Carolyn Lenert comments on the Sports Facility

Airport Soccer Complex Heads to City Council

Carolyn Lenert, Chair

The North San Rafael Coalition of Residents has a 25-year history of representing residents, neighborhoods and the public good.  Although there are at least 37 homeowner associations in our zip code, ours is an "opt-in" organization and we don't always all agree at all times on all issues.  Sometimes an HOA sends a representative to make a public presentation directly, in support and/or in opposition to a project.  Sometimes, the HOAs rely upon a consensus.  We have a long history of community engagement, collaboration and support for recreational opportunities, among other things.

Now comes the Airport Soccer proposal.  The Coalition appreciates your interest in the proposed development at the Smith Ranch/San Rafael Airport, which bills itself as an industrial park.  www.sanrafaelairport.com (see attachment below). and www.LetMarinPlay.com (see atttachment below) .  Land use decisions are always complex.

The land use that is allowed is recreation (and the definition of that---and the word "group") per the recorded Deed of Restriction that was imposed---in exchange for high density development around Autodesk/Vista Marin/Embassy Suites by the same owner/developer as the Airport---are at issue.

The State Division of Aeronautics notes that the soccer complex is planned for a designated safety zone for aircraft (crashes).  The building proposed is not survivable in the event it is hit since it is essentially a metal shed.

Future use of the building as a SMART train repair/maintenance facility is a concern.  Here's is what is planned for Sonoma...Here is a link to a story about a Sonoma airport and the SMART proposal there:

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120318/ARTICLES/120319589  (see attachment below.)

Also Sports Facility Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL-WPSUpm6s  (see attachment below.)

Below I've included a Patch article/link regarding a soccer complex in Piedmont (very similar to ours, but ours is much worse as it is situated 160' from an active runway and located in a fragile wetlands, home to the endangered Clapper Rail) that was denied approval. 

City Council Formally Drops Blair Park Plan.  
http://piedmont.patch.com/articles/city-council-formally-drops-blair-park-plan (See attachment below).

Next:  the San Rafael City Council will hear the proposal and make the final decision, perhaps as soon as the first week of August.  The Mayor has decided not to recuse himself although he has signed an agreement with the airport operator not to oppose development at the site.

The NSRCR, as always, welcomes your comments, engagement and opinions.  To date, those weighing in have not supported the traffic, elimination of habitat, noise, violation of deed, etc. that the City/consultants have identified to date for this proposal for this location.  Let us hear from you whether your HOA is opting in or presenting directly.  Together we are better!

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn

Let Marin Play 

Press Democrat Article 

Sports Video 


Piedmont patch Article