A hearing was held by the San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission on February 17, 2005.  The marina developers gave a presentation of their design plans followed by statements, comments and questions by the Commission members.  This was followed by community input.  The Commission make no wrap-up statements and the meeting was adjourned with the recommendation that the developers address the Commission and community concerns as expressed at this meeting. The Commission's written response to the developers is below.

San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission
Response to the Loch Lomond Marina Development
Presentation of February 17, 2005

William Thompson, Principal Keith Bloom, Vice President
Thompson/Dorfman Urban Residential Development
One Harbor Drive, Suite 108
Sausalito, California   94965

  February 25, 2005

  Gentlemen,

  Thank you for your thorough presentation to the Park and Recreation Commission on February 17.  It and the discussion that followed were a productive initiation of the review of the Village at Loch Lomond park and recreation plan.

  I have attached a list of comments made at the meeting regarding the plan.  The first portion of the list is restricted to Commission comments.  The second portion includes the public comments.  Some where not applicable to this review, and I have indicated those.   Please use the list to respond in writing to the issues raised at the meeting.  At this time it is appropriate to indicate which issues are tied to other requirements, which can be considered for inclusion in the plan, and which are not feasible.  In addition there are several questions to be answered.

  When you are ready, please return the response to me and we will agendize the item for the next Commission meeting.  Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, and I must have any written material for the meeting one-week prior.  I would appreciate hearing from you as soon as you know when you will return to the Commission so I can notify interested residents.

  Meanwhile, if you have questions or need points of clarification, please call me at 485-3340.

Sincerely,

CARLENE MCCART, Director
San Rafael Community Services Department

Cc Damon DiDonato, Community Development
      San Rafael Parks and Recreation Commission

 

Commission Comments  

1.  Entrance

A.  View Corridor concept is attractive
B.  The entrance roadway is nice, but the green areas are unusable
C.  Terminus is good
D.  Paving materials are nice
E.  Pedestrian and bike access is good

2.  Marina Parking

A.  Left side of parking lot needs more landscape material

3.  Marina Commons and Green

A.  Plan encourages cars up to waters’ edge
B.  Reconfiguration of Commercial areas would allow for more recreation areas
C.  Green is too narrow, can the parking be doubled-up to create more green area
D.  Majority of Marina Green appears to be parking lot and access road, more green space needed
E.  Double the boardwalk width

4.  Spits

No comments at this time

5.  Wetlands

A.  Prefer no wetland be reduced or mitigated for this project

6.  Recreation and Park Spaces

A.  Plan shows limited areas for play
B.  General Plan calls for sport courts and active areas not represented in plan
C.  Plan should include basketball or handball courts
D.  Plan lacks facilities for ages 6-18 years
E.  What is the accommodation for dogs?
F.  With the high density of the project the plan shows no significant area for    neighborhood recreation
G.  The small green space areas shown on the plan are not usable for recreation
H.  The plan’s current configuration does not invite the public into the facilities; feels private
I.  Utilize the half circle next to the planned playground to expand the facilities to include amenities for wider age range
J.  Need more information on the nature of the proposed play structure
K.  Include swings
L.  The recreation areas are small and split apart
M. The pathway divides the small park into a smaller area
N.  Private backyards back into space that is too narrow
O.  Utilize tree of minimum 24” to 36” box size
P.  Combine the common lawns for more usable space
Q.  Double the playground size
R.  What is the ratio of open space to developed space within the project?
S.  What assurances will the City have that the public areas will be well maintained?
T.  Move the playground space from the interior of the housing to the Marina Commons area

Public Comment

1.  Entrance

 A.  Will view corridor be impacted by fill?

2.  Wetland

A.  Path through wetland area should follow perimeter with a 50-foot buffer
B.  Need buffer zone to protect wetlands

3.  East Fishing Area

A.  South East corner of site should have restroom and water for fishing activity
B.  City should maintain the public areas

4.  Marina Commons and Green

A.  Marina Green strip is too narrow
B.  Walkway is too narrow

5.  Landscape

A.  Preserve existing oak trees, and utilize only native plants for landscape
B.  More natural environment, less formal landscaping is preferable

6.  Recreation and Park Areas

A.  Use by the greater community of the recreation areas should be factored into the plan
B.  Plan pulls cars to the Marina

Public comments made on issues not related to Park and Recreation Commission review

Preserve the water recreation use
Marina should be primary focus of project
Marina Parking is not sufficient
DayUse parking is not sufficient
Dryboat Storage is not sufficient
Boat launch area needs improved circulation