HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2020-02-06 MinutesCity of San Rafael
Citizens Advisory Committee for Economic Development and Affordable Housing (CAC)
Meeting Summary Notes
February 6, 2020
CAC Members Present: William O’Connell, Roger Smith, Joe McCallum, Bill Carney, Dirck Brinckerhoff,
Glenn Koorhan, Kati Miller
CAC Members Absent: Gladys Gilliland, Andrew Naja-Riese, Mari Jones, Madeline Silva Khan
City Staff Present: Simon Vuong
Guests Present: Ross Guehring, Chris Hart, Colin Russell
Members of the Public Present: Kelley Kromhout, Pam Reeves
1. Call to Order: Chair Carney called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
2. Approval of February 6th Meeting Minutes: Approved as submitted.
3. Presentation – Los Gamos Rd Housing – Ross Guehring
Ross Guehring (representative), Chris Hart (developer), and Colin Russell (architect), collectively the
‘Team’, presented an overview of the project. They have been working with the City for the past year
on a project that includes 180 for rent residential units on 10 acres that are affordable by design. The
units are intended to be targeting the need for workforce housing in Marin. There will be a mix of 1, 2,
and 3-bedroom units all less than 900 square feet, and the aim is to have 20% of the units affordable.
The project is preserving much of the open space and will include a nominal amount of commercial
space, possibly a food option. The project was positively received by the Planning Commission.
The CAC was pleased with the project, asking whether the site could accommodate additional units as it
is in an ideal location, but there was hesitancy in developing the additional open space and an
uncertainty if there was a desire to propose even more units above 180 for a site that originally only
allowed 5. As proposed, the project seems sensible and fits in with the neighborhood identity, and
there does not appear to be a visual impact. The CAC encouraged the team to use the site and the
prominent topography and to identify connections to surrounding areas. Although there were
questions regarding the viability of the proposed commercial space, the project as a whole was well
received by the CAC. The next steps would be to continue working with the Planning Division and to get
on the DRB’s schedule.
Members of the public discouraged active recreation in the open space, to preserve the existing views,
and to actively explore additional units.
The CAC subcommittee will draft a letter of support for the project at a future meeting, with the
following key points: discuss the ability to add more housing, additional units should also be subject to
the 20% affordability, possibly greater height, encourage acquisition of County land, potential relocation
of the market, and flexibility with parking.
4. Project Updates
Mr. Vuong provided project update on 1001 4th St project (Goldstone) regarding the schedule, the lead
team, the anticipated number of parking stalls, and the developer’s phase in the process. 999 3rd St
(BioMarin/Whistlestop) was approved at Planning Commission and was heading to City Council
sometime in March. Mr. Vuong will also be assisting the Planning Division with the Francisco Blvd hotel
project as it moves towards the entitlement phase. 815 B St is under construction following demolition,
and the AC Marriott hotel project in Downtown is continuing excavation and moving on to construction.
5. General Plan Updates
Chair Carney provided a brief update regarding the General Plan and that the end of the process is in
sight. In March, the focus of the conversation will be on transportation and traffic, parks and recreation,
and diversity and inclusion.
6. Public Comment
None
7. Annual Election of Officers:
Bill O’Connell was elected Chair, Andrew Naja-Riese, Vice-Chair, and Joe McCallum as Secretary as
officers of the CAC for the remainder of 2020.
8. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items
Discussion to invite Barry Miller back in April or May, outreach to an affordable housing professional,
and/or an update on the Precise Plan.
9. Meeting Adjourned at 9:08 PM
Respectfully submitted by Simon Vuong