Friends of Mill Valley

I just received an email indicating that Al Von der Werth's current proposal reduces the number of units from 20 to 15, and increases the number of parking spaces from 39 to 44. But the proposed project is still 3 stories high and does not conform to height limits, has only slightly reduced total square footage, has only reduced the retaining wall by 2', and no longer has any one bedroom units.

A 37' retaining wall? In what's meant to be a beautiful addition to Mill Valley's character?

Al Von der Werth's approach is a common way of negotiating - starting with a ridiculous proposal (aka "setting an anchor"), then "compromising" with positions that would usually be seen as absurd, except that they are better than the original anchor. Meanwhile the volunteers representing the community's interests gradually lose interest, or second-guess their own positions, and the property-speculator eventually wins. Wins big.

Me thinks you're being abused.

Rules exist. Make this proposal follow them. No exceptions.

Bill Fridl