Who would think that a 16.8-acre former nursery site could be the source of controversy?  That is exactly what the city of Larkspur California has on its hands.  Larkspur is embroiled in a contentious residential housing project proposed for the site of the former Niven Nursery.  This project has already endured 8 years of discussion to get to this point.  Two nights of public hearings this month, with more slated for December, has left residents and the city council frustrated, but still hopeful that resolution can be reached.

The residential project under discussion would include a minimum of 40 single-family and cottage-style homes, 36 senior housing units, a community center, and a public park.  The proposal, however, isn't to everyone's liking.  Homes in Larkspur tend to be eclectic, with interesting architecture.  Some of the concerns voiced include the complaint that the proposed plan betrays the spirit of Larkspur with streets laid out in straight lines and houses in rows.  The general complaint is that the project just “doesn’t look like Larkspur”.

Walnut Creek based Larkspur Housing Partners, Inc., who hold an option for development, will go back to the drawing board and will submit a revised plan addressing concerns about traffic circulation, street layout, and the size and number of housing units.  Hopefully the revisions will look more like what the residents and council members expect to see in Larkspur California real estate and we can see this project finally move forward.