From: LoraAnn Meeks
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 12:55 PM
To: John Jay <[email protected]>; Victoria Henkel <[email protected]>; City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed Grocery Outlet
Dear Members of the Planning Commission and City Council,
I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Grocery Outlet project at the former Rite Aid site in downtown Sebastopol.
Although I currently live in Forestville, I have spent decades living, working, and shopping in Sebastopol and consider the community an important part of my life. As a local real estate professional serving Sebastopol, I regularly speak with people who are drawn to this area because of its unique character, walkable downtown, and strong network of independent businesses. These qualities distinguish Sebastopol from surrounding communities and contribute to its long-term vitality.
The General Plan adopted by the City reflects a vision for preserving that identity and protecting the economic vitality of existing businesses. The proposed Grocery Outlet would introduce another formula grocery store into a market already served by numerous grocery options. The question before the City is not whether grocery stores are needed, but whether this particular use aligns with the vision the community established through the General Plan.
A healthy downtown depends on a diverse mix of businesses that encourage people to walk between destinations, support neighboring merchants, and reinforce the distinctive character that residents and visitors value. As someone who works professionally in Sebastopol and sees firsthand what attracts people to the community, I believe preserving that character is essential to the City's long-term success.
I respectfully urge you to uphold the principles of the General Plan and deny the Conditional Use Permit application for the proposed Grocery Outlet.
Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
LoraAnn Meeks
Forestville, California