Having bought a home in Marinwood in 2008 and then getting involved in the community, I don't know all the politics, but have heard plenty.
While I'd rather not re-hash what has and has not been done right, I recognize that a public servant's ability to serve the community and help direct resources where they are most sorely needed is their bond. And in THIS, I saw a grave failure in the (very expensive) 2009 project to repave Lucas Valley Road between 101 and the twistier section.
Was that section of Lucas Valley road in need of attention? Sure. Was it in NEED of attention? No. It is now a bit smoother (and I am picky about smooth pavement, which is and has been disappearing in CA).
By contrast, the Marinwood Plaza is hands down the worst aspect of Marinwood attracting crime and graffiti, vandals and vagrants. Mattresses, used condoms, needles, bottles of whisky etc., you name it, was in that parking lot. And will be again.
It is a blight, and a disgrace. It is in NEED of help, and I *do* think that a Trader Joe's would thrive in that location and then draw other businesses in due to the traffic. It would not compete with a coffee shop nor a one-day-a-week farmer's market, for that matter.
It sounds like two campaigns may need to be launched: a petition to show TJ's our support for the location and one more to make Susan Adams work for her constituency and her paycheck from our tax dollars.
I have already written to Trader Joe's to notify them of the property and several reasons why it might be appealing to them. Let's hope they agree, that Hoyt will come to the table, and that our supervisors will support our citizens, our safety, our business, and our schools rather than real-estate developers and their own wider political agenda....
There is no reason Marinwood cannot become an even better place to live than it is, as a nice suburb with great proximity, quiet streets, and excellent schools. But that road begins with Marinwood Plaza.
CMdweller
Aquarius