Walgreens project questioned

The Petaluma Health Care District's plans to build a Walgreens on its property along North McDowell Boulevard at Lynch Creek Way were stalled on Tuesday when the Planning Commission found several issues with the proposed project and general plan amendments.

The main concerns from the planning commissioners stemmed from a proposal to build a drive-thru pharmacy pick-up window at the planned Walgreens - something that is in direct opposition with the city's General Plan for development.

"I've never seen a drive-thru that's just a pick-up," said Planning Commissioner Melissa Abercrombie. "It's idling cars. I'd like to get a realistic picture of what the need is for that feature."

Ramona Faith, Petaluma Health Care District CEO, and Jim Stephens, who represents the developer, have both said that the proposed pharmacy feature is a pick-up window, not a full-fledged drive-thru where cars will not be idling for long periods of time. But City Attorney Eric Danly pointed out that the General Plan expressly prohibits new drive-thrus in town, specifically in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"This project would require a general plan amendment for the proposed drive-thru," he said.

The proposed 14,500-square foot Walgreens and adjoining 7,500 – square feet of commercial space would also require a second general plan amendment, changing the suggested use of the property from business park to mixed-use commercial - something that also didn't sit well with members of the commission.

"The rationale for changing the zoning from business park to mixed-use commercial is to foster and promote economic diversity, expand retail to meet residents' needs and keep development in line with Petaluma's character," said Planning Commissioner Bill Wolpert. "I find those arguments really weak on this project that sits between one existing shopping center and another that's about to be built."

The Planning Commission decided to postpone recommendations on the project until June 25, directing staff and the developer to provide them with more information on the need for a pickup window and other possible uses for the property.

(Contact Janelle Wetzstein at janelle.wetzstein@arguscourier.com)