MEHC Letter of Support for Northgate Town Square

On November 26th, MEHC sent a formal letter of support to the San Rafael City Council, to advocate for the approval of the Northgate Town Square plans. On December 2, 2024 the City Council meeting will vote in favor or against this project. MEHC strongly supports it. You can read the letter below.

Dear San Rafael City Council Members,

The Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative (MEHC) advocates for projects and policies that advance affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and social justice. We support the Northgate Town Square Project, and urge you to approve the project at the December 2nd City Council meeting. The project aligns with MEHC’s core beliefs and guidelines.

Housing Affordability

•The project includes 1,422 new rental and ownership units, with 10% of them designated as affordable units.The affordable units will be integrated throughout the buildings.

•The project consists of multi-family housing, which is naturally more affordable than comparable single-family homes. The project improves overall affordability in Marin County.

•The project includes ADA accessible units, offering housing for people with disabilities. Marin has a very limited supply of accessible housing.

Environmental Benefits

This project will reduce emissions due to proximity to public transit and electrification

•The developer is contributing $500,000 to San Rafael for its Merrydale pedestrian/bicycle pathway to the Civic Center SMART Station.

•New buildings help mitigate fire risk.

•The developer included all suggested improvements to the bike infrastructure suggested by the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

•The project is mixed use, allowing residents to access retail and restaurants without being dependent on a car.

•EV charging stations included in the plans.

•Residential units are 100% electric.

•Solar is incorporated into the design.

The project conserves water, and is far more sustainable than the existing housing stock.

•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.

Racial Equity

• The project will provide affordable housing in a high resource area.

We thank you for your consideration, and urge you to approve this much needed project.