Freeman Park Neighborhood Association
78 E Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
October 30, 2022
The Richardson Project fails to qualify for a CEQA Exemption. Deny the Project
To: Planning@cityofmillvalley.org
Dear Mill Valley Planning Commissioners:
The Freeman Park Neighborhood Association Board, like residents throughout the city, agrees there is a need for housing that is affordable. We acknowledge Mr. Richardson’s long-time commitment to building on his property. And we know the city is under pressure from the state to build 865 new housing units in the next eight years to meet Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) mandates.
Mr. Richardson’s previous plans have been rejected by planning commissions, city councils, and the community. The issues have always been a 20-unit project is too big, the entrance and exit are unsafe, traffic congestion is already intolerable, and cut-through traffic puts nearby residents at risk.
Mr. Richardson’s new proposal disregards the findings. Instead, he is back with an even bigger project: 25 units plus 2,240 sf of commercial space. The new proposal worsens traffic, increases the risk for bikers and pedestrians, and the massive buildings right up to the curb destroy the small-town feel and character of the entry into Mill Valley.
Residents in the Freeman Park neighborhood (Ryan, Nelson, Amicita, and portions of Sycamore, and E. Blithedale) are at the greatest risk of hazardous impact, but all community members and workers who rely on E. Blithedale to get downtown or to the freeway will be negatively impacted as well.
We can move forward towards accepting the project if it aligns with CEQA, there are fewer and smaller units that truly meet the need for housing that is affordable, traffic impacts for a safe entrance and exit are addressed, the bulk and height are reduced, and a portion of the wildlife corridor and heritage oak trees are preserved.
We urge you to deny approval of this project as presented.
Sincerely,
Freeman Park Neighborhood Association
Board: Cathy Cook, Susan Kirsch, Liz Specht and Judy Thier