The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition is officially fighting a plan to carve a new drive lane and parking lot into the pedestrian plaza at the Santa Rosa mall.
The Press Democrat reports coalition director Eris Weaver filed an appeal this week, arguing that adding car traffic to the B Street entrance is a “step backward” for a city trying to become more walkable and bike-friendly.
Critics, including the group Santa Rosa YIMBY, say the project feels like a “dagger in the heart” for downtown, claiming the city is prioritizing a new restaurant’s takeout business over public safety.
The appeal now forces the issue before the Design Review and Preservation Board, which must hold a public hearing on the project within the next 30 days.
