Asking more of big stores

Developers of big-box stores and other large businesses in Petaluma soon will have to disclose things like how their sales affect local merchants and whether employee wages would cover the cost of local housing.

Groundbreaking policy agreed to in principle Monday night by the City Council would require fiscal and economic impact reports in addition to environmental analyses and other studies for new projects larger than 25,000 square feet.

Supporters said it was the most aggressive policy of its kind in Sonoma County, protecting workers and small businesses, and vowed to use it as a model for other cities.

"We have to make cognizant decisions and informed decisions about the kinds of businesses we want to fill the holes," said Mayor Pam Torliatt before the council gave its unanimous support. "We should not just fill the holes."

The council is expected to make a formal vote July 7.

So-called community impact reports have been adopted elsewhere in the state in cities such as San Jose, San Diego, Ventura and Alameda County.

Marty Bennett, co-chairman of the Sonoma County Living Wage Coalition, said they are a valuable tool in assessing if projects offer employees decent pay and benefits and also disclose their effect on existing businesses and availability of housing.

The Petaluma report identifies 10 areas requiring analysis. The reviews would be paid for by developers and would be applied to all projects in the planning pipeline, including shopping centers planned for East Washington and North McDowell boulevards.

The results would be informational only, but the council could suggest changes to projects or reject them outright based on the information, Bennett said.

"Policymakers will receive complete and accurate information, allowing them to make better informed decisions about projects and to address broader concerns," Bennett said.

Bennett said adoption of the policy would lead to a domino effect in the county. He said Sebastopol and Cotati have expressed interest.

Many who spoke to the council Monday said it would allow Petaluma to control its destiny.

Some said they feared expected commercial development would dry up downtown business and change the face of the city.

Others warned there would be political repercussions for any who voted against it.

"You have the power to push for better projects," resident Dale Axelrod said. "This reports puts on the table what we can expect."

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 762-7297 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.