Largest Brownfields Renewal Project in San Francisco Approved at Hunters Point
On behalf of the former San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, the firm negotiates land exchange agreements with the state that will enable the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and Candlestick Point to be developed with 300 acres of new parks and more than 12,000 housing units, over 30% of them affordable. The firm drafted the state […]
San Mateo County Coastal Open Space Protected
The firm advises on a master parks plan for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s annexation of the entire San Mateo Coast in 2004. It then successfully defends the annexation in court. (Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. San Mateo County LAFCO, 159 Cal.App.4th 717 (2008).)
Sale of Point Molate Requires CEQA Review
The firm wins a case challenging the City of Richmond’s proposed sale of over 200 acres of waterfront property for the development of a large casino and resort hotel. (East Bay Regional Park District v. City of Richmond (2007).) The firm continues to work with the East Bay Regional Park District to successfully prevent the […]
Saratoga Completes New Trail Designated Part of Historic De Anza Trail
In 2007 the firm advises the City of Saratoga in environmental review and obtaining rights-of-way for an urban trail that was subsequently designated as part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in 2017. Photo: Image by NAME from SOURCE
New Bike Trail Created with SMW’s Assistance
With the firm’s help, the City of Pacifica in 2006 resolves neighboring landowners’ objections and closes San Pedro Terrace Road to automobile traffic — the first step toward creating an off-highway bike path linking Pacifica to points south.
Public-Private Partnership Preserves Public Access to Historic Gardens
In 2003 the firm assists the City of Saratoga in developing an innovative public-private partnership for the management of one of the oldest Japanese garden estates in the Western Hemisphere. The Hakone Gardens were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
Firm Helps Giants Ballpark Get Off the Ground
The San Francisco Giants ballpark at China Basin breaks ground in 1997 after the Port of San Francisco, with the firm’s help, successfully negotiates a design that the state finds consistent with the tidelands trust.
Santa Clara County Parks and Trails Master Plan Approved
The firm advises Santa Clara County in 1996 in the development of its Parks and Trails Master Plan.
SMW Develops Novel Approach to Protecting Open Space
In 1993 the firm helps to develop the Tri-City and County Regional Park and Open Space Group, a first-of-its-kind joint powers agency of cities and a county to protect open space in Solano County. The agency later selects the firm to be its general counsel.
Transfer of Development Rights Program in Livermore Protects Thousands of Acres of Land
In 1993 the firm begins its work with the Tri-Valley Conservancy and the City of Livermore to establish an urban growth boundary and protect thousands of acres of vineyards, olive orchards, and open space through more than 48 conservation easements and transfers of development rights.