Proposed Petaluma shopping center to create 800 jobs

<p>A Lowe’s-anchored shopping center proposed for Petaluma will create more than 800 jobs and generate more than $1 million in tax revenue for the city.</p><p>Developers Merlone Geier Partners said a new economic analysis of the proposed Deer Creek Plaza on North McDowell Boulevard bodes well for the city and their project.</p><p>“At a time when many employers are either going out of business or laying off employees, Petaluma is in the unique position to create new jobs and protect its economy,” said Greg Geertsen, a development manager, in a written statement.</p><p>The fiscal and economic inpact analysis was prepared by an independent consultant, fulfilling new city development requirements. The same consultant prepared a similar report for the proposed Target shopping center on East Washington Street.</p><p>The city has yet to approve either project.</p><p>According to developers, Deer Creek Plaza will create 510 retail, office and services jobs and 331 temporary construction jobs.</p><p>The city will receive $681,000 in annual sales tax revenue and $311,000 in annual property taxes. It will also get millions of dollars in development fees related to the project.</p><p>In addition, the center will help capture some of $83 million in retail sales leaked annually to neighboring cities.</p>