Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am a Sebastopol resident of 37 years and have a home daycare on Petaluma Ave. I am asking the City Council to oppose changing the existing zoning to accommodate commercial outdoor barbecue at this location and to resume enforcement of the existing zoning requirements.
The smoke from the barbecue has had a direct impact on my home daycare and my ability to use my property normally. Depending on the wind direction, there are times when we cannot comfortably open the windows or play outside because of the smoke and odor.
This is particularly concerning because I care for young children who spend a significant amount of time in my home and yard.
I also have asthma, and I have noticed that the smoke has affected my breathing and has required me to increase my use of my inhalers. I am concerned about the potential impact on the children in my care as well as other neighbors, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, older adults, and anyone who may be especially sensitive to smoke.
I believe the City’s existing zoning rules are important and that nearby residents and businesses should be able to rely on those rules when deciding where to live, work, and operate a business. If A&M BBQ is permitted to continue, I believe any approval should require demonstrated, objective evidence that smoke-control measures actually prevent the smoke from affecting surrounding properties—not simply that filtration equipment has been installed.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Megan Waterman