On Wednesday, Save Our Sausalito submitted a detailed objection to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Programs. These programs are part of a state-mandated process requiring cities to plan for housing to meet future needs, including affordable housing. The filing highlights significant inadequacies in the DEIR, asserting that it fails to properly analyze and mitigate the impacts on historic and biological resources within the Sausalito Downtown Historic District.
"DEIR Falls Short"
“The current report does not provide sufficient measures to protect our historic and biological assets,” said a representative from Save Our Sausalito. “We are advocating for the inclusion of the Historic District Preservation Alternative, which would eliminate proposed Housing Opportunity Sites in the district.”
The filing submitted to the City of Sausalito highlights the following issues:
- Density Specifications: The project does not meet density specifications outlined in Sausalito’s general plan.
- Land Use Designation: The general plan designates the area for “Central Commercial” use, emphasizing retail on the first floor with office or residential uses above.
- Scale and Mass: The proposed development would overwhelm the district with its scale and mass.
"Irreversible Harm to Irreplaceable Resources"
“We need a comprehensive analysis that fully considers the environmental and cultural significance of the downtown area,” the representative added. “The proposed developments could cause irreversible harm to these irreplaceable resources.”
Alternative Proposal Suggested
The organization proposes the Historic District Preservation Alternative as a more suitable approach. This alternative would protect the unique cultural and biological resources by eliminating all Housing Opportunity Sites within the Downtown Historic District.
Community Concerns
Local historians and residents have expressed support for Save Our Sausalito’s position, arguing that preserving the district’s historic character is crucial for maintaining Sausalito’s identity and appeal. They believe that losing these historic buildings would significantly impact the community’s heritage.
City officials have acknowledged the concerns raised by Save Our Sausalito. However, the city has yet to make a commitment to include the material in the final DEIR or provide a timeline for the final report.
The representative from Save Our Sausalito emphasized that the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must address these objections in order to be complete.
