City Forum Set to Combat Commercial Vacancies

It's hardly news that Rohnert Park's commercial vacancies are at record highs. 

The numbers are conflicting. The Sonoma County Economic Development Board put vacant office space here at 43.4 percent, and empty industrial sapce at 11.6. That doesn't include the shuttered State Farm Insurance, however, or the new and 24-Hour Fitness that just moved in.

The city says commercial vacancies here are at 43 percent, and recent data from Cassidy Turley, a Northern California-based commercial real estate firm, put vacant office space here at roughly 32 percent, and industrial at seven percent as of the end of 2011.

The numbers paint a picture — and in Rohnert Park, the city acknowledges that it's not bright. That's what sparked an upcoming commercial real estate forum, aimed at attracting developers, investors and business owners to Sonoma County's third largest city.

"Topics of discussion will focus on how commercial property owners, realtors and city staff can work together to market properties and fill commercial vacancies," officials said.

The open discussion will present current and upcoming development projects in the city, offer details about the construction project approval and permitting processes, specialty fire permits and inspections, annual inspections, infrastructure fees, such as sewer and water, and the roles of public safety. 

In addition to developers and business owners, the public is encouraged to attend. City staff from planning, building, engineering, public works, public safety and economic development will be on hand.

"Participants will be encouraged to ask questions related to their interests and needs, and contribute to the discussion," said city officials.

The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. at City Hall.