HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2018-07-05 MinutesCitizens Advisory Committee for Economic Development and Affordable Housing (CAC)
CIty of San Rafael
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
July 5, 2018
Meeting Summary Notes
CAC Members Present: Kati Miller, Bill Carney, Gladys Gilliland, Andrew Naja-Riese, Dirck Brinckerhoff,
Glenn Koorhan, Roger Smith
CIty Staff Present: Danielle O’Leary
Members of the Public: Dave Coury, Joanne Webster, Jim Geraghty, Bonnie Marmor
Guest Presenter: Steve Kinsey
1. Call to Order: Chair Carney called the CAC meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
2. Approval of June 7 Meeting Notes: Chair Carney noted that certain data points from Seagate’s
presentation on 703 3rd Street at the June 7 meeting were different from their project submission to the City of
San Rafael. CAC members discussed whether the notes should reflect what was stated at the meeting, even if
it was incorrect. After discussion, the committee voted to change the notes to read that only 7.5% rather than
10%, of the total units would be affordable. The minutes were approved with 5 votes in favor, 1 vote against,
and 1 abstention.
3. Discussion of Transit Center Concepts: Steve Kinsey, of Alta Planning + Design, Inc., returned to the
CAC to present the four new concepts for the San Rafael transit center. After the City Council and public
expressed reservations over the three concepts developed by Kimley-Horn, a new design process resulted in
four options inspired by the City’s blueprint and guidance report for the downtown transit center.
The Golden Gate Bridge District is developing the new transit center design, with the goal of finalizing a design
in September for approval by the City Council.The overall goal of the project is to provide efficient bus
operations, connectivity among transit lines, and accessible routes to the transit center while supporting 4th St.
vitality. Other objectives include an enduring design, green principles, and a strategy to account for sea level
rise. Mr. Kinsey stated that bicycle and pedestrian safety is a top priority along with mitigating traffic congestion.
The City also has shown care for the Whistlestop building and asked that it be incorporated into the design.
After the City Council approves the design concept, the timeline includes an additional year and a half of CEQA
and NEPA studies, a year of design development, and a couple years of construction.
Mr. Kinsey presented four concepts: the two-story concept, the 4th Street gateway concept, the Whistlestop
block concept, and the under the freeway concept. A total of 17 bus bays would be included in each concept,
with varying locations and connectedness between the bus bays. All concepts factor in transfer activity
between bus routes and between the SMART station and buses. The designs account for the development of a
4th Street gateway and take care to build around Whistlestop. Mr. Kinsey reported the pros and cons of each
concept while also introducing a potential fifth concept that comprises the entire block between Hetherton,
Irwin, 4th and 5th Streets.
While the CAC members did not reach consensus on a preferred design, members felt that the Whistlestop Block
Concept and the Across the Freeway concept were the most promising. They also were interested in the potential
fifth concept described by Steve Kinsey that would take up the entire block under the freeway between 4th and 5th
streets without having to use the Citibank site. We believe this option should be formally added to the mix.
Some CAC members stated that they would like the design to be “user-centered” and limit length of transfer
time, particularly for commuters with mobility challenges. Mr. Kinsey reported that only five bus routes have
significant transfer activity, yet CAC members expressed that having all buses in one place is desirable. CAC
members noted that the two-story concept presented an opportunity to have all bus bays off the street, yet the
added project costs for this structure seemed unreasonable.
CAC members discussed the limitations in having to build around Whistlestop. Most members felt that preserving the
Whistlestop building should not be considered a design constraint. One CAC member did not believe that the Bettini
site is suited for retail development. Creating public space that is welcoming and ensuring the creek remains as open
as possible were also discussed.
Members of the public shared their reactions to the design concepts, too. One member of the public stated that
putting the buses underneath the freeway is unsightly. Two other guests said that placing 3 bus pads on 3rd St.
is impractical. Another public guest commented that having more bus bays co-located west of Tamalpais Ave.
would be preferred. Lastly, a member of the public questioned how adaptable the designs are and which would
best meet the needs of current and future bus riders.
After discussion, the CAC voted to draft a letter to be addressed to the City Council with our reactions to the
design concepts. CAC members also requested Mr. Kinsey to forward existing data on the transit and
commuter patterns to help inform our analysis and comments.
4. Project Updates
a. Seagate properties: CAC members reviewed and discussed a draft letter addressed to the City
Council on the residential project at 703 3rd St following our June 7 meeting. Members decided to
express support for more units in the building in general, including a greater proportion of moderate
and affordable units. Other changes to the letter include removing the reference to renter protection
provisions (to be tabled until a future CAC meeting) and mentioning public-private partnerships and
other financing mechanisms to increase affordability.
b. BioMarin/Whistlestop: Nothing to report.
c. Downtown parking signage proposals: Director O’Leary reported on the second phase of the
downtown parking signage project that increases awareness of parking garages and also encourages
walking and cycling. Two CAC members have participated in the City’s wayfinding group to review
prototypes of wayfinding signs and banners. A new 6 month pilot with free parking on Saturdays in the
A and C St. garages will begin soon. Local business owners are very excited about the new signs and
banners. The proposed work includes pole and banner signs, but no signs attached to buildings.
d. General Plan progress: Committee members took an informative bus tour around San Rafael.
e. Lincoln & Mission - Director O’Leary shared updates on the new senior living project administered by
Aegis Living that will include an 88 bed facility. The project will next be heard by the Design Review
Board.
f. Others: Director O’Leary announced that a new hotel with 140 rooms and conference center was
proposed for the vacated site at 5th and B Street. The project will be heard by the Design Review
Board on July 17.
5. Public comment on non-agenda items: One member of the public stated interest in expansion of the B
Street Community Center by adding another floor.
6. Suggestions for future agenda items:
● Overview of affordable housing financing by CAC member Andrea de La Fuente and others
● Renter protections such as those being considered by the County
● Transient occupancy tax for short-term rentals that may be considered by the City
● Annual CAC dinner at the State Room in September
7. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Andrew Naja-Riese