Batch Plant Rejuvenation & Improvement
The proposed project will bring significant improvements to the former Batch Plant site, transforming it from an underutilized gravel lot into a key community asset. This renovation will address both parking needs and environmental enhancements, providing benefits for both hotel guests and Sebastopol residents.
Key Features of the Batch Plant Parking Improvement Plans:
Expanded Parking
The site will feature 232 new parking spaces, including 18 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and 32 bicycle parking spaces, providing essential parking for hotel guests, local businesses, and residents. This expansion will help alleviate parking constraints, improving accessibility to both The Barlow and downtown Sebastopol.
Laguna Promenade and Picnic Area
A landscaped promenade will connect the parking area to The Barlow and downtown Sebastopol, enhancing pedestrian access. The promenade will feature picnic areas with benches and trash receptacles, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings and engage in outdoor activities.
Public Overlook and Interpretive Signage
A public overlook along the Laguna de Santa Rosa will offer stunning views and feature interpretive signage to educate visitors about the local ecosystem, environmental improvements, and the area’s natural history.
Landscaping and Environmental Enhancements
The site will incorporate extensive landscaping with native plants and trees, along with a bioswale system to manage stormwater and enhance biodiversity. Generously sized planting areas will house native oak trees to ensure healthy growth and provide shade for the parking lot. These green initiatives will improve the environmental quality of the site and support the local ecosystem.
Bioswales and Stormwater Management
The Batch Plant Parking Area improvements will feature bioswales designed to manage stormwater runoff efficiently and facilitate percolation. These bioswales will serve a dual purpose by enhancing the site’s biodiversity and aesthetics. Landscaped with native Laguna-area plants, including both under-story and upper-story trees, they will promote local plant diversity, support ecological health, and contribute to the overall environmental quality of the site.
The Batch Plant Parking Improvement Plans will create a more functional, sustainable, and community-friendly space, contributing to Sebastopol’s growth and environmental stewardship.
