We, the undersigned, Larkspur/Marin residents, respectfully petition that the City of Larkspur not approve the proposal of Edge Development Group/Magnolia Village as is, to construct a four-story, 20-unit town home/commercial building at 1135-1169 Magnolia Ave, because it is inconsistent with the neighborhood scale-and-character guidelines, as set forth in Larkspur Municipal Code (Multi-Family Housing), for the following reasons: 
 
1. The proposed building is overly large. It will replace a single-story commercial building with 20 new residences, a net gain of 20 additional residences, by utilizing the inclusion of four “affordable housing” units to justify the oversized 4-story design. 

2. The building is far too tall, exceeding the height of the tallest existing buildings on the street and in the town of Larkspur by a substantial amount. None should be much taller than neighboring buildings. The City should also require numerous set backs to minimize the bulk facing the street.
 
3. Street traffic is already heavy during various hours and parking is extremely tight. Adding a building with potentially 40-60 more cars than currently on the street will unreasonably worsen traffic. Demand for parking by visitors (guests and vendors) to 20+ more families will make the parking situation worse, too. 

4. The dense footprint on this project violates all setbacks, and doesn’t preserve the history and integrity of Larkspur. Placing a building of this size on Magnolia Avenue will irreparably diminish the reputation of Larkspur as a city seriously dedicated to effective urban planning, especially when the plans violate its own legal guidelines. This high-density development will decrease the aesthetic quality of our beautiful Larkspur neighborhoods and set a precedent for many other poorly conceived structures to be erected.

We understand the need for more housing/affordable housing, BUT not at the expense of deforming our beautiful city of Larkspur with a development of this size and its uncharacteristic feel to our charming town.
The City is not required to approve an application simply because it meets technical requirements when it is demonstrated that its fulfillment will unreasonably diminish the quality of life in the neighborhood. The “affordable-income housing” loophole should not be utilized to profit developers to the detriment of residents. Any development should enhance residents’ lives, not merely the developer’s wallet.
 
THIS ONE FALLS FAR SHORT!