DROUGHT EMERGENCY CONTINUES

Dear RGM Supporters,

The worst drought in Marin history continues as the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) Board of Directors debate conservation and water resource strategies. Recently, the MMWD Board of Directors adopted tighter irrigation restrictions in addition to a variety of other suggested conservation methods. Their goal is to achieve a 40% reduction in water use districtwide. Currently they are reporting a 25% reduction. To learn more, visit the Marin Water website, an excellent resource for information including ways to conserve, rebate programs and a water savings tracker.

DEBATE OVER WATER USE AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS

A housing debate is brewing as concerns over the lack of water for current demand is being challenged by state housing mandates requiring 14,000 new units in Marin by 2030 (including 1356 proposed units at Northgate Square) which would require the issuance of new water hook up permits.

As Marin water managers are looking into suspending most new water service hookups during the drought, criticism is being drawn from some who say that the policy comes at the expense of the county’s poorest residents who would be denied housing if new affordable units are not allowed to be built. Most current proposed housing projects contain only minimal affordable units. Exceptions for new affordable housing might be considered.

Cynthia Koehler, MMWD Board President stated: “I appreciate the focus and interest on the issue of new hookups. I appreciate that it inspires a lot of passion on all sides. But I think our role is to ensure that we are prioritizing the measures that are most likely to get us through this as safely and as reliably as possible.”

• As the debate continues, RGM encourages you to stay informed and participate in the semi-monthly MMWD Board of Directors meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for August 17th

NORTHGATE UPDATE AND TIMELINE

In April, the City of San Rafael requested an updated application for Northgate after receiving an initial application from Northgate Mall owners, Merloine Geier.

The project application has been revised, resubmitted and referred to all the appropriate city departments, non-city agencies and homeowners groups.

Please visit the new Northgate page on the RGM website for updates on the project and to view the PROGRESSIVE TIMELINE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHGATE TOWN CENTER.

RGM will keep you informed of any relevant updates and meetings regarding the application and redevelopment of Northgate, via an email. Please be prepared to mark the dates on your calendar and attend or send an email to make your views known.

Please periodically visit the RGM Calendar, be on the lookout for our emails and if not already on our mailing list, please sign up to stay updated.

SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2040 AND DOWNTOWN PRECISE PLAN

On July 19th, the San Rafael City Council approved a resolution certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) prepared for the San Rafael General Plan 2040 and Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan.

City officials stated that the General Plan, which serves as a blueprint for the city’s future, includes a refocused mobility element and an equity diversity and inclusion element plus an expanded climate change and resilience focus.

The update to the Downtown Precise Plan contains changes to building heights in select areas where height bonuses can be given for future development.

Approval of the revised updates to the Plans is expected to be considered at City Council meetings in August.

NEWLY ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS

The City Council recently appointed three members to the Planning Commission: Camille Harris, Jon Haveman and Jon Previtali (reappointed); and one new member to the Board of Library Trustees: Adriana Duque Hughes.

RGM would like to recognize and congratulate these newly elected San Rafael officials.

To be notified on City Board or Commission vacancies you can subscribe online at the San Rafael City website.

STAY CONNECTED

Send us an email, sign up to volunteer or donate. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to serve our community. RGM is an all-volunteer organization and we greatly appreciate and value your support.

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