Monday, July 23 key date for Marin Plan

So far planners have adopted pro-environmental positions, but it's critical for us to come to a hearing and keep writing letters

On Monday, July 23, the Marin County Planning Commission will act on the Final Environmental Impact Report and draft Countywide Plan. The Board of Supervisors will then consider the commission's recommendation in the fall.

Over the course of more than a dozen public hearings, the commission has taken a pro-environmental stance in "straw votes" on a number of major issues, but on July 23 it will need the continued support of people who care about the environment.

A major success was the commission's 5 - 2 vote on May 7 to allow no more than 220 housing units on the St. Vincent/Silveira property. This was the recommendation of the Campaign for Marin, a coalition of environmental groups spearheaded by the Sierra Club to promote strong conservation policies in the plan. The commission had previously voted to allow 500 units or more on the site; the May vote was a crucial reversal. Development interests will undoubtedly try for a higher density. The owners of St. Vincent have previously pushed for almost 800 homes, and are now advocating a senior housing-and-care facility for up to 350 residents, in addition to conventional housing.

WhatYouCanDo

Write to the Marin County Planning Commission at:
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903

Attend the Monday, July 23 hearing, starting at 9:30 am in Room 328 at the Civic Center.

In your letter, and at the meeting, express support for the Campaign for Marin positions. Thank the Planning Commission for its vote to limit development at St. Vincent/Silveira to 220 units. Remind the commission also about these other issues.

Baylands Corridor. Extend this new planning corridor all the way from the Bayshore to Highway 101, everywhere from Point San Pedro north. This boundary will include the critical St. Vincent/Silveira site. Within the corridor, measures will be instituted to protect environmental resources and public safety.
Wetlands protection. Incorporate policies from the 1994 Countywide Plan to protect wetlands. These are stronger than the policies in the current draft plan.
Stream protection. Strengthen the requirements for properties in agricultural areas, which are now unacceptably weak.
Agriculture. Require guarantees for the continuation of agricultural activities for approvals of houses of 2,500 square feet or more. The commission has tentatively required this condition, over the objections of the Farm Bureau.
Commercial development. Support formation of a city-county committee to review countywide growth, especially for new commercial space. Another 11.5 million square feet is now projected, mostly inside cities. This would greatly worsen already-unacceptable traffic congestion and the jobs/housing imbalance.

To get involved in the Sierra Club's work with the Campaign for Marin, contact or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 316

Marjorie Macris, member, Executive Committees, Marin Group and San Francisco Bay Chapter