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Statement of Identity | History |
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About FPA |
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Mission
The specific purpose of this corporation is to serve as a proactive planning committee; a conduit of information; and a voice of advocacy for the residents and businesses of the Forestville community. Vision The Forestville Planning Association (FPA) was formed at the close of the town meeting on September 14, 2002. We are volunteers who stepped forward to begin addressing both the current issues and the vision for Forestville as identified by her citizens. Please join us and contribute to the future of our community! We, the citizens of Forestville, California, have banded together to develop a consensus regarding the future of our community, and to articulate our vision of the future of our town. We are united on the principle that decisions affecting Forestville must be made with the full involvement of the community and with the consent of the citizens. Through an open, ongoing, inclusive process that includes town-wide meetings, small-group workshops, committees, and extensive public discussion, the Forestville Planning Association has facilitated the development of the following vision statement. The vision statement is meant to reflect the sentiments of the citizens of Forestville. The starting point in its preparation was a town meeting of 130 residents, who attended in response to extensive newspaper notices and flyers posted around town. During a four-hour collaborative meeting, views of all in attendance were solicited and recorded. Thereafter, numerous smaller meetings were held to draft this document and assure that it accurately describes the collective vision of those who live and/or work in Forestville. Four months after the September 2002 meeting the FPA’s volunteer committees translated those citizen comments into a comprehensive Vision Statement about the future of Forestville. Statement of Identity Forestville is a family-oriented, semi-rural small town. Economically and culturally diverse, our caring citizens value our natural environment, clean air and water and seeing the stars at night. We treasure our small town atmosphere, our Youth Park, the West County Trail, our excellent schools, and the small businesses that serve our community. Common among unincorporated towns, Forestville lacks, yet desires a plan for the future. Our goals are to create a more cohesive downtown that invites citizen interaction on a daily basis as well as a central plaza and community events. We hope to reduce traffic congestion and noise as well as make our town more pedestrian friendly and a safer and more enjoyable place to be for children and young people. As we move into the future we wish to maintain our small town atmosphere and sense of community while realistically facing the challenges of growth and change. Our common goal is to move forward with our environmental and social ideals shaping decisions well into the future of Forestville. Back to Top History FPA is now entering its third year of existence, having grown from a small group of residents concerned about Forestville’s future to a respected 501-c-3 grass roots organization. Dedication, countless hours, and diverse skills and talents have contributed to making FPA widely recognized as a proactive advocate for the community, a valuable source of information and a forum for exchange of diverse ideas and opinions. Synopsis June 2, 2002 16 residents agree to the need for a town council of elected representatives to serve as the official voice of the community for a proactive, positive influence on the town’s current and future growth. Sept 14 – First Town Meeting 130 residents gather for information about existing and pending plans for the town. Divided into smaller work groups to define an identity and a future image of the town. Formation of FPA and interim Board of Directors. Founder and Interim Board Chair: Joan Riback Oct. 5, 2002 First meeting of interim Board. 21 persons attend and form 3 committees: Governance, chair: Allan Tilton Communications, chair: Mary Luttrell Planning, chair: Margaret McLaren Nov. — Dec., 2002 Planning Committee forms 3 sub-committees: Vision, Issues, Training FPA files Articles of Incorporation as nonprofit association and applies for 501-c-3 status. Back to Top Feb. 2, 2003 – Second Town Meeting Presentation of drafts of mission, vision and identity statements (see webpages), based on feedback from first town meeting. Overview of issues with feedback sessions and plans for action. Bypass; Crinella property; storage units; affordable housing; West County trail; quarry expansion; crosswalk Spring, 2003 Numerous committee meetings; during a walk through town the Board realizes the need to develop a master plan for downtown. Downtown committee chair: Ursula Bischoff Planning committee chair: Sig Anderman Governance chair: Raynetta James June 21, 2003 – Third Town Meeting Focus on Bypass and traffic issues. Pro and con presentations followed by open discussions. Summer, 2003 Regular monthly committee meetings and recruitment of additional volunteers. Oct. 4, 2003 – Fourth Town Meeting Topic: Expansion of Quarries. Presentations by proponents and opponents, followed by a moderated panel discussion. Survey forms distributed. Back to Top 2004 Committee meetings continue monthly. Change of committee chairs: Downtown Planning: David Carpenter, Communications: Elizabeth Naegle Jan. 25, 2004 – Fifth Town Meeting a. Review of issues: quarry expansion EIR; #147;Woodstone” proposed housing development; #147;Meadowlark#148; Burbank housing ; Crinella property ; proposed carwash. b. Informational presentations on proposed Russian River flow reduction. See: article: Save the Russian River, Save Sonoma County c. First election of first Board of directors. See: FPA Board Elections Spring, 2004 Downtown Planning Committee invigorated with increased participation and action. Design guideposts developed, incl. sidewalks, bike paths, landscaping, benches, lighting, parking, slow down of traffic. May 1, 2004 – Sixth Town Meeting Agenda: Downtown Planning and updates on ongoing issues. a. Endorsement of statements of identity and vision which include desires for:
c. Division of opinions re. developing Forestville as a tourist destination vs. a locally oriented town. Compromise suggested: aim development at local community while making it attractive to visitors for economic viability. Coordinate planning for Crinella property with the rest of town for a cohesive appearance. June 19, 2004 – Special Town Meeting Purpose: to review the newly published Quarry EIR and its impacts on Forestville before the June 25 deadline for feedback to the county PRMD. FPA Board 2004  Photo by Birgit Carstensen Front row: Joan Riback, Mickey Fernandez, Elizabeth Naegle, D. J. Carpenter Back row: Vesta Copestakes (from Forestville Chamber of Commerce), Anne Greenblatt, Jack Burger, Richard Naegle, Sig Anderman (Gary Starr not pictured.) See info on the Past Town Meetings. Back to Top Issues & Updates | Action Alerts | Contact Us |