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Residents press council over School Street Plaza project, recall effort and town process
Summary
Public comments at the Fairfax Town Council meeting focused on the contested School Street Plaza development, criticism of council conduct, support and opposition to a recall effort, and an announcement from the town attorney that a letter had been sent to the project's developer.
Several dozen speakers used the meeting's open public expression period to press the Town Council on the proposed School Street Plaza project, criticize council behavior, urge or oppose a recall campaign and to promote community events and programs.
Town Attorney Janet Colson told the meeting a letter had been sent that day to the developer and the developer's attorney regarding the School Street Plaza project; she said the letter will be posted to the town website. Colson also confirmed the court had taken under submission the Coontz v. Town of Fairfax matter on the town's motion to dismiss and that the judge's decision was pending.
Speakers who identified themselves as nearby residents or long-time town members urged the council to require the developer to follow the public process, criticized aspects of the School Street proposal (building height, wetlands impacts and commercial square footage), and said the project does not deliver the promised affordability. Several said they did not want a seven-story structure in downtown Fairfax.
Other public speakers addressed unrelated community matters including festival logistics, an energy-upgrades program for low- and middle-income homeowners, and a panel about older women's resilience in Marin County. Several speakers urged the council and the community to work together to reduce rancor and to resist the circulating recall petitions targeting the mayor and vice mayor; others said they supported a recall. One speaker said they would consider legal action if the town's letter did not block any perceived unlawful exemption claims by the developer.
The mayor and council did not take immediate action on the School Street Plaza matter during the open time segment; the town attorney said the letter to the developer would be posted publicly and further legal updates would follow.
Ending: The meeting's open-comment period made clear the project remains a focal point for contention in Fairfax; the town attorney's letter and a pending court ruling are likely to determine the next formal steps.
