Residents express concerns over Spring Grove hillside development and drainage issues

The San Anselmo Planning Commission convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss several critical issues regarding a proposed development project on Spring Grove Avenue. The meeting featured input from local residents, highlighting concerns about drainage, environmental impact, and neighborhood compatibility.

The first speaker, a resident of Spring Grove, expressed worries about the long-term maintenance of drainage facilities, citing personal experience with silt buildup in similar systems. The speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the ecological balance in the area, noting the diverse architectural styles of existing homes and suggesting that the proposed project should incorporate features that blend with the neighborhood's character.

Another resident, Kevin McCallum, raised significant concerns about the steepness of the proposed site, which has a 56-degree slope. He warned that the removal of numerous trees could destabilize the hillside and exacerbate existing drainage issues, which currently flood neighboring properties. McCallum urged the civil engineer to assess the site, as he believed the drainage plans might not adequately address the volume of water flowing from the hillside.

Further discussion included critiques of the construction management plan (CMP), with residents questioning its feasibility. One speaker noted that the CMP's proposal to create a single parking space before completing other construction elements could lead to logistical challenges, particularly in managing multiple contractors on-site.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commission to consider deferring approval of the project until further assessments could be made regarding its environmental impact and compatibility with the surrounding area. Residents expressed a strong desire for thorough evaluation to ensure that any development would not compromise the safety and integrity of the neighborhood.