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Residents urge council to reject Starkweather Path lighting and some art placements, cite wildlife and outreach concerns
Summary
Neighbors told the council they oppose permanent lighting and a proposed People of the Canal art installation on Starkweather Path, citing municipal code limiting hours, CEQA and wildlife impacts, lack of neighborhood outreach, and parking constraints.
Multiple San Rafael residents told the council on Jan. 20 they oppose proposed permanent lighting and an art installation along the Starkweather Path, arguing the project would change the path’s character and create safety, privacy and environmental risks.
Nancy Long, who said her home backs the path in Bay Point Lagoons, told the council that "installing permanent lighting contradicts that code and implies nighttime use that has never been permitted" and that artificial illumination would cause light spill into homes, disrupt wildlife and require CEQA review. Susan Levine said residents were "blindsided" by how far the proposals had progressed without neighborhood outreach and that the project sponsor declined alternative locations suggested by homeowners.
Mark Fallows, a nearby resident, asked the council to pause the project until the city clarifies park hours policy, completes a biological impact assessment and consults the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Several commenters said the path is narrow and lacks parking or room for a public art gathering.
City staff and council acknowledged the concerns during reports and noted the project has been the subject of community outreach; council members said more engagement and information would be appropriate before any final approvals. No final action on the art or lighting was taken at the meeting; residents were told the items had not yet come forward for council approval.
