NORTHGATE UPDATE

Dear RGM Supporters,

On March 14, Northgate developer, Merlone Geier, submitted their revised Northgate Square redevelopment plans to the City of San Rafael.

CHANGES TO THE NORTHGATE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Based on feedback from the community and city officials, the updated plans were revised with some significant changes including the following:

TOWN SQUARE

• Phase I (2025) an enlarged 50,000 square foot Town Square is proposed to be constructed

HOUSING CHOICES

• Phase I (2025) will include 85 three-story, for-sale townhomes along the southern parcel across from  Nova Albion Way and the Eichler neighbors 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

• Phase I (2025) will include 96 new units of affordable rental housing in one building to be built and managed by the Ecumenical Association of Housing (EAH) 

• Phase II (2040) will include an additional 42 affordable units distributed throughout the market rate housing. A total of 10% of the units would be affordable to meet the City’s Affordable Housing requirement

SUSTAINABILITY

• All of the residential buildings will be 100% electric to reflect the goals within the City of San Rafael’s Climate Change Action Plan 2030

RGM’S CONCERNS & QUESTIONS RE: THE NORTHGATE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Although RGM is pleased that Merlone Geier listened to the community at large and the revised plans include changes, we continue to have concerns and outstanding questions that have not yet been addressed including:

THE TOWN SQUARE

• Although the revised plans show a 50,000 square foot (≈ 1 acre) Town Square, a minimum of 3 acres should be the target for this size project 

INSUFFICIENT OPEN SPACE

• Less than 4 acres for 3,000 to 4,000 people is not adequate to provide a healthy environment for the new residents and surrounding community.  City of San Rafael General Plan 2040 Standard is 4 acres/1,000 so this design falls far short of the City’s own goals and certainly does not meet the aspirations of the community

PARKING

• The current 30 parking spaces between the Town Square and cinema entrance could be eliminated permanently to increase the size of the Town Square.  It would create a place to stroll, sit and eat

• This would directly connect the retail area to the Town Square 

• This will effectively increase the size of the Town Square from approx. 1 acre to 1.5 acres

• The food trucks, booths, etc. can be relocated to Lot 6 for special events in Phase 1  

DENSITY & HEIGHT

• The 7-story building #4, as shown in the redevelopment plan, will be massive and most likely create shading. Is this necessary?

• Will the 7-stories “looming” over the Town Square affect the quality of light and affect building #3 which is adjacent?

• Will the building create a wind tunnel?

NOISE POLLUTION

• How will noise from rooftop pools and Town Square events be analyzed and mitigated to avoid disturbing Quail Hill, Villa Marin, AlmaVia of San Rafael, Eichler neighbors and the new Northgate residents?

LIGHT POLLUTION

• As with noise, light can be a concern from rooftops and from nighttime events. Will the City require lighting to be ground level without up-lighting?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) CRITERIA

• Will shadow, wind, noise and light studies be included in the EIR? If so, how will this be measured and analyzed?  

• Will impact to existing surrounding neighborhoods be included in the studies?

NORTHGATE TIMELINE

• The City has 30 days to review the plans and determine if any revision is needed or information required

• In July, a hearing is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Design Review Board 

• According to Merlone Geier, there will be more public meetings before the hearing

• In August, the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is expected to be scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing

• The final EIR and project will require approval of the Planning Commission and the City Council – timing to be determined

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Beginning in 2022, City Council members and Mayor Kate began hosting both district-focused and citywide conversations. These conversations prioritize an inclusive, community-oriented dialogue that welcomes input from all members and perspectives of the San Rafael Community.

The citywide meetings, known as Joint Community Conversations (CC) are hosted by Mayor Kate. Individual district meetings known as District Community Conversations (DCC) are hosted by respective Councilmembers and may vary in format, from in-person events and social community activities to a zoom virtual meeting. 

Community members can submit items of interest to be included in the agenda for each community conversation so please plan on attending and engaging with your community.

These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions and offer comments about the Northgate redevelopment project.

CITY OF SAN RAFAEL PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY

The City of San Rafael is developing a Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will be the city’s guide for park development and maintenance for the next decade. The community’s input is greatly needed and welcomed to shape the future of parks, recreation and programs in San Rafael and build a greater parks system for all to enjoy.

Please fill out the city’s questionnaire by May 20th, and help determine how the city can maintain and improve city parks, trails and naturals spaces; increase accessibility and create programs, classes, and activities for you and your family.

PRIMARY ELECTIONS JUNE 7

Please vote and have your voice heard!

LOCAL RACES:

Marin County Supervisor District 1: Learn More

Candidates include: Gina Banks Daly, Mary Sackett and George Saribalis

CA Assembly District 12: Learn More

Candidates include: Sara Aminzadeh, Damon Connolly, Ida Times-Green and Steve Schwartz

STATEWIDE RACES: Learn More

APRIL NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO MAKE A VILLAGE

RGM is so grateful for the wonderful volunteers who have helped us make a difference. With your support, we have been extremely successful in making a very positive impact in our community as we’ve worked together to shape the future of Northgate and advocate for responsible growth and a healthy, sustainable community, and our work continues.

We hope that you will consider joining us. Please visit our website and learn more about volunteer opportunities. Currently our more immediate needs are for help with our Website, Research and Fundraising.

For those unable to volunteer at this time, please consider a donation and support our ongoing activism, outreach and educational activities.

Questions? Send us an email

Your support is greatly appreciated.

HAPPY SPRING