subject: Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts

I don’t oppose an apartment building but I do oppose how big this one is! The space is too small for 50 units. I also think 2 stories would fit better with the structures already there.

On Wed, Sep 29, 2021 at 1:15 PM Rich Abazia wrote:

Just to be clear. This project calls for 4 buildings of 3 stories each.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email:
[email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

From: Lori G <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 9:57 AM

Subject: Re: Important- Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts

One of the reasons the meeting was postponed until today was that the neighborhood was to be notified in writing by mail. We didn't receive anything....did anyone else?

Fyi - The Assessor Use Code for the property zoning is Commercial Land.

I will tell you that the owner of the property is Janver Holly, who owns a large family owned and run construction company, Holly & Associates. Janver Holly has over 30

years of construction experience in building in Sonoma County including handling the mitigation of the Windsor building defects back in the 1990's (where I believe he made his fortune). I heard via the grapevine that his nephew is taking the lead on this Summerfield project.

On Tue, Sep 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM JCook > wrote:

buildings.

We need to email and put it in writing otherwise the council and city planning committee will ignore that anything was opposed. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

We definitely need to attend in full force and let the city know we oppose anything higher than a one story in that area and request an EIR study.

Email:
[email protected].

You can include your opposition in this email as I included the project planner Monet Sheikhali, all city council members and city planning emails in this email.

Thank you everyone for keeping our area/ neighborhood a desirable area. Please make your voice be heard.

Imagine a 4 story building and what that will do to properly value, traffic, and our quiet neighborhood.

Guadalupe

Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Sep 28, 2021, at 2:09 PM, Deanna Zanoni
wrote:

care how much water they use. And the parking is always a problem, plus the traffic. I will shut up I am so upset. But there minds aren’t made up! Just like with the SAY. I went to all the meetings and it was a waste of time. The paid people to come in and only called on them. They weren’t even from here. Hope to see most of you tomorrow night!
DeannaZanoni

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 28, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Deborah Meekins
> wrote:

Thank you for the details Rich! Very helpful.

Debbie
Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 28, 2021, at 12:48 PM, abazia
> wrote:

Hello Neighbors: As you may have known
the neighborhood meeting is scheduled
for September 29th (tomorrow) at 5 pm.

You can access the meeting here:
www.srcity.org/developments look for
Lago Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as submitted.

I feel it is too big for the parcel, generates
a lot more traffic and creates a vehicular
safety situation by putting more traffic on
Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls for
30 units (with use permit) or
commercial/office (CO) l space. Applicant
wants 50 residential units!
2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a
priority development area”.

The site is
adjacent to a low density residential area.

Council should look at higher density

projects downtown.
3: Use Permit. a “major conditions” use
permit is required to change the use to
multifamily within a CO zoning district!
4: Building height. The project has 4-3
story buildings. There is nothing 3 stories
within miles. This would be one of tallest
buildings in Bennett Valley.
5: Variances.

Applicant is requesting
variances to the rear and side yard
setbacks reduced from 15 feet to 8 feet.

Basically the buildings would almost be at
the sidewalks.

6: Parking. Applicant is requesting a waiver
of the parking guidelines to reduce the
required parking from 105 to 63 stalls.

This is a no go for me. If there are 50 units
and say 4 people to a household. That’s
200 people. Out of those 200 people I am
guessing there will be 100 cars. 63 spaces
is not adequate. The
Parking will spill
out on surface streets. i.e. our and
surrounding neighborhoods.

7: Access. Vehicular traffic (ingress/egress)
is proposed on Hoen Avenue. We all know
both Hoen and Summerfield are real busy
roads especially during the school year.

The traffic is plentiful and fast. I don’t see
how this is going to work in such close
proximity to the traffic light a Hoen and
Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the City
Council (copied on this email as well as the
Planner) take a hard look at this project
and get it down to a more reasonable size.

Richard Abazia

From: JCook [mailto:j
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 11:19
AM

From: Santa Rosa Building Dept
To: Planning Shared
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Fw: Proposed Apt at Hoen and Summerfield Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 9:28:25 AM

From: jcwinns <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 6:46 AM
To: Santa Rosa Building Dept <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fw: Proposed Apt at Hoen and Summerfield

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 6:42 AM, jcwinns wrote:

The apt layout shown on the public notice board at Hoen Ave and Summerfield road shows a proposed three story approximately 50 unit apt plan. I live off of Stonehedge drive to the east. I find this proposal potentially very intrusive due to the excessive three story height and increased traffic demand. Commuting while school is in session is very bad every morning and afternoon. I can imagine that the impact from the new residential area will make this even worse. Currently I often wait through multiple light cycles at Yulupa. I often take Fountain Grove parkway to avoid the delays if heading north or Bennett Valley Road if going west.

I know many neighbors that do the same.

So maybe after a traffic study you can determine maybe half the units ok? Or perhaps put a road through in the old state right of way that runs parallel.

So there really is no good solution for increased traffic in this area other than making significant improvements which should be completed before any new capacity demands.

Thank you for your time.

Jim Cook
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

September 13, 2021
To: Monet Sheikhali
From: Jack Walton
1826 Arroyo Sierra Circle
RE: Lago Fresca Apartments

VISUAL IMPACT
As proposed this project requires the following six “adjustments” to existing zoning:

1. A major conditional use permit to change the site use to multiple-family within a CO zoning district.

2. Reduce the front yard set-back off of Hoen from 15 feet to 8 feet.

3. Reduce front yard set-back off of Sommerfield from 15 feet to 8 feet.

4. Reduce rear yard set-back from 15 feet to 11 feet 6 inches.

5. Reduce the required number of parking stalls from 105 to 63.

6. A variance from City standard for off street frontage improvements.

The proposed 3 story apartment complex is a departure from structures in the immediate area, which consist of mainly one-story medical office buildings and two-story residences. And, as proposed, will present a significant visual impact to this area.

In exchange for the requested 6 “adjustments” in zoning, the applicant proposes 6 affordable units, which I suspect the City Planning Department would require anyhow. So, what is the applicant offering in return for the changes in zoning? Nothing! Here’s a suggestion – reduce the height of two units on Hoen from three to two stories. This would not only reduce the visual impact of this project but also partially deal with the short fall in parking spaces.

PARKING
Table 3 in the W-Trans traffic report summarizes the required parking for this 50-unit project. A simplified version of this table is below.

SOURCE PARKING SPACES
City Zoning 107
W-Trans 64
Developer Proposed 63

Presumably the City Zoning requirement is based on local experience, while the W-Trans and Developer estimates are based on “legislative recommendations”. So, what has the City’s experience been with these legislative recommendations? Do they realistically reflect the actual results with recent projects in Santa Rosa? In some locals, under estimating the parking requirements may not be critical as adjacent street parking – not desired- can make up the difference. But on this site adjacent on-street parking is non-existent, so it’s critical that the proposed parking actually meets the demand.

The W-Trans report states: THE PROPOSED ON-SITE PARKING WOULD BE INADEQUATE, and on that statement alone the project needs to be scaled back.

From:

To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Project Concerns
Date: Sunday, September 5, 2021 7:21:51 PM
Greetings Monet,

As neighbors of the proposed project at 4730 Hoen Avenue we have many concerns regarding this project.

I would have joined the Zoom meeting however the meeting is scheduled for Yom Kippur Eve, the holiest day of rest on the Jewish calendar.

Since we’ve moved in to our center we have had to deal with abandoned vehicles, dumping at our garbage container area, noise issues, loitering, garbage left, trespassing and stolen property.

While these issues happen in many areas, I am certain that this type of large influx of tenants will exacerbate these issues tremendously.

Regardless of how the developers have presented their paring plan, it is impossible that there will be sufficient parking onsite to prevent vehicles parking at neighboring lots and on the street including abandoned vehicles.

How has the developer addressed security concerns with so many people proposed to move in to this small area? How will they address dumping at neighboring facilities which is inevitable when you have so many tenants in this small area? Who will take responsibility for any unwarranted behavior at this location?
We are a community center and we appreciate growth in the neighborhood and we appreciate additional affordable housing options but this project is a monstrosity for this site and will do great harm to a neighborhood that works hard to keep a safe and clean environment for one and all.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky
Joseph Weingarten Chabad Jewish Center
2461 Summerfield Road S. Rosa, CA 95405
707.577.0277 www.JewishSonoma.com

From: Kashy Ghazzagh
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] 4730 Hoen Ave
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 5:39:20 PM
Hi Monet-
With all
Due respect, I have worked for 3 construction companies in my past life and even know the builder (Holly & Associates who is the owner of this tentative project) who is owner and builder of this project… so, I fully understand the process. But my questions are absolutely related to early stages of design development..

For example, I find the parking issue to be poorly planned. To think that 50 dwellings with only 63 parking spaces is sufficient is a recipe for parking disaster!!!! I’m not sure what math was used to arrive at 63 being sufficient… but that doesn’t even give each dwelling 1.5 cars per!!! And that assumes they will never have visitors..

I am absolutely worried about parking, the turn into their driveway just before mine, the impact this project will have to my tenants businesses and much more.

Thanks
Kashy
> On Sep 15, 2021, at 5:29 PM, Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Kashy,
>
> Please keep in mind that at this time, this item is not a formal development application. This meeting is just a Neighborhood meeting to provide the opportunity for early input by affected neighbors. Today’s neighborhood meeting is postponed to September 29th and we will mail out postcard notices this Friday. We want to make sure every neighbor within 600 feet from the project site receive a postcard notice. > If/when the formal application is received, staff will consider your comments while conducting our review. > And here is the link to get email notification:
https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/CASANTA/subscriber/new?topic_id=CASANTA_136 >
> Let me know if you have any questions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Monet Sheikhali | City Planner
> Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 > Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] >
>
> Counter Hours
> Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
> Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (No new permits are accepted after 3:30 p.m.) > Friday: 8 a.m. to noon (No new permits are accepted after 11:00 a.m.) >
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kashy Ghazzagh
> Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 5:08 PM
> To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>

> Cc: Kashy Ghazzagh <
> Subject: [EXTERNAL] 4730 Hoen Ave
>
> Hello Monet-
> I planned my whole day around this hearing only to see that it is rescheduled for 9/29!!! Super frustrating to be honest!
>
> I am the owner of 4750 Hoen Ave. & this project encapsulates my property on two sides….It is VITAL that I’m involved, made aware and informed of any future changes to this hearing or any other future hearings. Is it possible for you to keep me informed?
>
> Had I not driven past this project to see the sign, I would not have even known there was a hearing (which is now moved without my knowing) If I sound frustrated, it’s because I am. I apologize for that. >
> I have lots of very important questions about this project. I would appreciate being in the loop with any hearings about this project.
>
> May I ask what made this meeting postponed?
>
> Thank you in advance
>
> Kashy Ghazzagh
> Two Quarry LLC
> 707-738-7714

From: Marsha Boxerman
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apts/ New proposed apartment building on Summerfield Rd.

Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021 5:14:20 PM
To Whom it may Concern:

I am a city of Santa Rosa resident & I have lived on Devonshire Place for 27 yrs. We are across the street from the proposed apartment complex on Summerfield Road & Hoen Ave.

I believe that this project is not suited for this area for several reasons. It is too large(50 units 4 stories high) & will not be condusive to the existing neighborhood, which is residential homes. Traffic problems at the major intersection of Hoen & Summerfield will escalate & cause even more issues with safety. Several schools are nearby which is cause for concern at high traffic times of the day. This will only make things worse. It’s already a mess & adding more housing & cars is a recipe for disaster!!
I support more affordable housing in Santa Rosa but this project is totally out of line w/ the existing neighborhood.

This is clear to a vast majority of the neighborhood. In addition an EIR needs to be administered.

It is my recommendation that you take this & other neighbors’ feedback & revise your project to a smaller more acceptable plan that is in everyone’s best self-interest. Something that is aligned to our neighborhood & not a 4- story behemoth apartment complex that will be an eyesore; rather a much scaled down plan that would be a welcoming sight for both old & new residents who live in our neighborhood.

Sincerely,
Marsha Boxerman
Sent from my iPhone
From: FRED BLATT
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Cc: MICKEY BLATT
Subject: [EXTERNAL] LAGO FRESCA APARTMENTS
Date: Friday, September 3, 2021 10:22:52 AM
Dear Ms. Monet Sheikhali,
My name is MichaelAnn Blatt & I live behind Santa Rosa
Rehab on Sierra Creek Circle. My late husband & I
bought our home on Sierra Creek Circle in 1991 & have
lived here ever since.

I've seen a lot of changes in our
neighborhood in the last 30 years, some good & some
we/I'm not in favor of.

This newest project: LAGO FRES APARTMENT I'm
totally
NOT in favor of & I listed my reasons below:
1 - We DON'T have enough water for the City of Santa
Rosa now, &
adding this complex will not help our Water Issues
2 - All the added traffic it will add to Hoen Ave &
Summerfield Rd
intersection. It's busy all the time as it is, day & or night.
3 - Leaving my house certain time of the day & I drive down Sierra Creek
Lane to make a Left or Right turn to get on to Hoen
Ave I sometimes
have to wait for 25-30 cars to pass, before I make
either turn. As
some people still use Hoen Ave to get to Hwy 12 or
US 101 instead
of using Hwy 12 to Farmers Lane to get to Hwy 12 or
US 101. 8am to
10am, 11am to 1pm & 3pm to 6-7 pm, 5 & 6 days a
week.
4 - Impatient drivers have been known to use the "Left Hand Turn Lane"
as a Passing Lane, I've seen this often. This has
happened since the
City changed the street from 4 lanes to 2, with the
passing lane & the bike lanes on each side. When it was 4 lanes could could wait up to
15-20 minutes to get onto Hoen Ave.

If these 50 units go in you are adding 50-60+ more cars & with only 63 parking units where are the other cars
going to park?
The city has NO PARKING on
Summerfield Rd. Most people have at least 2 cars & if
their kids each have a car then we'll have more cars &
traffic. I live in a PUD, Sierra Creek Villages, &
I don't
want them parking in our complex, as it is we have
people from the Santa Rosa Rehab parking in our
complex.

I say "NO, NO, NO to the LAGO FRESCA
APARTMENTS ON 4730 Hoen Ave.

It's bad enough to have to deal with the Side Shows that have turned up on Summerfield Rd & Hoen Ave.

Thank you
MichaelAnn Blatt

From: Ralph Belton
To: Sheikhali, Monet; CityCouncilListPublic
Cc: Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; DEBBIE MEEKINS; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; [email protected]; [email protected]; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; DEANNA ZANONI; Gene Zingarelli; GUADALUPE COOK Subject: [EXTERNAL]
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2021 4:09:51 PM
Hello Neighbors,
As you may know the neighborhood “meeting” was an informal Zoom meeting at 5-6 pm yesterday, 09/29/2021. You can access the reviewed material on the city Planning site www.srcity.org/developments (look for Lago Fresca Apts) There are no official notes since it was an informal meeting only.

I am also opposed to this project as proposed. It is too dense for the parcel’ with 50+ units, generates too much traffic on Hoen, and does not provide enough onsite parking. The traffic from Largo Fresca will create an unsafe vehicular situation on Hoen (crossing an unsignaled intersection to turn left), or dump traffic turning right onto Hoen, in a short (80’?) lane leading to confusion at Summerfield.

The parcel is “NOT within a priority development area” such as downtown and transit corridors.

This site is adjacent to a mix of low-density residential area.

The council should look at higher density projects downtown.

Moving forward we should extend the invitations for review to an area larger than 600 feet from the edge of the property. Especially because of the traffic mitigation requirements due to the convoluted entry/exit configuration on Hoen. ut to 900 feet?

1. General Plan. Predominant zoning in this area is R-1-6, which is Medium Density Residential of 18-30 units per acre. The general plan calls for Commercial Office development, with residential allowable with a Conditional Use Permit. This process requires a high-level review, likely with Zoning Board or City Hall review. The applicants are pushing for the highest Residential density.

2. Conditional Use Permit is a “major conditions” use permit required to change the use to multifamily within a CO zoning district! The proposed Design seeks this without a review process in place. Seeking the highest allowable density of 30 units per acre, and additional low- income units.

3. Building Height, The project has 4-3 story buildings. There is nothing

From: abazia
To: Sheikhali, Monet; CityCouncilListPublic; "Rich Abazia" Cc: "Lori G"; "Jim & Leslie Badiner"; "PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME"; "Lynnda Barthlome"; "Dee & Gary Bondi"; "Marsha Boxerman"; "Keith Boxerman"; "Ralph Belton"; "Carolyn Patrick"; "Nancy Ferrick"; "Reed Ferrick"; "BARRY & LESLEY FIELD"; "Delores Flinn"; "Dave Giannetto"; "CARLENE GIANNETTO"; "Candice Goshgarian"; "Elaine Kast"; "Robyn Mancini"; "Kirk Mancini"; "DAWN MAWHINNEY"; "KEVIN MAWHINEEY"; "DEBBIE MEEKINS"; "ROBERTO CATANIA"; "Gina Melton"; "Jamie Melton"; "Teresa Moore"; "Colleen Murray"; "Robert Owen"; [email protected]; [email protected]; "John Poremba"; "Judy Miller"; "D. K. Riley"; "Ray Tovar"; "AMY ROCKLEWITZ"; "BOB ROTTMAYER"; "Jeff Sargent"; "David Torre"; "Robert & Margaret Turley"; "DEANNA ZANONI"; "Gene Zingarelli"; "GUADALUPE COOK"
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen Lago Fresca Apts Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 12:48:19 PM
Hello Neighbors: As you may have known the neighborhood meeting is scheduled for September 29th (tomorrow) at 5 pm. You can access the meeting here: www.srcity.org/developments look for Lago Fresca Apts.

I am opposed to this project as submitted. I feel it is too big for the parcel, generates a lot more traffic and creates a vehicular safety situation by putting more traffic on Hoen Ave at the corner traffic light.

1: General Plan. The general plan calls for 30 units (with use permit) or commercial/office (CO) l space. Applicant wants 50 residential units!
2: Area. The parcel is “NOT within a priority development area”.

The site is adjacent to a low density
residential area. Council should look at higher density projects downtown. 3: Use Permit. a “major conditions” use permit is required to change the use to multifamily within a CO zoning district!
4: Building height. The project has 4-3 story buildings. There is nothing 3 stories within miles. This would be one of tallest buildings in Bennett Valley.
5: Variances.

That’s 200 people. Out of those 200 people I am guessing there will be 100 cars. 63 spaces is not adequate. The
Parking will spill out on surface streets. i.e. our and surrounding neighborhoods. 7: Access. Vehicular traffic (ingress/egress) is proposed on Hoen Avenue. We all know both Hoen and Summerfield are real busy roads especially during the school year. The traffic is plentiful and fast. I don’t see how this is going to work in such close proximity to the traffic light a Hoen and Summerfield.

I hope you all join me in having the City Council (copied on this email as well as the Planner) take a hard look at this project and get it down to a more reasonable size.

Richard Abazia

From: JCook [mailto:j

Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 11:19 AM
To: Rich Abazia
Cc: Lori G; Jim & Leslie Badiner; PAUL & LYNNDA BARTHLOME; Lynnda Barthlome; Dee & Gary Bondi; Marsha Boxerman; Keith Boxerman; Ralph Belton; Carolyn Patrick; Nancy Ferrick; Reed Ferrick; BARRY & LESLEY FIELD; Delores Flinn; Dave Giannetto; CARLENE GIANNETTO; Candice Goshgarian; Elaine Kast; Robyn Mancini; Kirk Mancini; DAWN MAWHINNEY; KEVIN MAWHINEEY; DEBBIE MEEKINS; ROBERTO CATANIA; Gina Melton; Jamie Melton; Teresa Moore; Colleen Murray; Robert Owen; [email protected]; [email protected]; John Poremba; Judy Miller; D. K. Riley; Ray Tovar; AMY ROCKLEWITZ; BOB ROTTMAYER; Jeff Sargent; David Torre; Robert & Margaret Turley; DEANNA ZANONI; Gene Zingarelli; abazia
Subject: Re: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen

50 units will put 100 or more cars on our road. It’s too many for the lot which includes parking.

Where will cars egress and ingress? Hoen? Summerfield? Driveway too close to signal light.

Environmental Impact Report/ study is needed and we should request one. Maybe it’s time to move? Quality of life going downhill in our area.

Units should be 10-15 and no more in my opinion.

Glad to see that the corner of Hoen and Summerfield a deterrent has been put in the middle of the intersection to to the sideshow/donuts.

Sent from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Sep 9, 2021, at 10:05 AM, Rich Abazia <[email protected]> wrote:

For more information and a look at the plans go to: www.srcity.org/developments “Lago Fresca Apartments”.

Richard Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email: [email protected]

NMLS# 205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

From: Lori G
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 9:43 AM
To:

Subject: Fwd: proposed 50 unit apartment corner of Summerfield and Hoen

There is a proposal for 50 units on the corner of Summerfield and Hoen Avenue. There is a sign on the property. I have attached pictures of the sign. There is a Zoom meeting on September 15
th at or after 5pm.
www.zoom.us/join Meeting number 896 9964 3435. Also toll free 877-853-5257 same meeting number.

I don’t have the neighborhood email list set up. Is it possible for you to send it to our neighbors? Thanks and we are off to Kauai. Aloha.

Richard and Evalena Abazia

From: Mahre, Kali
To: Planning Shared
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apts proposed
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:40:21 AM
FYI. Please see email below.

If a response is generated, please cc myself and Shannon Wesley from the CMO.

Thank you,
Kali Mahre | Administrative Secretary
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Tel. (707) 543-3226 | [email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: Wesley, Shannon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:05 AM
To: Mahre, Kali <[email protected]>
Cc: Lienau, Serena <[email protected]>; Hartman, Clare <[email protected]> Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apts proposed
FYI - see citizen email below. If a response is generated, please cc me for logging. If this should be forwarded to another staff person, please let me know.

Thank you!
Shannon Wesley | Senior Administrative Assistant City Manager’s Office |100 Santa Rosa Avenue| Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Tel. (707) 543-3011 | Fax (707) 543-3030 |[email protected] City of Santa Rosa records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions apply, emails sent to City staff or Council members, any attachments, and any replies, are subject to disclosure upon request, and neither the sender nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rich Abazia <
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 10:30 AM
To: _CityCouncilListPublic <[email protected]>
Cc: Richard Abazia < >
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apts proposed
I am against this project as submitted. 3 story structure is way too high in this part of town. There is nothing this tall within miles. Also I am not in favor the variance for front and side setbacks, increased traffic, and decreased
parking. Generally too many units, not enough parking , increased traffic on an already busy intersection and too high. Please scale this project down. There are better sites downtown that can handle this increased density.

Richard Abazia
Sent from my iPad

From: Ron Bendorff
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Cc: Tricia Consani
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Apartment Complex at 2445 Summerfield Road (Lago Fresca Apartments) Date: Friday, October 1, 2021 9:47:11 AM
I was unable to attend the 9/29 neighborhood meeting but would like to submit the following initial comments on this proposal. As a retired City Planner I see a number of problems with the proposal which should be addressed:

1. The overall density of the complex is not stated, but it appears to be too dense for this limited site, particularly considering it is an office/commercial site. Will a rezoning be required, and if so, how will such spot zoning be rationalized?

2. There is only one access point shown, which would create a bottleneck and not allow for an adequate traffic flow. It also would impede emergency vehicle access to the site. This is unacceptable.

3. Only 63 parking spaces are proposed for 50 units, which is woefully inadequate and would require a variance. How would this variance be supported by the required findings? I don't see how the findings could be satisfied for the project as proposed.

4. The three story configuration is not in scale with anything in the neighborhood and would stick out like a sore thumb. The barracks-like design appears very unattractive.

5. The site currently has a number of mature trees, some of which may be heritage oaks. A proper site plan would respect any significant trees and work them into the project.

6. There are adjacent parking areas but the proposal ignores them and provides no connectivity between the properties. This runs counter to good planning, which should always attempt to maximize appropriate access.

In short, the project appears poorly designed and not in scale with its surroundings.

Additional housing is needed, but not at the density proposed on such a challenging property.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment and I intend to provide additional comments if this project should progress through the approval process.

Ron Bendorff
Santa Rosa, CA 95405

From: sandra Ryan
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Project
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 3:45:17 PM
I have a couple comments regarding this proposed project that I would like to share.

First, I live on Arroyo Sierra Circle and have to access Hoen Avenue to go anywhere.

Sometimes I wait for many minutes before I can even enter the center lane, and then I must wait a good while again to get in the West bound lane.

This does not feel particularly
safe because visibility to enter Hoen is already difficult and is especially true during anytime of the day after 8:15 a.m.

Many commuters use Hoen Avenue instead
of Highway 12 because of the Hwy. 12 congestion for people who live East of Farmers Lane.

Hoen Avenue has become an alternate for Highway 12 travelers and is already very congested.

Also, the thought of having three story buildings in a small space with limited parking for the residents who will live there is another problem. This is a neighborhood of single family homes for the most part that are usually one story homes.

Four three story
apartments really seems like overkill. I know the Supervisors are more interested in taxes than quality of life, but I think this is a project that needs to be smaller in scope.

Sandra Ryan
From: Sandy Conner
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:41:38 PM
Hello Monet,
The biggest issue I see for the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments, is the potential impact it will have on traffic on Hoen. The other is street parking. The proposed project calls for only 63 parking stalls. If each unit 1,2, or 3 bedrooms has one or two vehicles plus visitor parking it will overflow to the street which is already congested with vehicles. Another issue is the three to four stories. This project would be a misfit in Bennett Valley area. That entire are only has two story buildings.

Hoen is a dangerous street. There is at least one traffic accident a week. Hoen is treated as an extension of Hiway 12 but it's also residential. There actually should be speed bumps because people travel at a high rate of speed. We live in Sierra Creek Village behind Santa Rosa Acute.

The entrance out is right next to the Acute center. Turning left in the morning takes at least 5 minutes or more. In the evening, turning right into our entry way off of Hoen, as we slow down, cars drive around into the middle lane.

There are over 6 schools in that area. Traffic in the morning is a constant flow. Hoen from Summerfield to Yulupa can take three times for the light to change.

Please, please find another area for Lago Fresca Apartments.

Appreciate your time.

Thanks,
Sandy Conner

From: Vicki Jump
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to development at 4730 Hoen Ave into apartment complex Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 11:15:13 AM
Good Morning Ms. Sheikhali:

I wish to voice my opposition to the development of an apartment complex at 4730 Hoen Ave.

This area already has multiple apartment complexes (two on the corner of Hoen and Yulupa), many have vacancies. Hoen Avenue, Yulupa Avenue and Summerfield Road are already nightmares during commute hours and when schools start and end for the day. Traffic backs up from Yulupa to Summerfield down Hoen several times a day as well as in the opposite direction.

All of these streets already have as much traffic as they can handle. This project will create a very dangerous situation during an evacuation. It is nearly impossible to exit side streets, driveways and businesses in this area as it is, this project will make it impossible.

Santa Rosa does not need anymore apartments, it needs affordable single family homes in decent neighborhoods, not ruining decent neighborhoods with multifamily housing bringing down the value of the two or three decent areas that are left.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Vicki
(Please do not print my name/address.email publicly)
From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: "Annette Romios"
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Inquiring about project at Hoen and summerfiled Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 2:16:00 PM
Annette,
The current project is submitted for Concept Design Review scheduled for March 3, 2022, at 4:30 pm. No decision will be made on that day.

The project has not been formally submitted yet to the City. Once the formal application has been submitted to the City, a notice of application will be sent out to properties within 1,000 feet from the project site. The review time for a project like this might take 6 to 9 months, and then it will be scheduled for two public hearing meetings, Planning Commission and Design Review Board. Typical construction hours are limited to 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays. The construction noise is a temporary impact; therefore, it is not something that the City would mitigate.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(No new permits are accepted after 3:30 p.m.)
Friday: 8 a.m. to noon (No new permits are accepted after 11:00 a.m.) -----Original Message-----
From: Annette Romios
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2022 3:30 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Inquiring about project at Hoen and summerfiled Hi Monet,
We were in contact a few months ago about the project on Hoen and summerfield. It looks like a new sign is up. I’m curious if this means the architect has submitted plans? What stage is this project in. I’m very concerned about how this construction will affect my business right next door.

Thank you,
Annette
Annette Romios, L.Ac
4730 Hoen Ave, Ste A
Santa Rosa, Ca., 95405
(707) 303-7200
www.acupuncturemama.com

From: Carolyn Chapo
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2445 Summerfield Ave. Project-ZOOM MEETING TODAY Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 2:25:42 PM
Dear Ms. Sheikhali,

I understand that there is a Zoom meeting today regarding the above mentioned project. I am unable to attend, but would like to voice my concerns. I am not opposed to development, as I was an avid supporter of the SAY site adjacent to this project. The city has made many road changes over the years which basically narrows EVERY arterial road in Bennett Valley.

Here are my concerns:

1. Density: There are too many units for the parking indicated. These projects have to get more realistic. I understand that the government authorities want more units built, however the impact on existing residents and traffic has become horrific.

It is unrealistic to assume that
65 spaces would suffice for 50 units, some of which are 2,3, and 4 bedroom units.

Therefore, parking will spill over everywhere! In
addition, the congestion at that intersection is already dangerous and a project of this size would only exacerbate the problem.

2. Ingress and egress: These projects are frequently designed with limited ingress and egress to give the appearance of less congestion. The bottom line is that it is dangerous in an area that is so congested and in recent years suffers from nearby fires and forced power outages.

Granted this usually occurs on the other side of Summerfield, but again this is a safety and congestion.

3. Services: The internet is this town is already awful so further development without improvement will just stress all of the other networks.

Current residents will most likely be subject to increased water conservation because this state and county cannot seem to figure out the water situation.

This project, therefore, should have a water
recapture element so that there is not further stress for our area.

Sonoma county is on repeat, conserve, meet the goals and then have your rates increased.

From:

To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2445 Summerfield
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 6:40:04 PM
Hello,
Being that the traffic report was done in Nov. 2021, It doesn't address the summer parking issue with the parks.

Thank you,
Carolyn Palmer

From:

To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2445 Summer developement
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 6:26:01 PM
Hello,
With all of the variances and exceptions being ask for and the Design Review board stating it is the state that approves the variances. Who do we contact at the state level regarding the issues?
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Palmer

From: Nicholson, Amy
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Cc: Montoya, Michelle
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Friday, March 4, 2022 8:36:46 AM
FYI.

From: Chad Dienhart
Sent: Friday, March 4, 2022 8:35 AM
To: _DRB - Design Review Board <[email protected]>; Montoya, Michelle <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments

Dear Design Review Board Members,

First,
thank you for your time and service on the Design Review Board and thank you for opening the public comment section up a second time. I have a few additional comments and due to connectivity issues I'm not sure if everything I said was heard.

My
main concern is the limited parking being provided for the new development and the impact that will have on the surrounding neighbors. In the meeting the project developer stated they cited studies showing that 65 parking spots is enough for 50 units. I would like details of where the study was conducted because having lived in Santa Rosa for over 20 years I don't believe those numbers hold true local parking needs.

In
addition to the inadequate number of parking spaces, 11 of the 65 parking spaces are tandem garage spaces leaving effectively 54 daily parking spaces. While a tandem garage shows two spaces on paper in reality only one is used as parking. That is not to say the space is unused; it makes a great workshop, home gym, or storage area.

Also
in the meeting the comment was made that there are three bus stops within a quarter mile of the proposed development; it should be noted that they are all on a single bus line, Santa Rosa City Bus Line 8 with service to Montgomery village and Yulupa shopping centers.

Here
are my thoughts on how this site might accommodate adequate parking.

Can
they get an easement to access the parking spaces directly to the west of the proposed project? This could add parking after business hours when residents need it and also ease some of the

ingress/egress concerns.

Why stop at three stories high? Maybe they should go higher and provide enough parking. Sonoma County needs more housing and we can't keep expanding out, so you must go upward.

Thank
you again for your time and service on the board,

Chad
Dienhart
From: Sheikhali, Monet
To:

Subject: Monet Sheikhali Summerfield Rd. Project
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 9:05:00 AM
Attachments: To Monet Sheikkhail.docx
Good morning, Gene,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your comments regarding the Lago Fresca project.

I will include your comments in the project file (public record); I've given a copy to the applicant; and a copy will be provided to the Design Review Board.

Have a great day,

From: Gene Zingarelli < >
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 3:20 PM
To: Planning Shared <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Monet Sherkhail Sumerfield Rd. Project

Pleas see the attached Word letter to you. And let me know that you got it.

Thank you, Gene Zingarelli

To Monet Sheikkhail

I am writing about the possible housing project at 2445 Summerfield Road.

This is too big of a housing project for the size of the space. I have read the information on the sign and seen the deceptive photo. Three stories are too high and too much for the space. Possibly two stories would work better.

That many 1,2, 3 and 4-bedroom buildings will result in too many people and too many cars for the space. The result would be cars parking on Summerfield Road, which has recently been cut to 2 from 4 lanes to make room for bike lanes and not car parking.

Also, the residents’ cars will be parked in the medical facilities parking areas on two sides of the project and in the spaces for parking for the Advocates for Youth staff. Residents will also park across Hoen Ave. in the patient parking area for medical services.

This project will also require digging out fifty trees which help purify the air in the area. The project has no plan to plant any trees to compensate.

This project must not be approved as is.

Thank you for your work.

Gene Zingarelli
, about 1/3 miles from the project.

Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lago Fresca Apts. corner of Summerfield and Hoen Z Meeting changed to March 3rd at 4:30pm

Hello City Planner Sheikhali and City Council members,
I hope this email finds you well. It seems that there are still concerns that need to be taken into consideration before final Lago Fresca apartments plans are approved. Has the EIR requested been completed? Have the safety concerns been addressed from the surrounding neighborhood about accidents on Summerfield and Hoen due to overload of traffic added from the apartments, unhealthy living concerns about condensed housing by the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments. It seems the plans are moving forward without surround neighbors concerns and input. In my opinion the process has not been transparent and safety concerns continue to mount about the proposal which seems has not been investigated or followed through to ensure appropriate living conditions instead of the profit that will be made by the builder. This proposal packs too many small apartment units in one location. It’s like packing sardines in a can, that’s not healthy living, the square footage is too small for a family and a 4-5 story building doesn’t belong in the area or appropriate for the surrounding buildings in the area. Santa Rosa is not a big city and tall 4-5 story buildings belong downtown not at the outskirts of town and especially not in an already busy thoroughfare street.

The planning department and city council really need to take a deep look at what is being considered here and please give residents in Santa Rosa a healthy comfortable place to live, safe place to live, and stop the overcrowding, reconsider the project to 2 stories and larger square footage per apartments unit. It’s not all about profit and never to late to do the right thing. My ask is for this to be a win-win for the city and neighborhood by considering larger units, less units in this small area and 2 stories to match the surrounding height of other buildings in the area, please reconsider the proposal?

Guadalupe
Summerfield/Hoen
neighborhood

Sent
from Guadalupe’s iPhone

On Feb 19, 2022, at 8:23 AM, abazia <[email protected]> wrote:

The meeting will be on Thursday, March 3rd at 4:30. Can you correct that?

Thanks,

Monet Sheikhali |
City Planner
Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa,

From: Kashy Ghazzagh
To: Sprinkle, Rob
Cc: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments (Summerfield Rd and Hoen Ave.)/ File number PRAP21-030 Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 11:35:44 AM
Hello Rob-
I have significant safety and traffic concerns about this project that has been presented twice now, last time on the Design Review Board.

I’m reaching out to see if you or anyone from the city has reviewed this ridiculously designed project with 50 apartments, many of which have 2 or 3 or even 4 bedrooms, with only 65 parking spots, inadequate egress and ingress design and adjacent to the driveway of 4750 Hoen Ave. which I own. We are already fearful of turning into my property’s driveway which will be not far from the proposed driveway of this insane project.

Also, the developer and design team can not be living in reality as to how unsafe it is to utilize street parking in this congested and heavily trafficked area. I can assure you that this will be one of the biggest traffic and parking issues in the east side of Santa Rosa if anything remotely close to what has been proposed gets approved under the cover of AB2345 law.

I would like to know if anyone from the city has examined this project in detail.

Thank you
Kashy Ghazzagh

From: Kashy Ghazzagh
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments/ Concept Design Review Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 10:20:20 AM
Hello Monet-
I wanted to email you with some comments and thoughts on this project prior to today’s meeting.

This project is nothing short of a land grab. The developer simply is putting the burden of parking for this proposed project onto the neighboring properties. I have spoken to many of the neighbors in the area and no one can wrap their head around the idea of cramming 50 units of apartments, which vast majority will be 2 or 3 or 4 bedroom units with almost half the city’s parking requirements. It is clear to me that Mr. Holly is not a charity of any sorts. His clear intention is to maximize his ROI in this project. His pure intention is to put as much rentable, revenue generating units on this small parcel without providing adequate and
functional parking.

This attempt, or proposed project will adversely impact my property’s value and functionality. The highly flawed design will impact all nearby businesses in a very negative way.

It is super clear to me that Mr. Holly is allocating 6 low income units (which I question who polices that and how that is monitored) to create a loophole and take maximum advantage of the Density Bonus Law in regarding to parking.

I have obtained and studied a shiny traffic and parking report dated in August of 2021 and created by W Trans. This study was commissioned and paid for by Mr. Holly which I obtained from the architect firm proposing this apartment complex. Clearly this study is highly bias. There needs to be peer review by a non bias firm to look at this from the angle of functionality and not finding loopholes.

First of all, W-Tran’s study of surface parking is a joke! Not only the study is flawed and inaccurate, it was created at a time when many offices were closed and/or vacant due to Covid. Second, many of the medical buildings near the SAY center and south of this project on Hoen Ave. have been vacant for a long time.

Some are up for lease and some are up of sale. What happens when those folks come back to these offices??? Where are they going to park?
Second, to suggest that residents of this proposed complex would park on the north side of Hoen Ave. and safely walk 100+ yards to the nearest cross walk to walk another 100 yards to reach their unit is detached from reality. These folks will park and jaywalk. This is a huge safety concern.

Simply put, this project will have a huge negative implication on my property and many others nearby due to the lack of parking at this proposed complex. This will adversely impact my tenants, businesses, their employees and customers. Mr. Holly has indicated that they will have rules for the tenants in regards to parking. I would argue that A-Their visitors could care less about your rules and will park where it will be convenient for them. B-Rules get ignored daily in our society! How on earth are you going to approve a 50 unit
complex with about 100 bedrooms and not have
visitor parking???????? Has anyone heard of Uber, DoorDash, Dominos Pizza? Where are they going to park? This is pure insanity!! What if someone had a birthday party? Are we assuming no one at this complex will evert have friends and family over or entertain??? Here is my stance on this project:

I will fight this project 100% the way it is proposed until the parking issues is resolved. I don’t think anyone is against a mindful project that works for community and would not adversely impact others in the area.

This proposed project is not at all mindful of neighboring property, parking and traffic. It is also a major safety concern and frankly a liability issue for the City of Santa Rosa.

AB2345 which is what Mr. Holly is attempting to use to cram as much rentable units in this small area with highly reduced parking does have a stipulation which is being ignored:

Projects satisfying the requirements of the Density Bonus Law are entitled to one or more development incentives or concessions that will result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to provide for affordable housing costs, so long as the incentive or concession will not have specific unmitigable adverse impacts upon public health and safety, the physical environment or on historic properties, and the incentive or concession is not contrary to state or federal law. The local approving government has the burden of proof in defending the denial of a requested concession or incentive.

I hope the city of Santa Rosa will take careful consideration of neighboring properties that will be adversely impacted by this proposed project. If the city moves to approve this proposed project, I would like to know what the city is planing to do to address all the future parking issues that will arise from this flawed concept. I can confidently say that I have the support of many other property owners in the area.

Thank you
Kashy Ghazzagh
From: Kashy Ghazzagh
To: Weigl, Drew
Cc: Sheikhali, Monet; Nicholson, Amy
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2022 6:44:39 PM
Hi Drew-
As I mentioned that was what I sent to Monet earlier today.

I want to make sure your last dialogue with Amy was clear. This project will adversely impact my building, all the medical buildings to its south and west. It is the city’s responsibility to protect the existing building and businesses and to deny this insane project! This is within the state law.

Thanks
Kashy
On Mar 3, 2022, at 6:20 PM, Weigl, Drew <[email protected]> wrote:

Kashy-
I would encourage you to write an e-mail to Planner Sheikhali before our next DRB meeting with all of your concerns. The Board will then have time to review your concerns. Thanks.

Drew Weigl, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Chair
Design Review Board
City of Santa Rosa
[email protected]
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 3, 2022, at 5:56 PM, Kashy Ghazzagh
> wrote:

Hi Drew-
The preliminary parking and traffic study was done before the bike lane changes, and during Covid when many were not were working remotely. I would also add that the medical buildings on Hoen where they claim there are lots of parking spaces have been up for sale, lease or vacant. This will not remain that way for ever! 3 minutes is not fair or enough to talk about all the concerns..

It will be the city’s responsibility to protect existing structures, parking lots and businesses.

Here is what I sent to the planner earlier today:

Projects satisfying the requirements of the Density
Bonus Law are entitled to one or more
development incentives or concessions that will
result in identifiable and actual cost reductions to
provide for affordable housing costs, so long
as the incentive or
concession will not have
specific unmitigable adverse
impacts upon public health
and safety, the physical
environment or on historic
properties, and the incentive or concession
is not contrary to state or federal law. The local
approving government has the
burden of proof in defending the
denial of a requested concession or
incentive.

Thank you
Kashy Ghazzagh

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Kathleen Meadows
Cc: Murray, Susie
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Project
Date: Monday, March 14, 2022 5:30:00 PM
Kathleen,

Thank
you for taking time to write a very clear email stating your objections to the project. I have included a copy of this email in the public record and will provide a copy to the decision makers before any action is taken.

Please
note for future reference the project is assigned to Susie Murray, Senior Planner, copied on this email.

Counter Hours
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday:
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (No new permits are accepted after 3:30 p.m.) Friday: 8 a.m. to noon (No new permits are accepted after 11:00 a.m.)

From:

Kathleen Meadows
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 2:08 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresco Project

Project: Lago Fresca Apartments

Design Review Project Planner,

I’m writing to convey my opinion of the extremely poor idea of putting a 3 story apartment building with setback variances at the corner of Hoen and Summerfield. I strongly advise against this project and consider it terrible planning for residential housing in our city.

The proposed height of these buildings are 3 times the height of any building in the area.

The proposed 65 parking spaces is clearly inadequate for a potential apartment population of possible excess of 200 residents. Overflow parking will be 84

spots on Hoen street parking running into current residential street parking that is already being used now.

The standard setbacks for this area are 15 feet. This project is requesting a 9 ft offset from sidewalk bringing the 3 story building directly up close to the sidewalk and street in a way that is completely incongruous with the current neighborhood.

The traffic congestion on Hoen now, which is one lane each way, is often backed up from near Summerfield to the Yulupa light heading west now without this proposed additional traffic of
this high density project. Without widening
Hoen, which is needed even before this project is considered, the traffic congestion will be much worse than it is now.

I live in the Sierra Creek Village behind the Santa Rosa Acute Care facility adjacent to the Sutter Health center.

As it is now, often trying to enter on to
Hoen from our neighborhood is difficult with the heavy traffic on Hoen in both directions.

This area is so far from the city center, freeway and SMART train that putting an apartment project of this concentration will add to the city’s woes of congestion, auto dependency and parking in an area of town that is already traffic stressed.

Approval by the City of Santa Rosa for this project would be irresponsible without reducing the height of the buildings, providing more parking within the project boundaries, requiring the standard setbacks and expanding Hoen lanes to 2 each way. I strongly object to the details of this project.

Thank you,

Kathleen Meadows
Santa Rosa, 95405

From: Lauren Fuhry
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2445 SUMMERFIELD RD
Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 10:15:27 AM
Good morning,
I'm a home owner who lives in the neighborhood and I would like to voice my strong support for this project. Santa Rosa desperately needs more affordable housing and I'm excited to see this project for 50 units in my neighborhood. I strongly support granting the waivers requested in order to make the project feasible.

Thank you,
Lauren Fuhry

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: Nathan Clark
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca
Date: Monday, March 14, 2022 5:25:00 PM
Nathan,

Thank
you for your comments. I have included a copy in the public record and will provide a copy to decision makers before action is taken.

Counter Hours
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday:
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (No new permits are accepted after 3:30 p.m.) Friday: 8 a.m. to noon (No new permits are accepted after 11:00 a.m.)

From:

Nathan Clark
Sent: Sunday, March 6, 2022 4:29 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca

Monet,

Ill
start off by saying this is an absolutely horrible idea and design. You are taking one of Santa Rosa's gems and making it make crowded. Where are there any 3 story buildings in Bennett Valley? This will make an already crowded area even worse especially in a busy intersection. This will not only impact traffic, especially since Summerfield is now one lane, but also decrease the property value of the residents in near by single family homes who have saved their entire lives to live here and raise a family.

No one wants another apartment complex and this will be a giant eye sore in a beautiful area. The amount of parking spots is an absolute joke. 50 units and 65 spots? Are you serious?? Most people have multiple cars so that will only impact the neighboring single family residents. I am outraged at this ridiculous project proposal. The size of the complex, lack of parking, traffic impact, home vale decrease and height of the building is unbelievable. What other projects have you done? This seems like a very poor planned idea with no concern of the impact to the people that call home here and have for many years.

Nathan
Clark

From: Ralph Belton
To: CMOffice; DRB - Design Review Board
Cc: PLANCOM - Planning Commission; Sheikhali, Monet
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Monday, March 7, 2022 7:06:53 PM
CM Smith, welcome to Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, we wish you the best and hope your tenure here is long and mutually productive. I support Rich’s comments on both the design and the process. The comments made in the Zoom meeting were the same ones made in an earlier “preview” meeting. There were more than a dozen attendees from the neighborhood, including businesses and residents. There was a consensus that the mass (height) of the buildings are out of keeping for this side of the city, that the on-site parking count is two low for the predicted population count, and that the single access to the site from Hoen is awkward and dangerous.

The process so far has left the neiborhood doubtful that these issues are even recognized much less mitigated in the project design. No one has taken into count the ability for public safety (fire, EMT, and Police) as well as USPS/delivery trucks to maneuver.

As we all grow more comfortable being comfortable with public meeting it would be better to present options for the design that can be discussed and commented on. From the Preview to the community and the DRB there were no changes made to mitigate the comments in the first meeting, much less a summary of those comments
We look forward to working with City Planning in the future. And hope that we are not presented with the current version as a fait accomplis.

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 7, 2022, at 9:16 AM, abazia wrote:

Dear City Manager: I live in the neighborhood and I oppose the project as submitted. I was on the Zoom meeting of March 5, 2022 with the Design Review Board regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments at the corner of Summerfield Road and Hoen Avenue. The DRB heard near unanimous neighborhood concerns about the density of the project, height of the structures, lack of parking and traffic concerns. I am also concerned about these items
Also concerning is the lack of transparency in this
process. The DRB and the city planner failed to address the fact that the applicants architect is also is a member of the DRB. No statement was made by the DRB that the DRB member/architect recused himself from discussions and the decision making
process. When I brought this to the DRB’s attention I was met with a deafening silence.

kind of discussions are going on now with the planning commission who will be reviewing this proposed project in the next step. The neighborhood deserves transparency at all levels. At the very least, this non-disclosure is a huge oversight. At worst it may be a violation of sorts.

Thank you for your time and for looking into this matter.

Richard Abazia

From: Montoya, Michelle
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Cc: Nicholson, Amy
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments
Date: Friday, March 4, 2022 8:46:26 AM
FYI.

From: Rich Abazia
Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 4:18 PM
To: _DRB - Design Review Board <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments

I am opposed to the project as submitted. The applicant is asking for a lot of concessions. Requested are reduced setbacks, density bonus, major conditional use permit.

I am only aware of one 3 story building on the eastside, Shadow Creek Apartments which are out of view and set way off Montgomery Drive. Nothing else on the east side.

Project exceeds max use. Seems like 36 units are more appropriate. There is not enough parking for the requested amount of units.

Too big, too high and will increase traffic and parking woes considerably.

I
live near the proposed development. I am not opposed to building on the parcels, it just needs to be toned down.

Thank
you.

Richard
Abazia
Cypress Financial Mortgage
PO Box 9418
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 544-6200 phone
(707) 481-6845 mobile
(707) 595-4714 fax
Email: [email protected]

NMLS#
205998
CA DRE# 00886043
Corp NMLS# 309569
Corp CA DRE# 01220904

Over the course of the transaction, I may send you emails containing requests for information.

WIRE FRAUD IS ON THE RISE. If you receive wire transfer information from our office via email, it is very important that you call to confirm the account

From: abazia
To: Weigl, Drew
Cc: Nicholson, Amy; Sheikhali, Monet; CMOffice
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 6:48:40 AM
Dear Mr. Weigl: Thank you for the reply and the link to the meeting recording. The video stands for itself. I stand corrected. Thanks.

Richard Abazia

From: Weigl, Drew [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 9:32 PM
To: abazia
Cc: Nicholson, Amy; Sheikhali, Monet; CMOffice
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca Apartments

Mr. Abazia-
I stated during the meeting (https://youtu.be/WLr52aUo8pM?t=6746) that if Mr. Hedgpeth had been in attendance at the March 3rd DRB meeting, he would have to recuse himself from the proceedings. I also noted that he was not in attendance at the meeting due to a personal illness. We did in fact directly address your concern and question about board member recusals.

Regarding your other questions, the DRB only meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, as scheduled and noticed by the City. We do not meet at any other time. We also do not discuss project items that are not on the Agenda. All of our meetings are public and are posted on the city’s website. Minutes and video recordings are also posted from these meetings on the city’s website.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the appropriate city staff members who might be able to answer your questions in more depth.

Thank you for your participation in the DRB meeting the other night. I know many of the comments from the Board were direct results of the public comments we heard about the project.

Drew Weigl, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Chair
Design Review Board
City of Santa Rosa
[email protected]

Sent from my iPad

On Mar 7, 2022, at 9:17 AM, wrote:

So I am wondering how we can have an open discussion of this when there is no transparency. Has the DRB already made its decision prior to the meeting? Was the member/architect currently or previously involved in discussions with board members regarding this project? Is the DRB going to release minutes of any meetings they may have had with the subject member regarding this project? One must now wonder what kind of discussions are going on now with the planning commission who will be reviewing this proposed project in the next step. The neighborhood deserves transparency at all levels. At the very least, this non-disclosure is a huge oversight.

At
worst it may be a violation of sorts.

Thank you for your time and for looking into this matter.

Richard Abazia

From: Robin Swinth
To: Sheikhali, Monet
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] request for more trees at Lago Fresca Apartments Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022 9:35:06 PM
Dear Design Review Board –
Thank you for your volunteer work on behalf of our community.

I am writing with regard to the Lago Fresca Apartment Complex near Summerfield and Hoen.

Santa Rosa needs more housing, and it is good to see taller buildings with higher density so that we make better use of land resources.

The development, however, has way too much hard building surface meeting hard paving surface without landscaping to soften the stark visual impact.

People will be living here, and they deserve to have trees and greenery around them. Many of us will be driving by every day, and we deserve to see buildings with substantial landscaping to soften up the hard edges.

Please request many more trees adjacent to all edges of all four of the buildings.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Robin Swinth

From: J D
To: Sheikhali, Monet; MacDonald, Dianna; Rogers, Natalie; Alvarez, Eddie; Fleming, Victoria; Okrepkie, Jeff; Banuelos, Caroline
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartment complex
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 5:12:37 PM
Hello,
I have reviewed your website concerning the proposed project and I must express my disagreement with your conclusion that increasing congestion in this area will not hinder traffic or an evacuation event. Our residence is located on Sumner Lane, and we have experienced two evacuations. Similar to all neighborhoods adjacent to Summerfield, our street is bordered by the park, leaving us with no alternative exit other than Summerfield. During the first evacuation, it took us over an hour to push our way from our street into the gridlock of vehicles that were stationary on Summerfield due to the overwhelming number of individuals attempting to leave simultaneously.

Upon the initial evacuation, we turned left on Summerfield towards Hoen. However, just as we reached Hoen and believed we were on our way to safety, we were halted by law enforcement as vans and ambulances were in the process of evacuating nursing home residents. This caused a backup of vehicles in both directions at the intersection of Hoen and Summerfield, precisely where you intend to introduce 50 additional units.

The second evacuation also took us 50 minutes to get onto Summerfield, but this time we had no option but to turn right as no one would allow us in. We were unable to move even slightly as vehicles were disregarding red lights, obstructing intersections, all the way to Montecito Ave. It was a frightening and chaotic experience.

This entire region is now classified as a high fire risk by Santa Rosa, and as a result, we lost our home insurance without ever having submitted a claim in 35 years. I find it perplexing that the parcel in question is not deemed high risk like our property, which is situated just beyond the 1000-foot boundary indicated on your website map.

There are hundreds of homes along all the streets that border Annadel park with no exit other than Summerfield.

Additionally, there are a multitude of apartment complexes throughout Bennett Valley; on our street, Sumner, along Summerfield, Sonoma, Montgomery, Hoen, Yulupa, Bethards and Mission, so we are already experiencing immense congestion no matter which direction we choose to travel.

I kindly urge you to reassess the decision to increase the number of residents in this area, under the assumption that a safe evacuation can be achieved through the activation of green lights to guide residents to safety. This expectation is unrealistic, as human behavior tends to lead to panic and disorder during emergencies, which we have personally experienced.

Sincerely,
Jodi Duckett
From: Laurie Finkelstein
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 8:29 AM
To: _CityCouncilListPublic <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Lago Fresca
Hello Council Members and Project Supervisor Sheikhali:

I am writing in regard to the proposed plans for Lago Fresca Apartments that will add 50-units and significantly impact the existing neighborhood and traffic patterns. I live off Summerfield Rd near the Hoen Ave intersection.

As proposed, this project will add 100-150 more cars to the traffic in the area, as well as need for additional parking spaces. Only 50 parking spaces are allotted in the existing plans and that is not nearly enough for how many cars there will be. Also there has not been a recent traffic study and that intersection currently gets backed up all the way from Yulupa Ave during periods of high traffic in mornings and late afternoons.

This is an ill-conceived plan at best and disaster in the making, especially if evacuation is needed.

This project is also located very close to Trione-Anadel State Park wildland urban interface.

I know because I live in it, and any fire in this area will not recognize any mapped borders. That fact has not been considered with actual risk swept under the rug by declaring the project itself is “ not mapped as Moderate, High or Very High."

Please consider further review including wildland fire evacuation and traffic study before allowing this project to move forward. Housing is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed but not by cramming more units into an area with traffic that is already at its limit with many apartment buildings on both Hoen Ave and Summertield.

Thank you,
Laurie Finkelstein
Sent from my iPhone
lauriebethart.com

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To:

Cc: CMOffice; Guasco, Cher; Osburn, Gabe; Jones, Jessica Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments Project
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 12:55:00 PM
Hello Linda,

Thank you for your email regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project.

This message confirms that the City has received your email. Your comments and concerns, along with other comments, will be included in the project package provided to the City Council for review.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns and comments on the impacts of traffic, parking, and wildfire risk related to this proposal.

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269
| [email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: Linda Wallace
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 2:38 PM
To: _CityCouncilListPublic <[email protected]>; Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; MacDonald, Dianna <[email protected]>; Rogers, Natalie <[email protected]>; Alvarez, Eddie <[email protected]>; Fleming, Victoria <[email protected]>; Okrepkie, Jeff <[email protected]>; Banuelos, Caroline <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments Project

Hello Council Members and Project Supervisor Sheikhali:

I am writing in regard to the proposed plans for Lago Fresca Apartments that will add 50-units

and significantly impact the existing neighborhood and traffic patterns. I live at 4848 Parktrail Dr which is off Summerfield Rd near the Hoen Ave intersection. As proposed, this project will add 100-150 more cars to the traffic in the area, as well as need for additional parking spaces.

Only 50 parking spaces are allotted in the existing plans and that is not nearly enough for how many cars there will be. Also there has not been a recent traffic study and that intersection currently gets backed up all the way from Yulupa Ave during periods of high traffic in mornings and late afternoons. This is an ill-conceived plan at best and disaster in the making, especially if evacuation is needed.

This project is also located very close to Trione-Anadel State Park wildland urban interface which is very high wildfire risk. I know because I live in it, and any fire in this area will not recognize any mapped borders. That fact has not been considered with actual risk swept under the rug by declaring the project itself is "not mapped as Moderate, High or Very High." Please consider further review including wildland fire evacuation and traffic study before allowing this project to move forward. Housing is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed but not by cramming more units into an area with traffic that is already at its limit with many apartment buildings on both Hoen Ave and Summerfield Rd.

Thank you for your consideration.

Linda Wallace

From: Sheikhali, Monet
To: nferrick (null)
Cc: Guasco, Cher; CMOffice; Osburn, Gabe; Jones, Jessica Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments Project Concerns Date: Monday, February 9, 2026 10:21:00 AM
Good morning, Ms. and Mr. Ferrick,

Thank you for your email regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments project and for sharing your concerns regarding evacuation and traffic conditions on Hoen Ave and Summerfield Rd. This email is to confirm that the City has received your email. Your email will be included in the project folder along with other emails we have received and will be provided to the Council for their review and consideration.

Regards,

Tel. (707) 543- 4698| Fax (707) 543-3269
| [email protected]

Learn more about the Online Permitting System here.
”

From: nferrick (null)
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 9:13 PM
To: Sheikhali, Monet <[email protected]>; _CityCouncilListPublic <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Lago Fresca Apartments Project Concerns

Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I am writing for a second time regarding the proposed Lago Fresca Apartments to reiterate my ongoing concerns about public safety, emergency access, pedestrian safety, and overall neighborhood compatibility given the current plan. As a resident and constituent, I am paying close attention to how these issues are evaluated and addressed as this project moves forward.

Even under California’s Density Bonus Law, the City retains the responsibility to consider real and practical safety impacts. In this case, I remain concerned about several unresolved issues, including:

Emergency access and evacuation flow
Parking spillover that could narrow streets during emergencies The project’s single access point onto an already congested Hoen Avenue The gap between traffic study assumptions and real daily conditions Lack of parking for all residents
My concerns are informed by direct experience. Our neighborhood has lived through wildfire evacuations, and clear, unobstructed routes are critical. During past evacuations, Hoen Avenue and Summerfield Road were backed up for blocks, creating significant delays and additional stress during an already dangerous situation. Traffic studies do not always capture how people actually evacuate, nor how curbside parking and congestion affect emergency response in real time.

In addition, Hoen Avenue has already experienced
one tragic pedestrian fatality of a
beloved teenager as well as other serious injuries. Increased vehicle traffic associated with this project could further exacerbate these risks. Pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly along already constrained and busy corridors, should be a central consideration in evaluating this proposal.

Beyond these specific safety issues, I respectfully ask the City to consider whether this is the right project as it is currently slated for our community and neighborhood. Project scale, access limitations, existing traffic conditions, and infrastructure constraints all factor into whether a development can be safely and responsibly integrated into its surroundings.

Given these realities, I respectfully request further safety review and careful consideration before moving forward. Ensuring safe evacuation routes, reliable emergency access, pedestrian safety, and appropriate neighborhood fit should remain top priorities for both current and future residents.

Thank you for your time and for your consideration of these concerns.

Sincerely,
Nancy and Reed Ferrick

Sent from my iPad

Santa Rosa City CouncilFebruary 24, 2026

Santa Rosa City Council
February 24, 2026