HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2019-11-07 MinutesNovember 7, 2019
Citizens Advisory Committee for Economic Development and Affordable Housing (CAC)
City of San Rafael
Meeting Summary Notes
CAC Members Present: Roger Smith, Bill O’Connell, Gladys Gilliland, Bill Carney, Andrew Naja-Riese,
Dirck Brinkerhoff, Madeline Silva Khan, Joe McCallum, Kati Miller
CAC Members Absent: Mari Jones, Glenn Koorhan
City Staff Present: Simon Vuong
Members of the Public Present: Joanne Webster
1.Call to Order: Chair Carney called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Approval of October 3rd Meeting Minutes: Approved with two corrections:
a. Bill O’Connell was absent from the October 3rd meeting.
b. Item 4d (1001 4th St.) should read the City is finalizing an exclusive negotiating agreement.
3. Presentation – Downtown Precise Plan and Form Based Codes - Barry Miller and Opticos Design.
Mr. Miller and associates presented an update on the process to create a 20-year vision for the 265-acre
downtown area. The Opticos team described the zoning and development elements in the four sub-
areas: West End, Downtown Core, Transit Station, and Montecito, while noting the different possible
heights per area. CAC members opined that the heights in the Station Area could create a wall of tall
buildings at the entry to the downtown. Others commented that having such a wall could hide the
freeway. The need to extend the downtown parking district to the Station Area was also discussed.
The second half of the presentation focused on form based codes that emphasize building forms and
mixed-use environments, including streets and civic spaces. The Opticos team described the different
components of form based codes and various case studies for other similar California cities. Objectives
include encouraging more housing and simplifying the process for approving developments. CAC
members noted that there was no mention of social services or solutions for homelessness as part of
the Downtown Precise Plan, and that effective design guidelines will be key for a form based code.
4. Project Updates
a. 703 3rd St. (Seagate—120 apartments/969 sf retail): No updates shared.
b. 350 Merrydale Road (45 townhouses): The Project will be going to the Planning Commission on Dec.
10th
c. 999 3rd St. (Biomarin/Whistlestop—207,000 sf commercial/67 senior units): No updates shared.
d. 1001 4th St. (Goldstone—retail and housing): The exclusive negotiating agreement goes to City
Council on Nov. 18th
e. Downtown Transit Center: No updates.
f. 2nd/B St Housing: The Project is under construction and will be a four-story, mixed use building with
41 residential units
g. Francisco Blvd Hotel: The developers applied for final approval after going through conceptual review,
and would like building permits by March.
h. Others:
The AC Marriot Hotel construction started. They’re expected to be occupied in 2021.
Marin Square is finishing upgrades. There are no new tenants currently.
5. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Impacts on Local Business
CAC members discussed the recent PSPS and impacts on small businesses that lost customers and
revenue during the power outages, especially food retail and hospitality. Smaller businesses could not
afford generators, or in some cases, had generators that could not power entire operations. CAC
members shared suggestions for the City to provide more information and resources on operating
generators, using cell phones or connecting point of sale devices during power outages, and maintaining
continuity of business operations. Part of the recovery is encouraging residents to shop locally to help
small businesses bounce back. Staff will advise the CAC if the topic is taken up by the City Council.
6. Public comment on any non-agenda items: None.
7. Future agenda items:
Invite the Marin Economic Forum to present on the Countywide Business Retention and
Expansion Strategy
Discuss minimum wage increases and impacts on local businesses, should the topic go to the
City Council
January’s meeting will include officer elections.
8. Adjournment: Chair Carney adjourned the meeting at 9:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Andy Naja-Riese