HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC 2018-01-04 Minutes
January 4, 2018
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
7:00 P.M.
Present: Chair Bill Carney, Roger Smith, Felix AuYeung, Bill O’Connell, Kati Miller, Dirck Brinckerhoff,
Absent: Gordon Manashil, Glenn Koorhan, Gladys Gilliland
Staff Present: Danielle O’Leary
Members of the Public: Jim Geraghty, Steve Kinsey, Lisa Max, David Coury, Shreya Shah, Keri Brenner
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Meeting Summary Notes
November 2, 2017
3. Northgate Mall – Vision and Development Update - Steven Logan of Merlone Geier Partners
and Ross Guerhring with Lighthouse Communications
CAC received a presentation By Mr. Logan and Mr. Ruerhring on the future of the Northgate
Mall. The presentation included generalized conceptual ideas , and the stated purpose of
the presentation was to receive input from the CAC (along with others in the community) to
help guide Merlone Geier in arriving at a more specific plan that reflects community
preferences. Ideas presented centered around changing the property from a mall to more
general uses that could include housing, additional food uses with a local flavor, additional
recreational opportunities for all ages, and reduced retail. The developer wants to distance
the property from its current “mall” image and name.
Discussion was had about future of retail at the site and in the City, the need for housing,
especially affordable housing, improved green/outdoor spaces, and the desire for an
improved connection to the SMART station. The CAC acknowledged the difficulties in retail,
the pressures of new economic realities and the need for change. The CAC also
acknowledged that this 42-acre site is a significant opportunity for San Rafael due to its size
and location. It was further noted that the property does not seem to be a regional draw
but would more likely have local usage.
Comments from the public were heard that included concepts for connections to the
neighborhood, affordable housing, and the good track record of the developer in other
projects.
4. Potential Approaches to Affordable Housing in San Rafael
A brief discussion was had regarding Olson Lee’s presentation to the CAC at its last meeting.
The CAC was impressed at how affordable housing can be successfully integrated into
communities if there it is coupled with good design. There is interest by the CAC in recent
changes in State law regarding housing. The committee was informed that Paul Jensen is
planning to make a presentation on the likely impact of those changes to the CAC in two
months.
5. Project Updates
a. Transit Center Update – Steve Kinsey gave an informal update on the Transit Center
planning process for the new station, which is expected to be detailed in January.
b. 1001 Fourth Street/Marketplace – Ms. O’Leary gave an update on the planning process
for this project. A presentation to the CAC is upcoming.
c. Downtown Parking/Wayfinding Study – The study results are being presented to the
Planning Commission and the Council for approval in the next few weeks.
f. Other developments – Other projects were briefly discussed, included cannabis
regulations and the Downtown seat wall removal concepts. The CAC also requested
information on an upcoming Third Street Corridor project.
6. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 PM.
Meeting notes prepared by Danielle O’Leary and Roger Smith