Measure X: Hope Is Not a Plan

Measure X in Sausalito hopes to modernize the Marinship without losing its working waterfront, but it does so without a plan while also removing residents’ ability to vote on whatever plans emerge. This is an issue for working waterfronts along the entire US coastline.

Since Latitude 38’s founding in April 1977, we have covered and advocated for sailors, the maritime trades, boating access and working waterfronts. Our concerns about Measure X are similar to many issues we’ve covered over the decades. Like Measure X supporters, we support the economic revitalization of the Marinship, though we believe it needs a clear plan with clear protections for maritime businesses.

The Bay that is central to the Bay Area is the region’s largest public open space. But access requires more than a view. Like parks needing trailheads, the Bay needs marinas, boatyards, launch ramps, fuel docks, adjacent parking and marine services to support access. Once those waterfront facilities disappear, they are difficult to replace. That is why zoning matters.

Measure X repeals the Marinship Specific Plan and Marinship Overlay District, replacing restrictive existing regulations with more “flexible” zoning. Neither is a good choice. Sausalito’s Downtown Historic District zoning shows what protection looks like, while simply removing zoning protection from the Marinship and the whole waterfront leaves it up to hope.

And as in Alameda, concerned voters in Sausalito worry that housing may be part of the future despite every Measure X supporter we’ve spoken with saying that’s not true. However, on the Postive People for Sausalito website we read, “[I]t’s time to update or repeal outdated laws that prevent reasonable housing and multi-use development in the Marinship and along Bridgeway;” and “… waterfront towns like ours … have multi-use working waterfronts where housing, retail and waterfront businesses exist together.…” More flexible zoning that allows maritime is different from zoning that protects maritime alongside “flexible” additional uses.

Latitude 38 has raised similar concerns elsewhere in the Bay and along the coast. Starting with our second issue (May1977), we voiced concerns over the development of Pier 39. Since then, we’ve advocated for fuel docks, dredging, functioning harbors, cleaner waterways and navigable access, from Gashouse Cove and Richardson Bay to Alameda Marina, Westpoint Harbor, the Petaluma River and anchor-outs in the Oakland Estuary. We know public access to the Bay depends on the infrastructure and businesses along our vanishing working waterfront.

The Marinship offers marine trade opportunities well beyond recreational boating. Marine manufacturing, repair, skilled trades, technology and other industrial enterprises could form the foundation of a stronger waterfront economy. Added restaurants and shops can complement the core focus of a working waterfront.

Sausalito already has a thriving tourism economy. Its Chamber of Commerce and visitor bureau both share the tourism mission to invite people to “Shop, Dine, Play, Stay.” Maritime zoning protects a diverse Sausalito economy, grounded in protected maritime businesses and continuing the waterfront community’s distinct character.

A solid Marinship plan would address both economic development and protection for what people love about its maritime soul. Voting no now will give time to establish clear guidelines for retaining maritime space, allow marine businesses to expand and invest, accommodate compatible new uses, and generate revenue for urgently needed waterfront infrastructure and resilience.

Everyone agrees that the Marinship needs change. We believe well-intentioned people can come up with a much better choice than yes or no on Measure X. The only way to do that is to take advantage of the energy generated by Measure X to vote no now and join the collaborative planning process already underway.

We understand the frustration and desire for change. But giving away your right to vote and hoping it all works out is not the same as voting for a clear plan you can believe in.