Scott Ranch
A Regional Treasure
About the Property
The old Scott Ranch at the corner of D Street and Windsor Drive in Petaluma, heading out of town toward Point Reyes, provides a glimpse into the North Bay’s agricultural history. With its red dairy barns and beautiful vistas, this land is a natural treasure. Two branches of Kelly Creek flow through the property, and the area around the creek provides rare high-quality habitat for the imperiled California red-legged frog and other struggling native species.
Petalumans Working Together to Protect Scott Ranch
A Negotiated Agreement
After the Petaluma City Council rejected the EIR for the 66-home proposal in 2017, Davidon Homes entered into negotiations with the Kelly Creek Protection Project as a willing seller and buyer, respectively, to develop a path forward for the property that ensured its most sensitive areas would remain undeveloped. Through these negotiations, a Purchase and Sale Agreement was finalized that made it possible for the community to raise tax-deductible funds to purchase three-quarters of the property for half the price Davidon paid in 2003.
A Win-Win Outcome
Because $4.1 million was successfully raised by the September 1, 2018 deadline, Davidon has committed to build a revised project that is far superior to the prior project considered by the City Council in 2017. The new plan is only 28 homes rather than up to 66 homes, and these homes will be built on the property furthest from Kelly Creek to avoid most of the red-legged frog habitat. The final project’s low-profile design and setbacks from existing development will minimize impacts on neighbors, traffic, wildlife, and open space. It will also provide much-needed housing in the North Bay and – if this project is approved – Davidon will make significant payments to the City to support low-income housing and other services.
This solution was created without the need for any financial support from the City of Petaluma or its taxpayers. The 44-acre extension of Putnam Park will be transferred to and operated by Sonoma County Regional Parks for the benefit of the public. The purchase has been financed mainly by private philanthropic support from over 200 donors, and we have qualified for a million-dollar acquisition matching grant from the County’s Ag + Open Space District if we can close escrow by October 2021.
