HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2018-08-02 MinutesCitizens Advisory Committee for Economic Development and Affordable Housing (CAC)
City of San Rafael
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
August 2, 2018
Meeting Summary Notes
CAC Members Present: Bill Carney, Andrea de la Fuente, Glenn Koorhan, Mari Jones, Gladys
Gilliland, Andrew Naja-Riese, Dirck Brinckerhoff
City Staff Present: Danielle O’Leary, Simon Vuong
Members of the Public: Kay Bull, Kelly Cromwell
Guest Presenter: Michael Hooper
1. Call to Order: Chair Carney called the CAC meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
2. Approval of July 5 Meeting Notes: Approved minutes as submitted through E-mail. Additionally, the
CAC finalized its letter containing feedback on the design of the Downtown San Rafael Transit Center
after incorporating comments from one CAC member. The final letter was sent to the City Council and
Golden Gate Bridge District.
3. Presentation of 44-Unit Townhome proposal, 350 Merrydale Rd: Michael Hooper presented an
overview of 44 three-story townhome “workforce” units across 2.5 acres near the Civic Center. The
project includes 20% (or nine units) affordable to low and moderate income families. Units would be
priced between $200,000 - $400,000 for below market rate and include a mix of 2 and 3 bedrooms. The
site has several attractive features, including transit-oriented housing in proximity to the SMART station
and beautiful views from rooftop decks atop each of the building. The project features a sustainable and
modern design, which the San Rafael Design Review Board regarded favorably in a recent meeting.
Mr. Hooper walked through the site plan and architectural design while also describing the intended
enhancement of Las Gallinas Creek. He said the landscape plan would improve and celebrate the creek
and install trees and benches nearby. No flood issues are expected along the creek. The project also
allows for up to 18 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) placed at larger townhome sites, which CAC
members appreciated. One CAC member inquired whether these ADUs would count towards affordable
housing or whether they are separate from those calculations. Another member asked whether the
townhomes are intended for seniors or other demographic groups. Economic Development Coordinator
Simon Vuong explained that multi-generational housing is becoming more and more popular. Mr. Hooper
explained that a unit cannot be considered an ADU unless it has an outside door. The CAC also discussed
parking options. The project would include 99 parking spots.
CAC members questioned whether the freeway noise would bother residents using rooftop decks.
Additionally, one CAC member asked what amenities would exist for children who reside there. Mr.
Hooper described facilities, such as a basketball court and tennis wall, for older children. However,
additional amenities would compromise the number of units.
One member of the public commented that due to housing shortages, ADUs are a very good option, and
this project presents an attractive location.
Mr. Hooper anticipates a negative declaration of environmental impacts of the project.
The CAC is very supportive of the project and intends to write a letter of support addressed to the City
Council.
4. Project Updates
a. Lincoln & Mission - Director O’Leary shared there were no updates on the site; however,
community residents have appealed the development of an assisted living center because they
think the site would be better suited to workforce housing given its proximity to transit. A
member of the public shared commentary that the appeal is about land use. A CAC member
stated that people who work there would not be living there and might use transit.
b. Station Area & Transit Center: New drawings are expected to be revealed in September. San
Rafael Heritage specifically objected to the 4th Street Gateway design as this would take out two
Victorian homes.
c. Merrydale Promenade: The Department of Public Works is working on a 12-foot wide
promenade.
d. Hotel (B St. & 5th Avenue): The proposal is for a 140-room hotel taking up 70,000 square feet
with 60 below grade parking stalls. The operator—likely Marriot— is still working on the
concepts and community integration. One discussion point is around sharing parking with the
adjacent City lot. A couple of CAC members felt that the amount of parking on site could be
augmented with shared parking with other lots. The hotel is designed for “urban hipsters aged 30-
50” who may use car-sharing services to get around rather than rentals. The project may also
feature a bar or gathering space on the first floor along with some on-site dining and a moderate
amount of conference space. The hotel is key for downtown as visitors spend three times as much
as residents, and the Mill Valley Film Festival would benefit.
e. General Plan progress – No updates.
5. Overview of economic development. Director O’Leary presented the over-arching principles of the
City’s economic development strategy for CAC feedback. Key priorities include:
a. business retention and promotion
b. placemaking
c. nurturing cultural arts district
d. innovation
e. sustaining, maintaining, and growing our tax base
f. Community Development Block Grant funding oversight
g. Manage existing RDA loan portfolio.
CAC members felt that it was important to emphasize a thriving downtown and ways to entice new
businesses. This led to a discussion of the Cannabis tax license pilot in San Rafael. The CAC
welcomed further discussion of economic development at a future meeting.
6. Comments from members of the public on non-agenda items: None
7. Suggestions for future agenda items: Presentation from the Hotel operator. September’s meeting
would be replaced by the annual CAC Member dinner.
8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Andrew Naja-Riese