Westside housing project scaled back

A controversial luxury home development on a 59-acre parcel off D Street near Helen Putnam Park will be scaled back, according to a revised application received by the City of Petaluma in January.

The single-family residential development, at the corner of Windsor Drive and D Street, was originally proposed by Walnut Creek developer Davidon Homes in 2004 and called for 104 homes. Realizing environmental concerns might dictate fewer homes, Davidon initially altered the proposal down to 93 homes.

After proposing those numbers at an April 2013 city council meeting, Davidon and its consultants were encouraged by councilmembers to further decrease the total number of homes to 66 for the final environmental report.

Some council members and citizens called for the reduction to mitigate concerns over flooding, hillside protection, traffic, open space, noise control and the endangered California Red-legged Frog.

Davidon's revised application, submitted in January, states the new maximum number of homes will be 66, rather than 93.

One option, at 66 homes, would involve the relocation and rehabilitation of the historic red barn across the creek. A second option, including a total of 63 homes, would preserve the red barn and two related outbuildings.

Both options, which include approximately 35 acres of open space and a 300-foot urban separator, involve the addition of a neighborhood park, complete with a multi-use trail along Kelly Creek leading to nearby Helen Putnam Park.

A 47-space parking lot would also be constructed along D Street for trail and park patrons.

According to a public courtesy notice sent to nearby property owners, the city is not taking any action on the project at this time. Additional noticing will be mailed prior to any public hearing considering the application.

For more information on Davidon's revised application, contact Senior Planner Alicia Giudice at 778-4401 or agiudice@ci.petaluma.ca.us.

(Contact Allison Jarrell at allison.jarrell@arguscourier.com)