The Santa Rosa City Council is set to decide the fate of a controversial housing project tonight as Bennett Valley residents mount a major appeal against the proposed Lago Fresco apartments.
According to the Press Democrat, neighbors are sounding the alarm over the 50-unit development on Hoen Avenue, fearing that added congestion will lead to more tragedies at a nearby crosswalk where a teenager was killed in 2023.
While the developer points to traffic studies showing the impact will be minimal, the “Bennett Valley Community Against Lago Fresco” group is calling for an independent safety review, citing concerns over reduced parking and pedestrian risks.
City staff is recommending the council move forward with the project to help address the local housing crunch, but neighbors say the price of progress shouldn’t be public safety.
