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Sebastappeal by Sarah Glade Gurney - June 2018

June 4—More on the Local #24 - The Local Shuttle #24 will be free starting June 4, due to the unanimous vote of the City Council on May 15 to subsidize the yearly rider fare revenue.

Bryan Albee, from Sonoma County Transit, suggested that the City cover the fare part of the revenue so that the SEB Shuttle could be free. He presented his idea after two public forums, in January and February, a pubic survey in March, review of survey results in April, and the Council discussion in May.

Also, thanks to Bryan, Sebastopol will get the first electric bus in Sonoma County this summer or fall—a “dream come true!”

First, because our public spoke up. Riders and non-riders participated in two public forums and the on-line survey to state their preferences.

Second, SCT listened and responded with positive changes: longer hours, more stops, and subsidized fares.

Third, as SEB’s representative to the SoCo Transportation Authority and Regional Climate Protection Authority, I asked my colleagues to subsidize the Local Shuttle #24 AND the Council voted unanimously YES.

In-towners can hop on and off without worrying the fare. Out-of-towners can drive in to SEB, “park once and walk” to a nearby bus stop, travel on errands, and return to their parked car. It will be THAT easy on June 4.

June 5—More on Next Year’s Budget - The City Council will again consider the Draft FY 18-19 Budget.

On May 15, the Council made some initial changes. Council Member Glass’s request for $8,100 was granted to facilitate a Fall “Housing Fair” to inform private property owners about new ways to develop income producing smaller units: ADU’s and Junior ADU’s. Another $10,000 hired a consultant to write ballot measures for November 2018 to re-up SEB’s sales tax measure and to increase SEB’s transient occupancy tax by 2%. Then, as discussed above, the Council subsidized the local shuttle.

The Council will also consider a request from Mayor Patrick Slayter and myself to investigate the possibility of affordable housing on the City’s Burnett Street and Chamber parking lots, contiguous properties owned outright by the City. This timely issue considers the dramatic need for housing, as well as the November ballot’s Housing Bond Measure. With the City—rather than a private third party—owning the property, affordable housing could be more quickly accommodated.

This item recognizes the community interest in preserving the existing ground-floor parking by asking for a critical look at housing on and above the second floor.

The City is required by the Association of Bay Area Governments [ABAG] to build 156 housing units by 2023. Only 27 have been built so far; NONE of these qualifies as affordable. With 129 homes to go, what will SEB do? What might the City build along our main routes and near public transit in this Priority Development Areas, as encouraged by legislation and funding opportunities?

Come to the meeting and express your opinion about our required future build-out. Whom do you want to house and where?

June 6—More on Transportation - Residents, particularly pedestrians and area cyclists, will want to participate in the joint City-County meeting at Parkside Elementary School’s Multi-Purpose Room, starting at 5 PM, followed by the presentation at 6 PM, closing at 8 PM.

The City and County want to know what you think about walking and/or cycling on Bodega Avenue and Ragle Road. Would you like to safely walk or bike to schools, parks, local businesses, or other places in town? Are there locations where it’s difficult to cross the street? Are there connections you would like to make to existing routes? What ideas do you have for improvements?

Come speak! This is your opportunity to shape the joint grant application submitted to Caltrans for ATP funding[Active Transportation Program money].

June 7—More on our Honored Citizens -Join the Chamber of Commerce for itsCommunity Awards night, a heart-warming event, at 5 PM at the Center for the Arts. Come hear the heart-warming stories of community service!

Check The Community Calendar for Later Interesting Events.

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