Dear RGM Supporters,

RESPONSIBLE GROWTH IN MARIN CELEBRATES 2 YEARS

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead

Two years ago RGM was formed to oppose the proposed Costco Mega-Warehouse at Northgate Mall. When that concept was withdrawn, we quickly moved to envisioning and advocating for a vibrant and sustainable mixed-use Town Center which has been a dream of the community for 20 + years as defined in the elements of various City plans (North San Rafael Vision 1997, North San Rafael Vision Promenade Conceptual Plan 2002, General Plan 2020 and General Plan 2040).

RGM continues to grow its outreach through attending city meetings, keeping our community informed, analyzing the elements of various city plans as they relate to North San Rafael and advocating for creating a clear, inspired, and sustainable vision for our community. We meet with the developer team periodically to reiterate the community vision, attend all public Northgate forums and actively participate in keeping our supporters input first and foremost in the process.

RGM (1,000+ current supporters) has gained the respect of city officials as a credible organization. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours attending meetings, reading/commenting on City documents and coordinating with related groups. We continually prioritize responsible growth and support the health and wellbeing of the North San Rafael community. 

Please consider volunteering so together we can continue to make a difference!

NORTHGATE MALL UPDATE

On September 14th, the community and RGM attended a Joint San Rafael Planning Commission/Design Review Board study session to discuss the Northgate Mall Redevelopment Project to transform the existing Mall into a phased mixed-use development consisting of retail, housing and a Town Center.

The Study Session was without official decisions or actions but rather was intended to provide an opportunity for early Planning Commission and Design Review Board project feedback on land use and design and also allow early opportunity for public input. Special thanks to all of our members who attended the meeting and provided excellent and insightful comments.

MIG, Inc., consultants to the city hired to manage this long term project, voiced many of the concerns shared by RGM including the need to revisit the Town Center design, relocating and deemphasizing parking and creating stronger pedestrian and transportation connections.

Presentations were made by MIG and Merlone Geier, Northgate Mall owners. Public comment was then followed by Planning Commission and Design Review Board comments.

RGM submitted 2 graphics (see below) to the City, indicating the key priorities that we believed should be considered during the session.

In addition to comments voiced by MIG, RGM was pleased that much of the feedback from the City also supported RGM’s concerns over sustainability, density, housing and the need for the TOWN CENTER to be the ‘HEART’ of the project, as highlighted in the Marin IJ .

NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS

Merlone Geier will submit an updated final map of the project to the city. A Traffic Study and a Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be required.

To interpret, comment intelligently and protect the interests of our community and the environment, RGM will need subject matter experts to review these technical documents in the near future.

Depending on the documents, these reviews are projected to cost anywhere from $4,000-$6,000.

It’s critical to our success in this stage of the process that we either find qualified volunteers to review these documents or raise sufficient funds to hire subject matter experts.

Please email RGM if you are qualified to volunteer or perhaps introduce us to a neighbor or friend who would like to do so.

Please also consider a donation to support our work and help us shape a sustainable and vibrant mixed-use Town Center at Northgate. It’s been the community’s dream for years and now is our time to make it happen!

NORTHGATE III UPDATE

A "facelift " for Northgate III is in the works.

In Oct. 2019, planning entitlements were approved for new facades and signs which included the repurposing of the old Toscalito Tire building pad for additional retail tenancy which is being re-configured to accommodate four-five retail spaces with outdoor patios at each end. Currently a bank and Burger Hut have signed on for tenancy.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Congratulations to Shirley Fischer, long time Terra Linda resident, for being honored with this prestigious annual designation which recognizes an individual in the San Rafael community who has made exceptional contributions to the City.

For 40 years, Shirley has been consistently active in bringing together community members and organizations. Shirley has participated actively in the development of three San Rafael General Plans (GP2000, GP2020, and GP2040) and was a key member of the North San Rafael Vision Committee (1996-1997) and the Vision in Action Committee (1998-2003), helping facilitate community participation in the development of a common vision for the future of North San Rafael.

More recently, Shirley has been instrumental in revitalizing the Terra Linda Homeowners Association’s Community Development Committee and has been a key strategist and team leader for Responsible Growth in Marin, analyzing General Plan and Priority Development Area policies and continuing to advocate for the development of a mixed-use Town Center in North San Rafael.

With tremendous gratitude we thank Shirley for working so selflessly and contributing so much to strengthen and shape our community.

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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