From: Pam Gentry
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 10:58 AM
To: City Council <citycouncil@ cityofsebastopol.gov>
Subject: Sebastopol Commons Proposal
Dear City Council:
I love the concept of a Sebastopol Commons that would include the Sebastopol Library, Senior Center, and City Hall as well as other organizations serving the community and related businesses. I attended the recent meeting at the O'Reilly complex and I feel the committee has done a lot of research before selecting this property as the most suited for this vision.
I have to admit that I did not totally understand the various financing structures detailed by Phill Carter, but I do feel strongly that, at a minimum, the City should commit to further investigation into the feasibility of a Sebastopol Commons. I believe it will be a huge boon and boost for our community, especially with our increasing numbers of seniors. I do not agree with some who say it would "turn us into another Rohnert Park." Our downtown will continue to thrive as there are so many wonderful shops and restaurants. Folks who come to visit Sebastopol don't come here to go to the Library, Senior Center or City Hall. They come for the sweetness of Downtown and Barlow shopping and dining.
Building the Sebastopol Commons at the O'Reilly property will allow residents to easily access many different services all in one place, with no parking issues! It is still within city limits and has free bus service. I don't understand why people are worried that it is "so far from downtown" - It is just a mile from the former Rite Aid property. It was also reported at the meeting that both the Senior Center and the Library serve many, many people from West County. It will be closer for them!
Please vote to, at least, conduct a feasibility study into the concept of a Sebastopol Commons at the O'Reilly property.
Sincerely,
Pamela Gentry