Marin to Silveira ranch: Settle or sue
The fate of one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land left in Marin County, which has been hotly contested for more than a decade, could be determined in coming months.
Marin County supervisors have decided not to renew a “tolling” agreement with the Silveira family that prevents the statute of limitations from expiring on its right to sue over the Marin Countywide Plan.
Adopted in 2007, this long-range general plan for the county establishes the development rights for Silveira’s 340-acre ranch, which is located east of Highway 101 in the unincorporated area of the county between San Rafael and Novato. The plan substantially reduced allowable development on the Silveira property and the adjacent 770-acre St. Vincent’s School for Boys property.
The county entered into the tolling agreement with the Silveira family soon after the Countywide Plan was adopted in 2007 to allow the family additional time to deliberate and had renewed the agreement on a yearly basis since, said Deputy County Counsel Renee Giacomini Brewer.
“Nine years is long enough to not to get some kind of resolution,” said Supervisor Steve Kinsey. “As a board, we believe that the countywide plan that was adopted is legally defensible.”
Kinsey said when the county renewed the agreement a year ago, it notified the Silveiras that it would not be doing so again.
“We created a board subcommittee consisting of Supervisor (Damon) Connolly and myself to explore with the family whether there was any way to amicably resolve the differences,” Kinsey said. “I don’t think we’re there.”
DEADLINE LOOMING
Under the law, the Silveira family has until Feb. 1 to file suit; otherwise it relinquishes its right to challenge the plan, Brewer said.
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