As a San Rafael or Marin County voter, I am deeply concerned that the community and natural habitats most affected by the Civic Center SMART train station, repeatedly voiced in planning meetings, 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 should include high-density housing and extensive environmental and community 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 at the North San Rafael site, without regard for the character of the existing neighborhood or the vision of the master architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose signature county campus lies immediately to the south of the proposed transit village.

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 community and habitats impacted by the SMART train construction.

As signers of this petition we request:

- Designation and enforcement of a quiet zones in impacted neighborhoods 1 mile either side of CIvic Center Station

- A clear effort to preserve the current quality of life for all North San Rafael residents.

- Careful attention to Frank Lloyd Wright’s original vision for the area.

- Real efforts to negate any environmental impacts on critical habitat for endangered and threatened species and ecosystems.

- A traffic study to review the impact of any additional traffic caused by newly proposed residences or commercial land use identifying any mitigation actions required to preserve traffic safety and avoid congestion or parking issues

-  Realistic proposals for development that do not significantly impact existing homes and residents. Avoidance of plans that include high density housing and parking plan, buildings over 3 storys or zoning that change current office buildings to high density residential with ground floor commercial units.

-  Negation of any risk of a reduction of property values for existing homeowners and businesses.

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 city and its existing and future voters. Thank you.