From:
To: "City of Sebastopol"; Mary Gourley; Erik Billing
Subject: Request to Add Palm Avenue (S. Main to Petaluma Ave) to Digouts & Repairs Draft List Date: Friday, January 16, 2026 8:39:16 AM
TO: Public Works Operations Supervisor / Acting Public Works Director Erik Billing, Interim City Manager Mary Gourley
Mayor Jill McLewis
Sebastopol City Council members.
I’m writing after reviewing the staff report and draft list of proposed street locations for the Digouts and Repairs Project (CIP #0520‑22.09) included in the January 20, 2026 City Council agenda.
While Palm Avenue appears on the project map, I noticed that the segment between South Main Street and Petaluma Avenue is not included on the draft list of repair locations. I want to highlight this omission because this portion of Palm Avenue is in significant disrepair and presents several safety and accessibility concerns:
Multiple potholes and rough pavement create hazardous conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
A section lacks any sidewalk, forcing pedestrians into the roadway.
The corridor serves as a primary connector to nearby medical offices, labs, and health‑related services, yet the current conditions make it impossible for wheelchair users or mobility‑impaired residents to travel safely.
It is a heavily used east–west cut‑through between South Main Street and Petaluma Avenue, increasing exposure to unsafe conditions.
This segment has been on informal repair lists for years, but no improvements have been implemented.
Palm Avenue also serves as a pathway to the Laguna, making safe access even more important for residents and visitors.
Given the project’s stated goals—addressing streets with repeated public complaints, improving safety, and supporting ADA‑compliant access—I respectfully request that this segment of Palm Avenue be added to the list for consideration in the final project scope.
Please let me know if additional information, photos, or site observations would be helpful.
I appreciate the work staff is doing to prioritize limited resources and ensure that the most critical locations are addressed.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Warm regards,
Evert Fernandez
Sebastopol Resident