Based on the City’s improper handling of the December 3, 2018 hearing, the City Council must now rehear the project on Monday, January 28 at 6:45 PM. Please mark your calendars!

Following the December 3 City Council hearing, Safeway identified problems in how the City handled our project.  The transgressions centered around the open government and transparency law known as the Brown Act. We notified the City on January 2. On January 9 they responded that “in the spirit of transparency” the City Council would rehear the project on January 28.

Unfortunately, as many of you know, these lapses were not an isolated incident. They represent the latest in a remarkable series of improper delays and obstructions of the project. The list of incidents is well-known:

•   Attempting a city-wide gas station moratorium in 2014 aimed directly at Safeway;

•   Attempting to change the City’s development fee schedule to raise Safeway’s fees from $12,000 to $1,700,000; and

•   Demanding endless technical studies (16 and counting) despite (1) the project only being subject to Site Plan and Architectural Review, and (2) consistent, factual data substantiating that the project surpasses all thresholds for approval.

This behavior would be unacceptable for any project, let alone one that is a permitted use per the City zoning code. Meanwhile, other Petaluma gas stations have recently obtained remodel or redevelopment permits with little or no environmental review.

When we embarked on this road 7 years ago, we had no idea what lie ahead.  Safeway thanks you for your ongoing support of the project.  We know residents have busy lives and this project seems never-ending.  We also know that our opposition will drag the process out forever unless Safeway takes a stand. The City should be held accountable for its poor handling of our case and we look forward to doing so on January 28, 2019 and beyond, and to bringing Petaluma affordable gas in a convenient and nearby location.

Please attend this important public hearing! Stay informed on our Facebook Page - Petaluma Safeway Gas. 

Thank you!