A controversial document sketching out the Bay Area's long-range land use and transportation system will be discussed at a June 27 meeting in San Rafael.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments are starting work on a draft environmental impact report for Plan Bay Area, which aims to present guidelines for future growth. Many Marin residents have pushed back against the plan, favoring more organic growth without governmental handholding. Others say Plan Bay Area is the fairest and most effective way to coordinate growth rather than scramble as issues arise.
Municipalities are being directed by regional and meet state requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by focusing new housing and jobs around transit hubs to improve mobility and accessibility in the region. The environmental impacts of the land-use changes and transportation investments will be analyzed in the EIR, according to ABAG.
There are four meetings planned for the Bay Area to discuss the draft EIR. The one in Marin is Wednesday, June 27, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel's Novato/Larkspur room. The hotel is at 101 McInnis Parkway. See the attachment for the other three meetings.
Topics to be covered at the meetings are:
- What environmental issues should be analyzed?
- Are there alternatives that should be evaluated?
- How can people get involved in the environmental planning process?
- What mitigation measures would help avoid or minimize negative impacts?
- How can local jurisdictions and other agencies use the EIR?
Comments may be submitted in writing by July 11 to Ashley Nguyen, EIR project manager for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. E-mail eircomments@mtc.ca.gov or send letters to her at 101 Eighth Street, Oakland, CA 94607.
