Supes Delay Decision on Grady Ranch

The Marin County Board of Supervisors delayed their decision on George Lucas’s plan to build a 270,000 square foot digital production studio, so they could dedicate more time to study the proposal.

Before they can make a decision, Supervisor Steve Kinsey said the board needs to spend more time studying the impacts and restoration of Miller Creek included in the project, and appealed by neighbors in March.

, claiming that Grady Ranch were not subject to full notice and review, that it is inconsistent with zoning requirements that protect streams in the nearby area, and that the data provided by planners failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act.

Grady Ranch will include administration offices, an employee restaurant, a general store, a wine tasting room, screening rooms, costume storage, dressing rooms, 20 overnight employee guest suites, a basement parking garage and an outdoor stage, according to the staff report.

The project, which was approved along with its environmental impact report in 1996, is in its second phase. The project also includes a restoration plan for the nearby Miller Creek.

Many of the project’s supporters believe Grady Ranch will bolster economic growth by providing construction jobs now and high-paying technical jobs in the long term. The project could generate $82 million in business revenues, according to the Marin Economic Forum.

Challengers are not convinced that the economic boost would make up for the project’s scale and design, which some say is not consistent with the residential scenic area, or the potential environmental impact the project could have on the downstream of Miller Creek.