From:
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 10:26 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; Victoria Henkel <[email protected]>; City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Proposed Grocery Outlet project
On Monday, June 22, 2026 at 10:15:13 AM PDT,
wrote:
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.
I live just outside the Sebastopol city limits near Fircrest Market and do much of my grocery shopping in Sebastopol. As someone who regularly visits downtown and supports local businesses, I have seen firsthand how much busier the area has become over the years. I am concerned that adding another grocery store to the downtown core would increase congestion and further strain an area that is already heavily traveled.
Residents and surrounding communities already have numerous grocery options available.
The question before the City is not whether grocery stores are needed, but whether this proposal aligns with the vision established in Sebastopol's General Plan. The General Plan was adopted to protect the economic vitality and character of the community, and I believe those principles should continue to guide land use decisions.
Personally, Grocery Outlet is not a store I would choose to shop at. I value the existing businesses that serve our community and contribute to the unique character that makes Sebastopol special.
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,
Sandra Ottsman