As a San Rafael voter, I am deeply concerned that the community and natural habitats most affected by the Civic Center SMART train station are not being taken into consideration with current plans and advisements.

San Rafael residents have funded this project through taxpayer dollars. However, the current proposals suggest that the Civic Center station area should include high-density housing that will bring extensive community and environmental impacts. This proposal goes far beyond the concept of a train and a station, as originally presented and passed by voters. In fact, a small city is being proposed in this North San Rafael area, without full regard for the character, safety and quiet of the existing neighborhoods.

As concerned voters, we stress that we are opposed to any recommendations, policies, or plans which do not have the primary goal of preserving and protecting the existing quiet and safety of the community and habitats impacted by the SMART train stations and adjacent zoning and development.

We petition the following:

• The City include information in the Civic Center Station Area Plan Committee provide members of the voting public the rational demonstrating the need for new, high density housing in this area.

• A Community Plan is developed to help define the characteristics of the existing and future neighborhoods.

• A Community Impact Study is prepared for north San Rafael based upon the Civic Center Station Area Plan's recommendations.

• These specific studies are conducted to ensure quality of life for neighborhoods affected by the Civic Center Station and development proposal of the Civic Center Station Area Plan Committee:
1. An independent Traffic Study of impacts from the housing densities recommended in the Civic Center Station Area Plan.
2. An Environmental Health Assessment considering the impact public health associated concerns from high density housing developments.
3. A study determining how any new and proposed development plans will increase demand for public safety services including fire and police, how these developments will affect response time of emergency services, and how the increased demand will be paid for.
4. All other potential impacts arising from the Civic Center Station Area Plan's recommendations.

• San Rafael City officials understand that existing homeowners and businesses deserve realistic proposals for development that do not significantly cause risks of reduction of property values in connection with the Civic Center Smart Train Station area development. This means rejecting plans that include the following:
1. Rezoning that changes current office buildings to high density residential housing with ground floor commercial units.
2. High density housing and parking plans being imbedded into existing neighborhoods.
3. Development of buildings over 3 stories.
4. Any zoning changes to parcels along Merrydale Road, Redwood Highway and on the east side of 101.

• Real efforts are made to negate any environmental impacts on critical habitat for endangered and threatened species and ecosystems by preparation of a Watershed Plan for Gallinas Creek.

• Designation of the Public Storage and Northgate Storage parcels as potential parking sites in the Civic Center Station Area Plan, mitigating impact of additional cars on already limited parking in adjacent neighborhoods.

• A clear effort to maintain areas free of private nuisance for all San Rafael residents by making the whole city of San Rafael a Quiet Zone for the SMART Train affected areas.

We strongly urge that SMART planners, the City of San Rafael, and Marin County Supervisors and other agencies truly aim to reflect what’s best for the area and its existing and future voters.