Posts Tagged ‘Climate Change’
After Years of Wrangling, Public Comment Opens on Marin County’s Largest Housing Development Project in Years‘, Moving Forward Amid Likely Neighbor Pushback in Strawberry
The 127-acre project at 201 Seminary Drive would transform the site into a mixed-use development with 336 single- and multifamily residential units — including 70 affordable units — and a 150-unit senior residential-care facility. The project also includes a 17,000-square-foot fitness center and a 3,000-square-foot preschool, both open to the public. While more than 70% of the campus would remain as open space, athletic fields, paths and plazas, the project would add about 530 new residents and about 250 new workers. Developer North Coast Land Holdings LLC also proposes maintaining the academic campus for up to 1,000 students under an existing 1953 conditional use permit.
Read MoreMarin IJ: Marin Officials Question Projections in Regional Growth Plan – Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+
While the number of Marin households is projected to grow from 108,000 to 131,000 by 2050, the job growth is projected to be stagnant, with a job base remaining at 126,000 over the same time period, the plan says. Across the region, the plan anticipates a population growth of about 7.7 million to 9.6 million, which is nearly four times the forecast provided by the California Department of Finance. Mill Valley Mayor Max Perrey said city officials agree that MTC and ABAG need to revise their projections and develop better mitigations to address impacts to wildfire risk, water supply, emergency services, air quality and flooding, among other issues. “The regional growth forecast the plan relies on differs from the state’s official projections, and it doesn’t take into account the changing economy, both the impact that AI will have on the workforce as well as vacancy rates for commercial space, which continues to persist,” Perrey said. “It also has a large dependence on major future funding streams that have not been secured for projects, which presents funding risks for infrastructure, for services and hazard mitigation measures.”
Read MoreMarin IJ Editorial Board: The Future is Bright for Marin Ferries: Golden Gate Ferries, a Bay Area Public Transit Success, is Charting an even Brighter Future.
The Golden Gate Bridge board, which runs the ferries, is planning to spend more than $118 million to build two new boats that are faster and run cleaner than the older boats they will replace. The contract to start construction on the first of the two – a high-speed, 500-passenger vessel – has already been approved.
Read MoreMill Valley Middle School Unveils Environmental Impact Report
“It has taken time and a great deal of careful work to get here, but we are finally nearing key decisions for Mill Valley Middle School,” Sharon Nakatani, president of the district board, said in an email Friday. “The board expects to be in a position this December to certify the Final EIR and select both the interim and permanent campus plans — steps that move us toward delivering the modern middle school this community has asked for and supported from the beginning.”
Read MoreCity of Mill Valley Councilman Max Perrey Ascends to the Top Perch as Mayor – “Each of You Have Taught Me Through Your Example,” Perrey said.
“It’s rare in life that you get to witness a boyhood dream come true,” Mayor Stephen Burke told the audience. “And tonight, we have the opportunity to do that. I’m so proud to be here for this moment. I know how much Max loves public service. While this is not the culmination of Max’s career, it’s certainly an important step in his career. And I’m proud to be here at this moment.” “Each of you have taught me through your example,” Perrey said. ” “Our council treats each other with civility. When we disagree, we model how to respect alternate use. I couldn’t be more grateful to each of you that I get to serve with,” and to our City Manager, Todd Cusimano, “your service to our community is profound. The dedication you give to our city is what moves us forward. We couldn’t do anything we do without you.”
Read MoreOn the Heels of a Successful Measure L to Address Infrastructure Needs, City Pivots to Implement an Extension of the Municipal Service Tax for Another Decade to Continue Repairing Roads & Clearing Flammable Brush
Now the City Council and staff are pivoting to an extension of its Municipal Service Tax for another decade to continue repairing roads and clearing flammable brush. That assessment came after City Manager Todd Cusimano reported on the tax, known as the MST, at the City Council meeting on Oct. 20 as part of a strategic discussion that looked at future street repairs and local revenue streams. “We will have to continue with the MST,” he said. “If we do this right over the next 10 years, we’ll be talking about potentially not having to have one of these taxes.” “This is not a forever tax,” added Councilmember Urban Carmel. “This is really the end game, I think, for the next round.”
Read MorePG&E Recommends Using Its ‘Report It App’ For Better Service and Safety
PG&E say it’s a great way to report non-emergency issues of concern; submit photos to our safety team; find submissions made by others; get notified when your submission is in review; and see PG&E’s findings. Please view this helpful 5-minute video. https://lnkd.in/gXiVxu6D. PG&E Report It app is NOT for emergencies. If you suspect an emergency that may threaten property and physical safety, such as the smell of natural gas, leave the area and call 9-1-1. If you see downed powerlines, stay away. Don’t exit your car or home. Call 9-1-1. Then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Read MoreMarin Business Resilience Advisory Group | Disaster & Citizen Corps Council – Marin County Office of Emergency Management Is Expanding Private‑Sector Engagement to Strengthen Disaster Readiness, Continuity & Recovery
How your Chamber can help: Reply with a point of contact for ongoing OEM–Chamber coordination (or confirm if you are the point of contact). Share these opportunities with your membership. Directly provide recommendations and introductions (name, title, organization, email) for the Advisory Group and/or DC3 position.
Read MoreTwo of the Most Widely Influential Businesses in All of Mill Valley – The Store & Proof Lab – Were Honored at the Spirit of Marin Awards in Late Sept. – We Celebrate Them and Our Entire Business Community!!
Two of the Most Widely Influential Businesses in All of Mill Valley – The Store & Proof Lab – Were Honored at the Spirit of Marin Awards in Late Sept. – We Celebrate Them and Our Entire Business Community!!
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Moves to Modernize Parking Payment System
“During the kiosk trial period, staff collected and responded to approximately 25 complaints,” a staff report said. “Complaints ranged from not understanding how to use the kiosk, not liking the kiosk, lack of ease of use, expressing that the kiosk was positioned too far away from their vehicle, frustration there was a line to use the kiosk, and that it was less convenient than individual meters.” The Police Department said it acknowledged and understood these concerns, but also noted the advantages of kiosks over the meters. They required less maintenance, had more payment options and were more environmentally friendly.
Read More