Northgate Town Square – Northgate Mall | MEHC Says YES

On December 2, 2024 the San Rafael City Council voted unanimously to approve the Northgate Town Square project!

MEHC supports the Northgate Town Square mixed-use project. This project would create 1,422 new housing units, including 10% affordable housing. The development includes townhomes and apartments. The project will reduce emissions, via reduced need to drive and support of electrification. Some of the environmental and housing benefits include:

• Environmental benefits
  • Mixed use development, with retail and dining, reduces the need of residents to drive.
  • Location is convenient for bus and train transit.
  • The project will improve our bike infrastructure. The developer has incorporated all suggestions made by the Marin Bicycle Coalition, and will be contribution $500,000 for the Merrydale pedestrian/bicycle pathway to the Civic Center SMART station
  • Residential units will be 100% electric
  • EV charging stations will be available.  
  • Solar is incorporated into the design.
  • This project provides 1,422 housing units without disturbing any currently undeveloped land. If this land was built out at typical Marin densities, it would require 71 acres of land. This reuse of existing developed land preserves habitats.
• Water conservation benefits
  • There is extensive use of recycled water in both the residences and landscaping, utilizing existing purple pipe. Toilets will be dual plumbed to leverage use of recycled water. 
  • Multi-family housing is far more water efficient than the older, single family homes that comprise the majority of Marin’s housing stock. 
• Housing benefits
  • Affordable units available for rent and purchase
  • The project will provide more accessible housing. Most of the housing stock in Marin was built prior to ADA and/or is exempt from ADA regulations. There are few options for residents who need accessible housing or who are unable to drive. 
  • Marin especially lacks multi-family housing, which is naturally more affordable than single family homes.