Dear RGM Supporters,

We recently learned that a developer of low income housing has submitted an SB 330 Application to redevelop the current one and two story office block at 555 Northgate Drive into a seven story, 200 unit block of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. This project has only very recently been included on the City’s Major Project web page although it was first submitted in early September last year – BEFORE the Planning Commission and the City Council’s hearings and approval of the massive Northgate Town Square redevelopment, including approval of the Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”). 555 is literally across the street from the eastern end of the planned Residential 2 townhomes of the Northgate Town Square project. More details and the plans are here.

The details of the proposed building as we understand them are:

• 7 stories high, no street setback, limited parking

• 80% of units “affordable”; 20% “moderate income”

• Under SB 330 the city has little or no ability to regulate or influence:

  • Zoning

  • Design and density

  • Parking requirements

  • Set backs, size, height, open space

• CEQA exemption applied for – meaning environmental impacts would not be considered

• Maximum of 5 public meetings, including appeals

Below is the developer’s rendering of the proposal, showing the box design with no street setback. The proposed 7-story building will abut the back yards of several single story Eichlers on Sao Augustine Way. The proposal includes only 139 parking spaces for the 200 units (with a total of 242 bedrooms). Street parking along Northgate Drive and surrounding streets will therefore likely be heavily impacted.

Given the intense public interest and input from the community for the Northgate Town Square project, it is beyond disappointing that the City did not disclose this proposal, even on its website, during those public hearings since this project will have a significant impact on the same neighborhood and roads – including evacuation routes. We suggest you contact council member Kertz (rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org; 415-299-7008) to register your thoughts about the project.

RGM supports the construction of affordable housing but maintains that it should be done in a manner and style that is sympathetic to the existing neighborhood and that does not create congestion, parking, or safety problems. We will continue to monitor this proposal and keep you updated.

With much gratitude,

RGM