At the August 20 Sonoma City Council meeting, residents spoke out about a proposal to rezone parts of the historic Sebastiani Winery property from agriculture to a new “Sonoma mixed use” category. The 20-plus acre site, stretching along East Spain Street and Fourth Street East, is owned by Foley Family Wines, which purchased Sebastiani in 2008 and continues to operate the tasting room and vineyards there.
The change is part of the city’s ongoing General Plan 2045 update. Draft documents suggest the new designation could allow housing at densities of up to 25 units per acre. Supporters frame the change as a way to add homes and economic vitality. Opponents argue it would reduce scarce agricultural land and add pressure to already strained streets.
“A 33 percent reduction in the city’s agricultural land”…