From:
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2026 2:19 PM
To: City Council <citycouncil@cityo sebastopol.gov>
Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Grocery Outlet Store
Dear Members o the Planning Commission and City Council, We are writing to ormally express our strong opposition to the proposed Grocery Outlet store. While new business investments are generally welcome, this specific development does not serve the economic or social needs o our community or several key reasons:
• Market Saturation: Our area is already well-served by a diverse range o grocery options. Adding another supermarket does not fill an existing gap or improve accessibility or residents; it simply overcrowds a saturated market. • Zero Net Fiscal Benefit: Opening this store will not generate substantial new revenue or the city. Because the local grocery demand is fixed, the city’s overall sales tax and economic intake will remain largely unchanged. • Harm to Established Businesses: Instead o generating new wealth, this location will merely siphon revenue away rom the long-standing, independent, and neighborhood-staple grocery stores that have supported our community or years.
Endangering these established businesses threatens local jobs and community stability and has a general “un airness” towards good and proven community partners.
• Absence of Social Value: This project brings little to no tangible social benefit to the neighborhood. It does not address a " ood desert," nor does it oƯer unique community spaces or services that improve the quality o li e or nearby residents.
For these reasons, we urge the commission to deny the permits or this development and instead prioritize projects that bring genuine economic diversity and social value to our city.
Thank you and sincerely,
_____
GeoƯrey MacMillan & Doron Sharfman
Sebastopol CA 95472
m.