Larkspur is recognized for its special small town character. Preserving that character will be critical because of anticipated proposals to develop the last large land parcels.
Larkspur will be challenged by proposals to develop the last large land parcels during the next few years, including the Niven site on Doherty Drive, the Sanitary District site and the Monahan Properties site both in the Larkspur Landing area.
Preserving Larkspur's charming small town character will demand that all such proposals be scrutinized to ensure the continued qualities that make Larkspur such an attractive place to live.
My record on the City Council shows that I carefully and critically review all development proposals and reject them unless they minimize traffic and environmental impacts, are consistent with Larkspur's small town character and provide adquate amenities.
For example, in the recent Elm Crest appeal from the Planning Commission decision, I led the Council to sustain citizen appeals and reduce the approved density by nearly 50% because of seismic and landslide safety issues, as well as environmental and traffic impacts. In September 1999 I voted to reject a proposal to triple the density of housing on the Monahan Properties site because that would violate Larkspur's General Plan.
For the Sanitary District site at Larkspur Landing, I have urged the Council to provide housing, including affordable housing, rather than a tax generating hotel because the housing would produce less traffic than a hotel; and the site is near two freeways and wide streets. In addition, since the residential density of the Larkspur Landing area was established over twenty years ago, more housing including more affordable housing is possible there than elsewhere in the city. Providing solutions to needed housing is more important than the few tax dollars generated by a hotel tax.
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