I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns and gather support for preventing the opening of a private membership club in downtown Mill Valley. The Bank of America Building in Mill Valley, CA is a landmark building that has been an integral part of the community for decades. However, there are plans to establish a members-only club within the building that will have a negative impact on the community. The following are some compelling reasons why this development should not proceed:

Parking and Traffic: This club will lead to increased traffic and use of parking in an already congested area that is used by locals to shop for groceries and patronize businesses. The parking situation around the Bank of America Building is already challenging, and adding more cars to the mix will only exacerbate this problem and make it more difficult for the town's elderly population to park and meet their needs. It is innapropriate to allow an exclusive members club to monopolize an estimated 60 spaces on weekdays and 66 on weekends (a low estimate) in a small town such as Mill Valley.

Reputation: Moreover, this club will only be accessible to members who pay exorbitant fees. It will not be open to the public, which means that it will limit access to one of the most iconic buildings in Mill Valley. This is unacceptable as it goes against our values as a community. The permit application specifies that they will have some public events and "be a vibrant community hub". This is antithetical to the nature of a members only club and unrealistic. The repuational/cultural impacts as well as the logistical impacts of having a private club in the center of town are serious and undermine the DEI inititiatives as well as other attempts to make Mill Valley a more inclusive place with a less exclusive and unwelcoming reputation.

Public Serving Businesses:
Downtown Mill Valley is known for its diverse range of public serving businesses that cater to the needs and interests of all community members. A private membership club would potentially draw attention and resources away from these establishments, leading to a decline in the vitality of our local economy. We must prioritize the sustainability and growth of businesses that serve the public at large.

In light of these concerns, we request that you reconsider the development plans for the private membership club in downtown Mill Valley. Our community thrives on inclusivity, diversity, and the provision of public services. Let us work together to preserve these values and ensure that our town remains a welcoming place for all.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We implore you to take our concerns into serious consideration and engage in a dialogue with community members about alternative development options that align with the principles and aspirations of Mill Valley.

Sources:
- "Mill Valley Parking Study," City of Mill Valley
- "Inclusivity Matters: The Economic Benefits Of Inclusive Communities," Forbes Magazine