On Monday April 16, 2018, the Coalition’s Marina Committee (Committee) met with the S.R. Community Development Department (CDD) and S.R. Dept. of Public Works (DPW) for our regular monthly review of the developments at The Village at Loch Lomond Marina (aka “The Strand”). The Bay Conservation & Development Commission (BCDC) was not in attendance. [NOTE: MVA below refers to Marina Village Associates, the owner and developer of this property]
The public is encouraged to communicate with the Marina Committee using the Contact the Marina Committee form to raise any issues or concerns so that they may be brought to the City’s attention.
The following items were discussed:
The lack of any measurable progress on a number of construction issues related to this development is of serious concern to the City departments. As a result, the CDD and DPW issued a joint letter on April 13, 2018 to MVA regarding these issues and the City’s position regarding them. It was suggested that given the nature of this letter and the deadlines included within it, it might be prudent to skip the regular May meeting and meet again in June when many of the deadlines in the letter would have elapsed or be approaching. The group agreed, with the proviso that should there be any significant changes, the May meeting could be reinstated at the direction of the CDD.
What follows is a summary of the content of this letter. The letter divided the issues into three categories: Status of Building Permits; Status of Subdivision Improvements, Infrastructure & Securities; and Status of Other Project Activities.
Status of Building Permits
Building permits for the lots at the easternmost area and nearest the marina (currently covered with a mound of dirt) have been issued and construction must begin by August 20, 2018.
The lots next to the completed residences and across from the marina green that now have foundations completed but have otherwise remained idle must begin construction by June 15, 2018.
The Harbormaster’s Office & Restaurant building to be constructed between the Yacht Club building and Andy’s Market must start construction by June 15, 2018.
These above dates are firm and will not be extended. If construction does not begin by those dates, the permits will lapse. MVA will have to file for new building permits, pay the new fees and submitted construction plans must meet current code requirements, not the ones what were in place with the original permits were issued.
The CDD has received building permit applications for the mixed use building (replacing the structure currently housing the dry cleaners and other businesses) and the boat repair building. These permits are currently in the City’s plan check review process.
Status of Subdivision Improvements, Infrastructure & Securities
The permit has been issued to begin the grading of the old Andy’s Market area. This will entail the movement of the soil current piled at the west end of the development property as well as the soil to the south of the old Andy’s Market to be used as the surcharge dirt in this area. This dirt will remain there until the subsoil has been sufficiently compacted to allow construction of residences. This work must begin by May 31, 2018 or the permit will lapse.
MVA has asked for the release of 80% its bond (80% of $5,000,000) that was put up as security for the completion of the infrastructure, utilities, road improvements and public-accessible park areas. The City agrees to release this bond in phases dependent on the work to correct or complete various outstanding issues related to these items. The City will provide a schedule and dependencies by April 30. 2018. One of these dependencies (there are others) is the implementation of a flooding resolution plan for the connector to the breakwater and the playground area which will require a permit amendment to be submitted and approved by BCDC.
Even in this case, once the City accepts these items, it will continue to hold the improvement securities (the bond) for one year after acceptance as a precaution. In addition, securities will continue to be held for other public areas yet to be constructed until those items are completed.
A kayak dock is planned for an area adjacent to the eastern side of the boat launch ramp. The City requires this dock be installed by July 15, 2018.
Status of Other Project Activities
The original planning documents and permits include a boat fueling dock and fuel storage facility. The City fully expects MVA to implement this facility and include the plans for such in the BCDC permit amendment identified above that includes the flooding mitigation plans.
Andy’s Market wishes to implement a free-standing sign on Pt. San Pedro Road in the approximate location of the current wooden sign approaching Loch Lomond Drive from the west. The City has agreed to a preliminary design which would also accommodate the other businesses within the Village at Loch Lomond Marina property, but it will require City Planning Division approval and an amendment of the approved Sign Program since this sign was not initially included in those permits. MVA will need to submit a permit amendment for this sign.
A re-facing of the Yacht Club building was included in the original permits, to be completed within two years of the approval date of August 26, 2016. Therefore, these improvements must be completed by August 26, 2018. Any extension of this deadline would require approval of the Planning Commission. A revised design for this re-facing was put forth by MVA. To pursue such a revised design would require a permit amendment be submitted along with filing fees to the Planning Division. It would also require review by the Design Review Board and notification of surrounding property owners and residents. An application would need to be filed no later than April 30, 2018 or, otherwise, the currently approved design must be implemented and completed by the August 26, 2018 date.