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Marin Against Density says "NO on SB-827 and SB-828!"
State Senate Bill 827 would allow developers to build much denser, taller housing near major transit hubs and transit corridors by exempting "transit-rich housing projects" from local regulations concerning zoning, density, floor area ratio, setbacks, design guidelines, and parking requirements. The bill would also mandate that minimum height limits of such housing range from 45 to 85 feet (5 to 8 stories) OR from 65 to 105 feet (7 to 10 stories) if the State Density Bonus is applied. [Note that a “transit corridor” is a street with a public bus route on it.]
Another bill, State Senate Bill 828 would dramatically raise local housing quotas by requiring them to plan for 200% more housing units than their assigned housing allocations, among other methods.
CONSEQUENCES OF BOTH BILLS: Both bills are about to be voted on. SB-827 poses a significant threat to local control, democracy, and public engagement. Immense developments could be approved with hardly any public input! The bill would benefit developers who profit from unlimited high-end housing production, without solving the need for affordable housing. Furthermore, it would foster displacement of existing residents. The subsequent housing densification and population growth resulting from both bills would harm the environment, public health and safety, increase traffic congestion, burden infrastructure, utilities (water supply), stress public services (including schools), spoil neighborhood character, and lessen quality of life. Moreover, there is no funding for dealing with these impacts. The costs would fall heavily on current local residents.
You need to stop these bills now.
TAKE ACTION:
1. Contact Marin's State Senator, Mark McGuire. The key to stopping these bills is State Senator McGuire. He controls a key committee that could stop the bills prior to a floor vote. He needs to be convinced to vote against them. Demand that he vote against SB-827 and SB-828. Tell him to support locally-grown sustainable strategies that enable our communities to meet all housing needs. His contact info: Phone: 415-479-6612 or 916-651-4002. A staff member will log your call, which is the most effective way to have your opinion heard.
2. Contact Marin’s Assembly Member, Marc Levine. Demand that he vote against SB-827 and SB-828. Tell him to support locally-grown sustainable strategies that enable our communities to meet all housing needs. His contact info: Calls have much greater impact than emails – 415-479-4920 or 916-319-2010.
Email: assemblymember.levine@assembly.ca.gov
3. Sign Tam Al Monte's petition and forward the link to all of your contacts. Here’s a link to the petition: http://bit.ly/2Hr5s9j
Time is of the essence: The legislative session is almost over.
Contact McGuire and Levine. Today.!
Dick Spotswood: Housing bill is SF trying to boss the suburbs
Dick Spotswood: Housing bill is going to raise cost for public services
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