Editorial: IJ's choices on Ross Valley

Thank you for your endorsement of Measure E. For far too long large houses going up on small lots in San Anselmo have been negatively affecting neighbors who have been just about powerless to stop it.

Sorry dont see the logic here. I think it needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. This love affair with one size fits all regulation is ridiculous. Vote NO on measure E.

No on E, one size does not fit all.

I for one don't understand why we don't all vigorously support Measure E. Without Measure E, developers can build a house in the San Anselmo flatlands twice as large as they can build on the same-size lot in Mill Valley and Tiburon.

Jeff Kroot and Kay Coleman argue that Measure E should be struck down because, amongst other things, the Ordinance includes attics - what they don't tell us is that those attics have to have floors -- plywood floors used to store our old files and decoration doesn't count. Do you know anyone with an attic that has a floor they don't use as a room?

And Kroot doesn't tell us that of the 18 homes* built in the past 10 years that would not have been allowed if this FAR had been in place, he designed 3 of them. In fact, just last year Kroot pushed through plans for a three floor, 4,090 square foot home on a 7,200 square foot lot on the flats of San Anselmo. This does not include an additional 400 square feet of garage space. In this case, Kroot successfully argued that the “basement” should not be counted as a floor. The resulting “basement” now contains a two car garage, entryway and home theatre. Kroot could not have built this home if the current FAR Ordinance was in effect.

The Marin IJ endorses Measure E!“having standards well-detailed in city building rules is the best way to settle disputes over "McMansions." The goal of the town law was to spell out local house-size restrictions for homeowners, potential buyers and neighbors who are worried that neighborhoods are getting overbuilt. We think there is room to revise and amend the town rules, but that doesn't mean the law should be scrapped.”

“A "yes" vote on Measure E would keep the town's house-size rules on the books. The IJ supports that.” Web Link

Measure E is also endorsed by:
The San Anselmo Town Council (unanimously)
The San Anselmo Planning Commission (unanimously)
Hal Brown, Marin County Supervisor
Town Council Candidates: Judy House, Ted Freeman, Peter Breen, Tom McInerney

If Measure E passes, we will have a FAR with a sliding scale of 35% to 45%(relative to lot size so that smaller lot owners still have flexibility to expand). This means that someone with a 4,000 square foot lot could build up to an 1,800 square foot home (45% FAR) and someone with an 8,000 square foot lot could build up to a 2,800 square foot home (35%). With nothing in place, San Anselmo has the most lax FAR in Marin - we currently allow 70% FAR homes with up to three stories – In other words, without Measure E someone with a 4,000 square foot lot can build up to a 2,800 square foot home and someone with an 8,000 square foot lot can build up to a 5,600 square foot home. And, make no mistake, these homes are being built.

*The San Anselmo Planning Department provided me with a comprehensive list of all the homes that were built or are being built in the flats of San Anselmo over the past ten years that would not have been allowed under the proposed FAR. In total there are 18 homes, and of those 16 are over 2,500 square feet and 11 are over 3,000 square feet. Half the lots are over 7,000 square feet. Do the math - the only one who benefits if Measure E is defeated is Jeff Kroot.

We need this FAR ... don't be fooled; vote for Measure E.

Dear Mr. Lee,
A wasted effort. Nobody really reads posts longer than a line or two, or maybe three. Stay with a few good thoughts. You'll be heard.
Best Regards,
Dirt

And Kroot doesn't tell us that of the 18 homes* built in the past 10 years that would not have been allowed if this FAR had been in place, he designed 3 of them. In fact, just last year Kroot pushed through plans for a three floor, 4,090 square foot home on a 7,200 square foot lot on the flats of San Anselmo. This does not include an additional 400 square feet of garage space. In this case, Kroot successfully argued that the “basement” should not be counted as a floor. The resulting “basement” now contains a two car garage, entryway and home theatre. Kroot could not have built this home if the current FAR Ordinance was in effect.
The Marin IJ endorses Measure E!“having standards well-detailed in city building rules is the best way to settle disputes over "McMansions." The goal of the town law was to spell out local house-size restrictions for homeowners, potential buyers and neighbors who are worried that neighborhoods are getting overbuilt. We think there is room to revise and amend the town rules, but that doesn't mean the law should be scrapped.”

This is just a slanderous attack on Jeff Kroot by one of his opponents.

Jeff has built homes, additions and remodels of all sizes during his long, successful career. He has even won design competitions for small homes for low income people. Jeff also designed the Tam House for low income seniors. He is a true "people's architect".

The numbers cited in Lee's email are fabricated lies.

The truth is that the FAR will NOT stop McMansions. Anyone with a medium to large lot will still be able to build a "monster house". The FAR will hurt younger families with smaller homes. Don't let the government decide who can remodel homes and who can't.

The unusable floor area of attics and basements should absolutely not be counted. It's unfair and unAmerican. By the way, in Mill Valley (where Lee writes from) the FAR ONLY includes floors that have ceilings at least 7.5 feet high. It is a much more reasonable ordinance than Measure E.

VOTE NO ON E!

Drake Pirate wrote:

In fact, just last year Kroot pushed through plans for a three floor, 4,090 square foot home on a 7,200 square foot lot on the flats of San Anselmo. This does not include an additional 400 square feet of garage space. In this case, Kroot successfully argued that the “basement” should not be counted as a floor. The resulting “basement” now contains a two car garage, entryway and home theatre. Kroot could not have built this home if the current FAR Ordinance was in effect.

Jeff has built homes, additions and remodels of all sizes during his long, successful career. He has even won design competitions for small homes for low income people. Jeff also designed the Tam House for low income seniors. He is a true "people's architect".

SO Pirate....I'm so happy to see you continue to defend Mr Architect Kroot. "People's architect" - think not! I know the 4,090 square foot home pushed through well. I do like the precision you display here, stating the size accurately. I urge everyone to come visit it at 10 Foss Ave, just off Sunnyside, and judge for yourself how approprate it is for this neighborhood.
You failed to mention that while the house has living space on three 'levels', Mr Architect Kroot's skillfull manipulation of the existing Planning Code enabled him to define this house as only being 2 stories tall. Is it reasonable to say one's home theater should not be counted as usable space? If so I guess we all should have a home theater.
You also failed to mention that the Town Council approved the house ONLY after the project sponsor actually filed a lawsuit to overturn the multiple rejections of the house by the Planning Commission and the Twon Council. "Will of the people" guiding the Town's growth didn't seem very important in this case.
You also failed to note that during the excavation of the house's 'basement' there was a cave-in that required emergency action to install approxiamtely 8 steel beams, wood plank shoring and suspension of construction to determine the risk to the neighboring homes. Please, don't take my word on this. Do check the record of the special meetings held to review the situation. You might also check the report prepared by the third party, independent soils engineer retained by the Town. Wonder what the additional cost to the Twon was for that additional consultant's work?
Argue all you like that poor Mr Architect Kroot is being smeared. Having collected signatures with scare tactics for a measure to overturn the FAR ordinance, one must question his motives. I have talked to many people about the FAR measure after Mr Architect Kroot and his collaborators. I know first hand the misinformation being used. Is the whole anti-FAR effort a thin smoke screen to stir up his campaign for Council? Who is funding the 'TooFAR' campaign? I suggest you go the State's Fair Political Practices Commission website for a surprise answer. Having served his time on the Council perhaps its time to step aside for other leaders to emerge.
Vote YES on Measure E. When that monster home is proposed next door to your house you will be pretty happy you did.

Serf in Feifdom wrote:

Sorry dont see the logic here. I think it needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. This love affair with one size fits all regulation is ridiculous. Vote NO on measure E.

What's ridiculous is that the San Anselmo flatlands have no FAR when every other Marin town does. The status quo of "evaluating on a case by case basis" has resulted in huge homes being built on small lots, ruining privacy, views, green space, and the character of neighborhoods. Without a FAR the town has no way to deny these McMansions.
Vote YES on Measure E.

San Anselmo Citizen wrote:

<quoted text>
What's ridiculous is that the San Anselmo flatlands have no FAR when every other Marin town does. The status quo of "evaluating on a case by case basis" has resulted in huge homes being built on small lots, ruining privacy, views, green space, and the character of neighborhoods. Without a FAR the town has no way to deny these McMansions.
Vote YES on Measure E.

I live next to a mansion and thanks to clever architecture and some landscaping my backyard is very private. I dont like tying house size to lot size. If a new house is going to impinge on someones privacy then adequate measures must be taken to mitigate. But to flat out disallow someone who owns a 4000 sf lot from being able to have basement, attic space and living area of more than 1800 sf is ridiculous.

"Steve Lee" from "Mill Valley" is actually Steven Lee Willrich who lives in San Anselmo. He built a large speck house but was unable to sell it and is frustrated that he must live there. I am one of his neighbors on the same street, but am too scared to say who I am because of Willrich's temper and hostility.

Sir Francis of Assisi wrote:

"Steve Lee" from "Mill Valley" is actually Steven Lee Willrich who lives in San Anselmo. He built a large speck house but was unable to sell it and is frustrated that he must live there. I am one of his neighbors on the same street, but am too scared to say who I am because of Willrich's temper and hostility.

You think its Mr Willrich? If it is he actually rehabilitated an existing house that was an eyesore at the corner of Foss and Sunnyside. They did a great job making the neighborhood better.

I suspect Sir Francis, if you had not either designed or built the monster house at 10 Foss you would have notthing to be scared of! You should stop hiding your true agenda of selfish greed.

Beloved PP,

My agenda is to do what's right for San Anselmo. My greed is for the safety of my family in San Anselmo. Everyone in this neighborhood is frightened of the illegal tactics that a couple of aggressive, immediate neighbors took while the new Foss house was being built.... Trespassing, slander, dog poop smeared on the actual construction etc.(criminal behavior). I will definitely hide my identity from you!

Curious if "Mr." W. actually has an architecture license? We have heard he doesn't. And not all neighbors agree that he did a good job, ripping the character out of an old house. By the way, how big is that lot and how many square feet is that house?

Sir Francis of Assisi wrote:

Beloved PP,
My agenda is to do what's right for San Anselmo. My greed is for the safety of my family in San Anselmo. Everyone in this neighborhood is frightened of the illegal tactics that a couple of aggressive, immediate neighbors took while the new Foss house was being built.... Trespassing, slander, dog poop smeared on the actual construction etc.(criminal behavior). I will definitely hide my identity from you!
Curious if "Mr." W. actually has an architecture license? We have heard he doesn't. And not all neighbors agree that he did a good job, ripping the character out of an old house. By the way, how big is that lot and how many square feet is that house?

Careful Sir Francis.....
Mr W has the same license Mr Architect Kroot has. You should check facts before tossing such claims about the internet. If you are interested the facts are readily obtained. You good Sir run close to slander with your statements. How do you know of trespass and other questionable acts on the construction site? It would be interesting to see what police reports say wouldn't it? All I know is that OSHA shut it down for failing to meet site saftey requirements. I know that the excavation caved in, requiring emergency repairs and shutting the site down for more than a week. I know that the site was robbed twice during the construction, resulting in an overnight guard being posted. Who are you accusing anyone of being responsible for those acts?

You may have seen the Time magazine story that the American home buying public is moving away from monster homes.

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8...

Vote Yes on Measure E to preserve San Anselmo's charter and ensure its economic sustainablity.

Ol' PP,

FACTS:

-Police reports and one arrest (of a Foss neighbor-hope it wasn't you!) were made for the crimes committed.

-It was the hostile, bullying neighbors who called OSHA. There was no danger to anyone. The site was reopened immediately.

-The slander continues (your emails are a great example). Isn't it time to calm down?

-There are many rumors/stories circulating about Mr. Architect Willrich's career. Can you show us proof of his license? We're just curious...

-We ALL detest monster homes and prefer smaller homes. This is why we would like to stop the FAR...
VOTE NO ON E!

There are a number of us who live on (or very close to) Foss and we feel that the angry lynch mob has gone too far. We are shocked to see the lies you have written and frankly it makes us frightened of what you're capable of. We don't feel comfortable stating who we are publicly because we fear your wrath. These online "community forums" are more like Roman coliseums. We are afraid you will pummel us for our differing povs.

I guess the "fact checker" for this civilized, online forum was out when you were writing your comments. These boutique papers have to cut corners to stay in business these days. Regardless, I'm sure that we've made quite an impact on the community with this above board, journalistic debate. What do you think? Isn't it wonderful to bring everyone together and listen calmly to the discourse? Aren't you glad you've spent time doing this? I've enjoyed the passionate dialogue. I have nothing better to do with my time. Should we meet for tea? Maybe at Comforts? Oh, if you don't mind that Jeff remodeled it...

Take some "Marin advice" and MOVE ON. Do something positive like working with children. It's in giving that we receive. Listen to Gandhi's words:
Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.

With infinite gratitude for your correspondence,
Your neighbor,
S. Francis

PS Namaste!!!!

Sir Francis of Assisi wrote:

Ol' PP,
FACTS:
-Police reports and one arrest (of a Foss neighbor-hope it wasn't you!) were made for the crimes committed.
-It was the hostile, bullying neighbors who called OSHA. There was no danger to anyone. The site was reopened immediately.
-The slander continues (your emails are a great example). Isn't it time to calm down?
-There are many rumors/stories circulating about Mr. Architect Willrich's career. Can you show us proof of his license? We're just curious...
-We ALL detest monster homes and prefer smaller homes. This is why we would like to stop the FAR...
VOTE NO ON E!
There are a number of us who live on (or very close to) Foss and we feel that the angry lynch mob has gone too far. We are shocked to see the lies you have written and frankly it makes us frightened of what you're capable of. We don't feel comfortable stating who we are publicly because we fear your wrath. These online "community forums" are more like Roman coliseums. We are afraid you will pummel us for our differing povs.
I guess the "fact checker" for this civilized, online forum was out when you were writing your comments. These boutique papers have to cut corners to stay in business these days. Regardless, I'm sure that we've made quite an impact on the community with this above board, journalistic debate. What do you think? Isn't it wonderful to bring everyone together and listen calmly to the discourse? Aren't you glad you've spent time doing this? I've enjoyed the passionate dialogue. I have nothing better to do with my time. Should we meet for tea? Maybe at Comforts? Oh, if you don't mind that Jeff remodeled it...
Take some "Marin advice" and MOVE ON. Do something positive like working with children. It's in giving that we receive. Listen to Gandhi's words:
Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
With infinite gratitude for your correspondence,
Your neighbor,
S. Francis
PS Namaste!!!!

Happy election eve Sir Francis.....

You can rest assured you need not fear nothing other than truthful words from me. Presenting distorted information is not my style. I will look into those arrest reports, not surprisingly none of those I communicate with have heard of such events.

The California Architects Board allows anyone with internet access to check on a license holder, fact checking could not be easier.

Hostile neighbors ? Perhaps being told one thing and then having people do another generates such a reaction. Having it happen again and again over many months most certainly will.

I did enjoy your view of the 'cost cutting press' having reached their conclusion to endorse the Yes on Measure E as result of their failure to understand your selfish view of the issue. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I have always believed in the wisdom of the polling booth, voters will get it right even if it takes several years to reach the right decision. I will move on following the election results. Will you? Or will we see you return with another campaign for a ballot measure or run for town council should you fail? I suspect you will not let tomorrow's election settle the issue. Thanks for the offer of tea at Comforts, wait there as i will be right over.....

Funny you would suggest I undertake working with childern, seems I have been for several weeks now as I have corresponded with you and your fellow travelers.

Farewell Sir Francis.....

Dear all those who are pro measure E,

I would like to bring to attention the idea that this measure does in fact take away the rights of the citizens of San Anselmo. If a person buys a lot is it the right of the towns to control how big the house should be? No. That is denial of human rights according to the constitution. If the house does not harms one's ability to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness then denying a person's right to control their OWN house size is completely immoral. How does a person building their house affect a neighbor? It absolutely should not! I think the real issue here is not privacy views or anything else technical considering ALL homes on San Anselmo abide by this, but more an issue of jealousy and pure anger. Those who vote yes on measure E do a great job in showing in their jealousy to those who can afford bigger houses.

Vote YES on measure on E if you are envious.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

'Tis slander, whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose tongue outvenoms all the worms of the Nile.

Be civil and humble sweet Pirate Patrol...to those children...and to your neighbors...

Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise.

Until we meet again on this dignified forum...
Your Sir

The good people of San Anselmo have spoken Sir Francis.

The results of today's votes are in, Yes on Measure E has won by more than 170 votes and 7 percentage points. A clear vote by the people to use FAR a planning tool to protect our Town's future.

Newly elected Council members should consider their positions in of this vote. Will they serve the interests fo the people as expressed at the polls? Will they prefer to act out their own agendas inspite of these eelction results? Only time will tell.

Farewell Sir Francis....my work here is done.