News Details (Posted: July 27, 2004):

Marinwood/Lucas Valley Community Meeting Draws an Overflow Crowd

Full Description:

On the pleasant evening of Monday, July 12 approximately 200 residents filled the largest room in the Marinwood Community Center to review and discuss two topics that have generated a great deal of neighborhood interest: The future of the Marinwood Shopping Plaza, and the Golden Gate Transit District’s weekend bus (#57) route that currently provides weekend and holiday service to the Marinwood area. The room was full and people were actually outside the building listening through the open windows. Most importantly, the people who attended were polite and well informed. Many questions were answered and a good deal of information was delivered to the people who attended. The first topic of discussion concerned the future plans for the Marinwood Shopping Plaza. Mr. Larry Hoytt and Greg McCollum from Hoyt Enterprises represented of the owner of the property, Mr. Jerry Hoytt, who, due to a conflict, was unable to attend the meeting. The two representatives gave an overview concerning the status of a potential revitalization of the Marinwood Shopping Plaza. Hoytt Enterprises is searching for a developer who will completely re-construct the Plaza. Their goal is to have a food retailer as the “anchor” to the Plaza, which would also include a multi-tenet complex. The representatives expressed that it is difficult to find a developer who is willing to fund a complete makeover of the Plaza. The main problem is the need for attracting a large customer base. Mr. McCullom indicated that they are now in the negotiation process with a potential developer, but, due to business considerations, was unable to name who it is at this time. Several members of the audience voiced frustration with the deterioration of the Plaza over the years. There was also a great level of concern expressed that a food market be part of any potential development. The Plaza site covers five acres, including the former gas station. Supervisor Adams concluded the Plaza portion of the meeting after approximately one hour of discussion. The Hoyt representatives thanked those in attendance and promised to try their very best to select a developer who will include a food market in their plans. It was suggested by Marinwood resident, Frank Nelson that Hoytt Enterprise, and the soon to be chosen developer, form a working relationship with representatives from the Marinwood/Lucas Valley community in order to secure input and suggestions regarding the future design of the Marinwood Plaza. The Hoytt representatives stated that this is a good idea and that they are open to the suggestion. A big Thank You goes to Hoytt Enterprises for its candor and cooperation in starting the dialog with the community. If you want additional details regarding the recommendations from the draft Countywide Plan concerning the Marinwood Shopping Plaza, please log on to: www.future-marin.org and go to “Marinwood Shopping Center Photo Simulation.” If you have questions regarding the types of uses recommended for the Marinwood Plaza please call Supervisor Adams’ aide Rick Fraites @ 499-7354 or email at: rfraites@co.marin.ca.us The other topic of discussion concerned the recently established Golden Gate Transit Bus # 57 route currently running on Miller Creek Road on the weekends and holidays. The bus route became an issue for several residents who felt that due to a lack of rider ship and the noise generated by the bus as it moved through Marinwood, that the bus route should be removed. Supervisor Adams introduced Mr. Ron Downing bus route planner for the Golden Gate Bridge District. Mr. Downing explained why the new Route 57 bus came into being and why, in his opinion, it is a viable service that allows those who are without personal transportation options a way to move about Marin County in an affordable manner. Several people from the audience addressed this issue. Many felt that the new Route 57 was a needed transportation option for those who have no other way get about; such as seniors who no longer drive autos; young people who do not posses a drivers licenses; and those who require affordable transportation choices. Those who were opposed felt that the route lacks enough riders to make running the bus a money making option. Some were concerned that the bus is another loud noise that disrupts their lives as well as contributing to air pollution. Mr. Downing further indicated that the new #57 was created due to the removal of #1 and # 50 bus routes. He has conducted a rider ship survey and thinks that there are enough daily riders to justify keeping the route going. Mr. Downing did indicate that the Marin Transit Authority has the final say and those who are opposed should contact the MTA with their concerns. Supervisor Adams indicated that she supported the new bus route for the positive reasons stated above, plus the fact that, as a former resident of San Francisco, she, and later her children, used public transportation a great deal. Unless there is a large outpouring of complaints the route 57 will continue to run.