Public to Speak on Merits of Airport Soccer Complex

Members of the public will have a chance to voice their opinion about the San Rafael Airport's proposed plan to build a sports facility on their premises.

The proposed 38-foot tall recreational building stirred lots of controversy in the past months among neighbors worried about the possible effects the facility would have on the Santa Venetia area. The Planning Commission, , will be discussing the merits of the project tonight. 

The proposed recreational building will house indoor soccer fields and courts with spectator seating, offices, food and beverage service and meetings rooms. There will also be two outdoor soccer fields with parking and exterior lighting.

Over the past months, city staff have received hundreds of letters, emails and petitions signatures from Contempo Marin, Santa Venetia, Captains' Cove and Smith Ranch Homes regarding the project. 

Many worry that the outdoor soccer fields are at a dangerous proximity to the airport's runway. Others are concerned about the increased traffic, noise, lights and alcohol sales that could create a nuisance to the surrounding neighborhoods. The challengers also raised questions about the environmental impacts the project would impose upon Gallinas Creek.

 The Marin Sheriff's Officer, as well as several soccer clubs including the San Rafael Youth Soccer Club, support the facility, saying that the project would provide a recreational facilty that is needed in San Rafael.

"Marin County lacks an adequate number of quality soccer fields available, making it difficult to schedule league games and requiring people to travel outside of the area," the staff report states.

See the summary of comments on the right. Robert Dobrin, a Santa Venetia resident who opposed the project, will also show the video at tonight's meeting. 

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 1400 Fifth Ave. It will begin at 7 p.m. San Rafael Patch will be there live blogging.