"Historical Significance Overlooked"
“The current application disregards the historical significance of the site,” wrote Richard Toshiyuki Drury, an attorney representing Save Our Sausalito, in the filing. “The project must obtain a certificate of appropriateness due to its location within a designated historic district.”
Project's Impact on Historic Character
The filing emphasizes that the proposed development would alter the historic character of the site, which is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources. Save Our Sausalito argues that demolishing parts of the historic structure without proper review is unacceptable and illegal under current preservation laws.
Drury’s letter states, “The historic district has stringent requirements to ensure any changes respect its character and integrity. This project, as proposed, does not meet those standards.”
Key Arguments
The organization detailed several key points of contention:
- Excessive Heights: Proposed heights of 85 and 109 feet far exceed the district’s 32-foot limit.
- Improper Definitions: Project submissions failed to properly define terms and misinterpreted legal standards.
- Non-Compliance: The project does not comply with objective general plan, zoning, and subdivision standards.
Support from Local Residents
Local residents and preservationists have voiced their support for Save Our Sausalito’s challenge, emphasizing the importance of preserving the district’s historic fabric.
City officials are now tasked with reviewing the legal and historical arguments presented by Save Our Sausalito. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for future developments in the historic district.
