Marin Residents, Officials Urge George Lucas To Reconsider Studio
SAN RAFAEL (KCBS) – The Marin County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday encouraging filmmaker George Lucas to build a digital studio at Grady Ranch, one week after he withdrew the project.
Lucas pulled the plug on the 269,000 square foot studio after an attorney representing some neighbors threatened litigation, and state and federal water agencies balked at a creek restoration plan.
"We don't want this to be held up to all businesses as an example of how difficult it is to do any good business in Marin County," said Mill Valley Mayor Gary Lyons, who is also part of the Marin Economic Forum. "This project was done the proper way all the way through, and we really need to find a way to make it succeed."
Dozens of speakers offered support to George Lucas, who was said to be watching the meeting via webcast.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
Marin County resident Carolyn Leonard was the sole speaker at the meeting opposed to the project.
"The three things that I want, as always, due process, fair dealing, and a level playing field," said Leonard. "As a business owner I don't want exceptions to be made because someone is popular or unpopular."
The supervisors passed a resolution commending Lucas and the members of his team, and encouraging him to proceed with the plan.
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