As Chair of the Coalition’s Marina Committee, I received the following question via the Contact the Marina Committee form on our website. Since I responded to that inquiry, it was pointed out to me that others might have the same question and would like to see the response. The question, and my response, follows:
When will all the remaining homes be completed?
Your question has a two-part answer. First, in the area where the old Andy’s Market and parking lot was, there is a mound of dirt, called a “surcharge”. It is there to place weight on that area. Over time, this surcharge will compress the land beneath and push out any bay mud, making the land more stable and suitable for construction. The length of time before that land is ready, and the excess dirt is removed, is variable and up to the geo-engineers’ determination. Could be six months, could be a year. So, no one, least of all me, can answer your question regarding this area.
The land that has already been surcharged (nearer the marina), including the area where there are already foundations poured, is another matter. Permits have been issued and, in fact, are nearing expiration. The developer, Marina Village Associates (MVA), says that construction there is dependent on “market factors”. I think that means that the developer is uncertain about sales and is holding off construction for now.
The San Rafael planning department has no authority to force the developer to build. The City cannot require a builder to put up construction bonds to a create a financial incentive to build. The only authority they have is the issuance of permits, enforcing permit conditions, and the expiration thereof. So, if the developer wants to wait, allow permits to expire, and then has to re-apply for new permits “down the road”, that is their prerogative. Likewise, if the developer decides to abandon the project and leave the situation as-is, that is also their prerogative. The City and our Committee are doing all we can to encourage the developer to make progress. All I can say at this point is that there is no evidence that the developer has any intention of “walking out” on this project.
I hope this answers your question, even if it might not be the answer you desired.
Alan Schaevitz
Chair, San Pedro Road Coalition Marina Committee