Community Corner

Cotati Roundabouts, SMART Station Stalled

Cities citing demise of redevelopment agencies for huge financial blows to economic development plans.

An ambitious and controversial plan to install two roundabouts on Old Redwood Highway that roiled residents for months may be halted as a result of the breakup of redevelopment agencies statewide, the Press Democrat is reporting.

The article stated that "the city had submitted to the state two projects — a $1.8 million traffic roundabout plan and a $1.9 million proposal to build a downtown train station, contending both are 'enforceable obligations,' meaning Cotati's defunct redevelopment agency had made financial commitments to them before it ceased to exist."

The city has set its sights on the two projects, calling for much-needed downtown revitalization.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cotati City Manager Dianne Thompson countered when she the state rejected the projects. According to the Press Democrat, "state officials reviewing thousands of such proposals from around California rejected Cotati's, saying contracts hadn't been signed for either project within the deadline set by state law."

Thompson said she's still working with the state on the projects.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you live in Cotati or nearby? What do you think of the SMART station plan and Old Red Highway revamp? Tell us in the comments or send an email to angela.hart@patch.com.

Related content:

  • 
  • 
  • 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here