Climate Adaptation Center Plan

Climate Adaptation Center Plan

The State Coastal Conservancy authorized disbursement of funds to the County of Sonoma to develop a plan for a climate adaptation center at the former Sonoma Developmental Center (also formerly known as Sonoma State Hospital), a property located in Eldridge, Sonoma County, that is currently owned by the State of California. The County is leading separate Specific Plan and environmental review processes for redevelopment of the property, through which it heard wide community support for an institutional use focused on sustainability. This feedback prompted the request for funds to explore a climate adaptation center that would demonstrate sustainable land uses/techniques, as well as think through attracting academic and commercial research. The subject area contains over 700 acres of open space, and 180 acres of core developed space. The climate adaptation center plan will only focus options within the developable area; it will not consider any development in the park, open space, or green spaces. The plan will provide ways to model sustainable water use, including groundwater recharge; generate solar and geothermal energy; increase food security; employ low-carbon mobility (e.g., pedestrian pathways; bike and electric vehicle sharing); provide riparian set-backs and restoration; and enhance access to open spaces from surrounding neighborhoods and communities. The County will use the plan as a resource to help inform the eventual future redevelopment at the site.

Eldridge

Sonoma

Northern California