HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2020-07-02 MinutesCity of San Rafael
Citizens Advisory Committee for Economic Development and Affordable Housing (CAC)
Virtual Meeting Summary Notes
July 2, 2020
CAC Members Present: Mari Jones, Bill Carney, Kati Miller, Glen Koorhan, Dirck Brinckerhoff, Joe
McCallum, Gladys Gilliland, William O’Connell, Roger Smith, Andrew Naja-Riese, Madeline Silva Khan
CAC Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: Simon Vuong, Lindsay Lara
Guests Present: Barry Miller, Mital Ganguly, Stefan Pellegrini
Members of the Public Present: None
1. Call to Order: Chair William O’Connell called the virtual meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
2. Approval of March 5th Meeting Notes: Approved as submitted.
3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: None.
4. Presentation and Discussion – Economic Vitality Policies – Barry Miller:
As a follow up to the March 5th meeting, Mr. Barry Miller provided updates and recent milestones as it
pertained to the General Plan 2040 (“GP”) and Downtown Precise Plan (“DPP”) projects which are
currently underway. Mr. Miller discussed upcoming changes to zoning districts , form based codes,
height limits, and parking districts, among other topics. The CAC was generally encouraged by the
progress in these areas and how this may potentially foster new housing development as a result.
Of particular interest to the CAC was the discussion over “Historic Resources.” Ms. Matal Ganguly of
Opticos, consultant to the GP 2040 process, noted that between 35 to 40 properties in San Rafael are
under consideration to be classified as historic resources. A general consensus of CAC members was
that this may create an impediment to new development, if the criteria for what is to be considered
“historic” is not defined by a specific formula or standard process.
5. Project Updates: In the interest of time, project updates were deferred to the August 6th meeting.
6. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items:
CAC members discussed the impact of COVID-19 and how the financial aspects of the pandemic may
affect the future of retail. Another topic proposed for future discussion was the planning of the proposed
Priority Development Areas in east and north San Rafael. CAC members generally discussed what role
the CAC may have in fostering economic growth and ensuring access to housing during the COVID-19
pandemic.
7. Adjournment: Chair William O’Connell adjourned the virtual meeting at 9:01 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Joe McCallum