Point Reyes Light - November 21, 2002

Nicasio lot in flap may sell

By Andrew Pridgen

Nicasio Land Association in conjunction with Marin Agricultural Land Trust is raising money to preserve from development a lot adjacent to Nicasio Square that from 1999 to 2001 had been at the center of a bitter debate.

At that time Charles and Linda McBurney of Ross proposed a 7,304-square-foot, multi-structure complex that some Nicasio residents feared would overwhelm the historic town square.

After battles with the Nicasio Design Review Board and county planners, the McBurneys gave up on building even a scaled-down version of the proposed house and last year sold their 5.37-acre lot to Dale J. and Mary B. Missimer of San Anselmo for $810,000.

Last spring, the Missimers contacted the landowner’s association and said they’d be willing to part with the property for a fraction of what they’d paid if the land would be preserved as open space.

The association agreed to purchase the land for $350,000, using MALT as a fiscal agent for handling donations of $1,000 or more.

The owners, however, stipulated that the community come up with the money by the first of the year.

After raising more than $175,000 by word of mouth in the last few months, the association now needs to raise $175,000 more, so on Tuesday Pat McDonnel and Rocky Shone of the landowners put up a sign indicating the amount of funds with a half-full milk can embossed on the poster’s front, along with a sign that reads: "Soon to be built on this site... with your help absolutely nothing."

If the purchase goes through, the property will be owned by the Nicasio Landowners’ Association. But if the $175,000 is not raised by the first of next year, said former Planning Commissioner Barbara Garfien of Nicasio, the association risks losing the lot forever.

"The current owners have a right to build," she said. "They’re giving us this chance, and we hope we can come through."

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