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Supervisors Ask LucasFilm to Reconsider Grady Ranch Withdrawal

They express disappointment and have asked Skywalker Properties to reconsider its decision.

The following statement was made on Wednesday, April 11, in response to its application for a digital media production facility at Grady Ranch on Lucas Valley Road in San Rafael:

County Expresses Disappointment Over Withdrawal of Grady Ranch Proposal

 

The Marin County Board of Supervisors is deeply disappointed that Skywalker Properties has withdrawn its application to proceed with its plans for Grady Ranch, originally approved by the Board of Supervisors in 1997. More recently, the project was unanimously recommended for Board approval by the County Planning Commission and a parade of appreciative community members and businesses. While our Board delayed final action at the applicant’s request to allow them to review a last minute legal threat raised by neighbors, Board members universally praised the applicant’s strong track record of environmental stewardship, excellent design, quality jobs, and civic generosity.

Immediately upon learning of Skywalker Properties’ decision, our Board reached out, encouraging them to reconsider and offering County support needed to complete the approval process and move forward with construction. We recognize the important opportunity this project represents for our community and will continue to work towards its realization.

 

Steve Kinsey

President, Marin County Board of Supervisors

The Marin Economic Forum estimates that the Grady Ranch project could produce a total of $216 million in revenues for Marin County. it's decision to withdraw the application for the 263,000 square foot facility due to

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
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Kevin Moore May 11, 2013 at 04:20 pm
It would be nice if the comments section had "Thumbs up / Thumbs down" like the PressRead More Democrat.
Bob April 6, 2013 at 05:20 pm
Check with the San Rafael planning commission and get the low-down on why they turned down aRead More developer who submitted his plans to demolish and rebuild a mixed commercial/residential building at 2nd and B. That's directly across the street from SVDP, and a notorious loitering spot. It's currently a run-down box building that's long past its prime. The developer came in with a beautiful plan, and it was denied for, among other things, because it was not in keeping with the "Victorian era" of the others, and because the city was afraid people would store their bikes on the balconies. Take a look at it. It's the most run-down corner in the downtown area. A great way for a small town to thrive and achieve an identity, is to get people living there. The city makes it extremely difficult with their rigid design board, and archaic operations that remind me of private industry in the 70s. Oh, and then they approved Target - completely disregarding the data from our neighbors up north, as well as other small towns.
Scott Adams April 4, 2013 at 07:08 pm
Tim, I am aware of many who want to increase the housing density downtown. I am also aware thereRead More has been objections particularly around the bus and future SMART station. It seems having commercial use at street level and housing above is favored by the city. It would definitely help bring people downtown. Other elements besides safety, includes maintenance, on going activities and marketing. I made reference to Healdsburg which is a good case study. They endorsed a study by urban planners around 1990. It took until 2000 when Hotel Healdsburg opened and then the downtown took off. They have one big asset and that is their city park which is where they have ongoing activities. Public Spaces such as this offer a sense of place and acts as a magnet. If you go two or three block away from the park, Healdsburg is just another sleepy little town of 11,000. Sure the wine country is a tourist attraction, but according to the County Visitor's Bureau Marin has 12 million visitors a year who enjoy our natural environment and 80% leave and go elsewhere in the evening.
Tim H April 4, 2013 at 04:41 pm
Thank you all for your interest in this topic. Scott, are you aware of any new multifamily or mixedRead More use housing in downtown on the horizon? Someone in another article mentioned the need for greater density in the downtown area. It seems like greater density could make San Rafael a more attractive place to bring business. Maybe it's me being optimistic, but certain areas seem ripe for development which could be a catalyst for improving downtown. Just curious if others had any perspective of this issue.