Most people responding to this week’s online poll said that they did not agree with the nature of the recent settlement between the Petaluma Neighborhood Association and the developer of the Deer Creek Village shopping center, Merlone Geier Partners.
About 83 percent of those responding to the poll said they did not agree, while almost 17 percent said they did agree wih the settlement.
Here were some of the comments.
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“Call it extortion, shakedown, whatever — it is outrageous that this group is allowed to function as a junior grade Mafia. Kudos to Heritage Homes for refusing PNA’s money — Heritage Homes will get my contribution. Why not publish the names involved in PNA?”
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“Because the city did not stand up for the neighborhood that will be impacted by this development a group of local citizens took matters into their own hands and negotiated with the developer. I don’t see anything wrong with that. The developers make “deals” all the time to get what they want. I’m just amazed that the non-profit agency who complains they don’t have enough money then turns down $13,000 because they beleive the money was obtained in a tainted way. What backward thinking!”
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“Can anyone say IRS audit?”
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“I am delighted that casino the Deer Creek Village will be built, but this was plain old extortion, graft and self-interest.”
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“I don’t agree with this settlement for a second. This is just another payoff without the real issues being addressed. And my heartfelt compliments to Heritage Homes for refusing any money out of this mess.”
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“It’s just a sanitized version off the extortion done to the East Washington Target Center.”
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“I think it is just another PNA “highway robbery” minus the stagecoach. Why would any company want to come to this town in the future knowing that they might have to placate the whiners?”
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“I think such impact mitigation should be between city planners and the developer, with input from residents, businesses, and local groups. PNA seems like a bully organization trying to get a payoff for pet projects under the threat of legal battles.”
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“I wish to congratulate Heritage Homes of Petaluma for turning down the donation from Petaluma Neighborhood Association. I also agree with Mike Healy about the damage the pay off might do to the future businesses coming to Petaluma. We should all be proud of Heritage Homes of Petaluma. Thank you.”
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“Not very happy with this way of doing business. As for non-profits, a sizable amount of money should go to COTS, to help the homeless and hungry, and also improve the overall desirability of living in Petaluma.”
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“The PNA just stepped in and tried to undo a tiny bit of the everlasting damage that the city council did when it kowtowed to Merlone Geier. Kudos to Paul Francis: a brave fellow to take on these fools and try to get something for the community after (Mike) Healy and (Gabe) Kearney gave away the store.
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“While there are many in town that just want to see more shopping options available, good planning and patience in the process is better than rushing to build. Both centers are going to be built. You will all have your Target and Friedman’s. Good planning takes thought and care. Our council was too willing to cave to the loud voices of having it now and damn the results. PNA got in their and the developer’s faces and got more for the city. Bully for them!”
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