Sausalito delays decision on Marinship mixed-use development
Plan calls for construction of three buildings
A proposed three-building project on Liberty Ship Way in Sausalito has been stalled by the city's Planning Commission.
The commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to continue the hearing to allow the developer to address a range of issues related to the appearance of the buildings, and its impact on surrounding businesses, views and wildlife. Commissioner Richard Graef recused himself because he lives within 500 feet of the project site.
Commissioner Nastassya Saad said commissioners required more information, in particular on how the plan would impact parking used by an adjacent business and city easements over nearby trails and marshes.
“I don't think we have enough information to make a comprehensive decision at this time,” she said.
Commissioner Kristina Feller described the design as “monolithic” compared to previous designs presented at past study sessions. She said there were also concern about the height and orientation of the buildings.
She said the location had a critical centrality to the Marinship area.
“I implore this applicant to please listen to the commission,” said Feller. “The onus is on the applicant now to really respond to the direction and the input and the constructive feedback.”
The owner of the property is Libertyship Way II Joint Venture. The owner agent was identified as Michael Rainey.
The proposed project site is on 3.9 acres at 70-74 Liberty Ship Way. It is on a single parcel currently used for dry boat storage. A portion is used for parking for an adjacent restaurant. The site is near Mono Marsh and a pedestrian and bike pathway that extends to Schoonmaker Beach. It is located near Galilee Harbor and within an industrial, manufacturing and warehousing area.
The proposal calls for the construction of three, twostory buildings totaling approximately 50,000 square feet for general industrial, marine industrial, marine commercial uses. A 20-seat restaurant also is proposed for the site.
A parking lot with up to 101 spaces, including six handicap spaces; 12 bicycle spaces and five motorcycle spaces would be built. Nine space would be available for public use during work hours during the week, and an additional eight spaces would be available on the weekends and extended evenings.
Tricia Stevens, a contract planner for the project, said the original application was filed in 2017. The project has been under review over subsequent years by other city committees.
Stevens said the project would be divided into three buildings.
“Building A” would be two
stories tall with a total of 17,679 square feet and will be used for dry boat storage, manufacturing and storage/warehouse. “Building B,” also a twostory building, would feature 16,979 square feet for manufacturing, repair and maintenance and medical services.
A third two-story building, “Building C,” would have 10,977 square feet and will be used for industrial and commercial purposes. That building would include a 1,588-square-foot restaurant with a maximum capacity of 20 people. No restaurant user has been identified.
Jude Stalker of Marin Audubon said the plan did not adequately reflect the impact on the wildlife in Mono Marsh. She said construction also could impact coastal flows during high tide and infringe on a natural buffer.
“It is crucial to take care of that one piece of wetland that Sausalito has there,” she said.
Brent McDonald, the applicant on behalf of the owner, said the design was based on the square footage and massing of other buildings in the area and intended to protect views.
“What we have done is concentrate to be true to the Marinship master plan,” he said.
Diane Hanna, a Mill Valley attorney representing the applicant, said, “the applicant has done everything that they can to create views and preserve views for the residents of Galilee Harbor… we've got a lot of exciting potential tenants for this site who we believe will be a benefit to the city.”
A future hearing date has not yet been set.