Lawsuit challenges Petaluma Target project

<p>Foes of Petaluma's Target shopping center have filed a lawsuit challenging the project, alleging the city's approval violated California environmental law. </p><p>“The proposed project will have devastating impacts on our streets, swim center, skateboard park and nearby neighborhoods,” said Paul Francis, co-founder of the Petaluma Neighborhood Association. </p><p>The lawsuit was brought by a coalition including the neighborhood association, Petaluma River Council, Petaluma Tomorrow and OWL Foundation. </p><p>The lawsuit filed Thursday in Sonoma County Superior Court seeks a court order setting aside the city's approval and environmental impact report on the 34-acre development, called East Washington Place. It is located at East Washington Street and Highway 101, on the former site of Kenilworth Junior High School. </p><p>Petaluma planning commissioners are scheduled to give the project final review later this month. </p><p>Officials from the city and Florida-based Regency Centers couldn't be reached for comment late Friday. </p><p>“We filed this suit because the city's approval of the EIR and project plan did not follow the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act,” Francis said in a prepared statement. </p><p>“The design and implementation of this project makes a mockery of our recently updated General Plan,” said Matt Maguire, a former city councilman and member of the citizen group. </p><p>Regency filed suit against the city in January, alleging Petaluma unduly delayed the project.</p>