Sausalito's Measure X: Opening up to new waterfront development

The future of Sausalito's waterfront is on the ballot this November. Measure X would overhaul zoning laws that date back to the mid-80s, opening the city up to larger developments. And many residents are split, with critics fearing it will ruin the city's small-town charm. Well, KTVU's Tom Vacar is live in Sausalito tonight with more on this ongoing debate. Tom. Well, you know, it's like this. A lot's at stake here right now. And it's not just for the residents or for the businesses. It really also has to do with the tourists who come here expecting something, something sophisticated yet funky, a world of its own. Measure X is kind of like, it's a showdown for the future of Sausalito. Measure X seeks to replace current development laws adopted 41 years ago with a new way to streamline and speed up development in and around the waterfront, especially in northern Sausalito's Marinship District, where funkiness and bohemianism is a way of life. Renowned sculptor Sophia Colgar is best known for her breathtaking carved acrylic sculptures that replicate water surfaces, wind patterns, and light. Sausalito has been preserved as a beautiful small town, and we want to keep it that way. The reason that it has been preserved is that residents have the right to vote on zoning. It would change the look and feel of Sausalito from being a small town. Asks the residents of Sausalito to hand over that vote and give it back to city council, this city council, future city councils. The Tile Fever Studio is a good example of what could happen. It's a 2,700 square foot building. Under this measure could actually be 7,500 square feet. That would be a much bigger area, but it also could be as tall as those tallest flags, 47 feet. That's higher than the power poles off to the left. Proponents say such a change is long overdue to rejuvenate and improve the city, which by definition reduces the power of opposition, which in turn creates opportunities for more businesses in larger structures. Despite repeated calls, neither the mayor or any of the well-heeled proponents called us back. But on their Yes on X website, we found these snippets. I live in Sausalito, and I would love to stay in Sausalito. And if I can't find a space for my business here, I may have to move. That's one of the reasons why I'm so in favor of Measure X. If something like Measure X were to pass, we can open our doors, we can meet our neighbors. As of right now, we can operate in the dark. Heath Ceramics supports Measure X. For us, it's our best bet for making sure that Heath stays here in Sausalito for the long term. Really trying hard to find a place to do this in Sausalito, but it is so difficult. and the rules are so complicated, it's just not worth it. We have to change something. Now, one restaurateur who placed many yes on X signs around his business said, this is such a delicate issue, he would not want to do an interview for fear of angering customers. And believe me, there's plenty of anger around. Tom Bakar, KTVU, Fox 2 News. Claudia, back to you. Yeah, it certainly sounds like a very touchy debate. All right. Thank you, Tom. Coming.