300 Danville Citizens "greet" Planning Commission Quotas

Unhappy residents warn that low-income, high-density housing could mean more traffic and crime for Danville By Jason Sweeney jsweeney@bayareanewsgroup.com Posted:   12/11/2012 09:45:56 PM PST Updated:   12/12/2012 06:58:27 PM PST   1 of 6 Danville Planning Commission hears opposition to low-income housing Jeanne Wisniewski, of Danville, signs a petition before a Planning Commission meeting held in Danville, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Wisniewski was part of a large group in attendance to voice their opposition to the 2030 General Plan & Draft Sustainability Action Plan that would build high-density, low-income housing in Danville. (Doug Duran/Staff) . DANVILLE -- A sometimes raucous crowd of 300 filled to overflowing Tuesday at a planning commission meeting that rang with complaints over possible low-income and high-density housing in town. Danville is in the process of updating its general plan, but proposed changes regarding agricultural land-use zoning and increases in land zoned for high density, affordable housing have many residents concerned Danville could lose its small town charm. Several people in the crowd held signs that said Danville should get out of the Association of Bay Area Governments, which allocates housing requirements to local governments as mandated by the state. "Why are we allowing unelected bureaucrats of a regional government to boss us around?" longtime resident Anne Blake asked the commission. "The people here in Danville are the top type of people in the nation, the smartest. Why can't we stand up to all of the shenanigans that are going on?" At least 35 people spoke at the meeting, that stretched late into the night. Many voiced concerns that low-income, high-density housing could increase crime, fire hazards, traffic congestion and overburden Danville schools. "Build it, and they will come," resident Sheila Truschke said. "But don't build it, and they won't." The meeting took an occasionally raucous tone similar to a previous meeting on Nov. 27 when the draft environmental impact report for the plan was discussed. Speakers Advertisement voiced skepticism about climate change and some suggested the United Nations is behind the One Bay Area Plan, which is a long-range transportation and land-use and housing plan being implemented regionally. Some speakers urged the town to follow the city of Corte Madera's lead and leave ABAG. Town Manager Joe Calabrigo assured the crowd that the town government is committed to preserving Danville's small town character. He said membership in ABAG allows the town to represent its best interests by keeping housing numbers lower than what the state might directly mandate if Danville were to pull out of the association. He added that the town does not want to forgo state and federal funding by leaving. "Whether we appreciate it or not, the state and regional entities in my time here at the town have become increasingly involved at the local level," Calabrigo said. "Danville has been, I believe, very proactive and very persistent in trying to deal with this dynamic." Save Open Space Danville members Maryann Cella, Todd Gary and the group's attorney, Stuart Flashman, said the new general plan rewrites agricultural zoning rules to do an end-around Measure S, Danville's Open Space Preservation Initiative, which requires a public vote on general plan amendments that change land use. The group is trying to force a vote under Measure S on a proposed SummerHill Housing project for 70 homes on agriculturally zoned land. Planning Commission Chairwoman Lynn Overcashier said Wednesday that there is a lot of misinformation and fear over the new general plan. "We (commissioners) passionately care about our community. We will never look like Dublin. We will never look like Fremont. All the affordable housing in Danville has very strict guidelines and height limits. We're talking about senior facilities, housing for teachers, retail workers, restaurant workers. It doesn't mean that we are bringing crime elements or gangs into Danville." The commission will hold two more public hearings about the general plan on Jan. 8 and 22. The town council will review the plan and take public comments on Feb. 5. The council will hold a second meeting on the plan on March 5. It could vote to adopt the plan at that meeting. Contact Jason Sweeney at 925-847-2123. Follow him at Twitter.com/Jason_Sweeney. ReprintPrint   Email   Font ResizeReturn to Top   • FAQ: Article commenting how-tos and tips

Why are they forcing all this housing when we are not growing?

Marin only added 523 people in 2012 yet will be building up to 4400 units of affordable housing in the county.

 

Editors Note: Does it make any sense at all to build housing at 10 times the housing need in Marin?

Marin population sees tiny bump, state sees modest growth

By Janis Mara
Marin Independent Journal

marinij.com

Posted: 12/13/2012 05:33:23 PM PST

Marin continued its longstanding pattern of slow growth as the county saw only a minor increase in population over the last 12 months, according to state population estimates released Thursday.

Marin grew by 523 people, a 2 percent change, clocking in with a population of 255,000, as reported by the state's Department of Finance.
Statewide growth outpaced Marin's increase with California's population growing 7 percent over the same period. The state grew by 256,000 people, raising its population to 37.8 million people.
"This level of growth (for Marin) is in line with previous years," said Bill Schooling, the chief demographer of the Department of Finance. "Marin is not usually a fast-growing county."

See full articleMarin population slow growth

VIDEO: Don't mess with Heather. Fighting One Bay Area Plan

Sometimes the public forums the Association of Bay Area Governments can get testy.   In this video , Heather Gass,  a homeowner and frequent critic of One Bay Area,  is questioning the seminar leader about "open space".  

When the seminar leader asks the crowd if they want "open space",  Heather astutely asks if "open space" is defined as "government owned" exclusively or if it also means "private, undeveloped lands" as well.

This is a critical point to understand.

The One Bay Area Plan is an aggressive and ambitious plan to control ALL Development property rights by a central regional government.  The plan was developed under the theory of "Smart Growth" which requires a central planner for all property decisions.  It will drastically impact the value of property and essentially eliminate property rights for thousands of Bay Area citizens.

While we are fighting several unwise affordable housing developments and rezoning of our neighborhoods in Marinwood/Lucas Valley,  we must understand our communities plight is part of a larger struggle of fellow communities through out the Bay Area and California.

Larger coalitions of property owners are forming across the region and soon all across California. If you are disturbed at the aggressive government powers being asserted,  first we urge you to educate yourself about the 2012 Housing Element for Unincorporated Marin.  Next we recommend that you read some of the information about Smart Growth to understand the theories.  Then, we ask you to contemplate the actual impacts on your life and the community around you.  Lastly,  we ask you to share your views with others and join us in the mission to save Marinwood-Lucas Valley from hi density urbanization.  

In the near future, you tree-lined street may become filled with apartment building- especially if you live anywhere close to the 101 freeway.

Unless we stop it,  developers will win.

Join us for our Monday meeting.  email us at savemarinwood@gmail.com

Calling All Citizens! Defend Marinwood/Lucas Valley!

Marinwood/Lucas Valley is under attack ...

from developers pushing greenwashed "pack and stack" housing in our neighborhoods

Our voices will be heard.

Our freedom to live as we choose will be defended.

Our families will be safe. Our schools will be strong.

 

Our lives will be lived deliberate and free.

And we will defend our Valley from exploitation from developers, planners and politicians who want

bulldoze our neighborhoods to fulfill their high density housing schemes or tax us to death trying.

 

Join us.

 

Monday meetings.

 

for more info savemarinwood@gmail.com

P.S. Last night's Meeting went well. Please join us next Monday 6:30-8:30PM

Mighty Moms of Marinwood Meet Mondays! (all are welcome)

Moms are meeting Mondays to save Marinwood.   All are welcome to attend (men too!).   We will be discussing the impact of the Marinwood Village  and other housing proposals on our schools and community.

We recognize that the 2012 Housing Element proposes six large affordable housing development that may increase our population by 25%.  These developments will be largely supported by our tax dollars. The proposed Marinwood Village alone will add 60 to 150 children in our packed Dixie schools. The remaining five developments may increase our total school age population by hundreds, forcing us to build more schools. 

With population growth, we can expect an increase in taxes. traffic, pollution, crime and other problems that come with crowded urban living.

Some feel that  affordable housing will enhance our community.  We will explore these issues in detail too.

We meet from 6:30-8:30 PM. in Marinwood.  Childcare is provided.  If you would like to attend, email us at savemarinwood@gmail.com


P.S. Everyone is invited.  You don't have to be a mom to attend. I just liked the way it sounded in the headline :). Men are welcome too.