More than 60 Glen Ellen locals packed the Jack London Saloon on Monday for the Glen Ellen Forum’s quarterly meeting, voicing deep skepticism over the massive redevelopment of the former Sonoma Developmental Center campus. The Sonoma Index-Tribune reports Permit Sonoma Director Scott Orr addressed tense community concerns regarding the controversial proposal, which includes 990 housing units, a 150-room hotel, and 130,000 square feet of commercial space. Tensions peaked as Orr explained that the project’s “builder’s remedy” status allows state-selected developers to bypass local county zoning laws, leaving residents feeling powerless over the extreme density. Locals pushed back strongly against the plan, citing critical hazards like clogged evacuation routes during wildfires, water scarcity, noise pollution, and strain on local wildlife. Orr confirmed that a new draft environmental impact report is expected by September, which will trigger a 30-day public comment window before heading to the Planning Commission.