WELCOMING IN 2021!

ABOUT US

So much has transpired since RGM’s inception. As we move forward into 2021, venture below to explore RGM’s story and learn what’s to come.

Almost 1 ½ years ago three neighbors concerned over the possibility of a mega Costco Wholesale (CW) going into the former Sears site at Northgate Mall called a community meeting, which was the beginning of Responsible Growth in Marin (RGM), a non-profit grassroots organization eventually comprised of 900+ residents and businesses living and working in Marin County.

We are organized functionally into ten teams:  Alliances, Community Vision, Environmental, Fund Raising, Legal & Government, Marketing/PR, Power in Numbers, Project Management, Research, Transportation & Traffic.  RGM is completely a volunteer-based organization. To learn more about each team, visit our Volunteers page.

RGM opposed Costco Wholesale’s 2019 preliminary proposal to build a megastore warehouse with a three-story rooftop parking garage plus 30-pump gas station at Northgate Mall. We felt strongly that this was incompatible with the low-density residential neighborhood surrounding it and would cause severe traffic congestion and pollution, as well as noise and safety concerns. RGM’s community organizing has been successful and so far, neither the mall owner nor Costco Wholesale have applied for a permit with the City. RGM remains vigilant because the mall owner may sell the property at any time or submit a new application and not wait for the lengthy PDA process. 

In May 2020 the City applied for and received approval to designate North San Rafael including Northgate Mall a Priority Development Area (PDA).  The City has applied to the State for funds to bring together the major stakeholders—residents, property owners, businesses, and City officials—to create a viable plan to create the North San Rafael Town Center.

RGM has reviewed the concepts and elements in the various City plans (North San Rafael Vision 1997, North San Rafael Vision Promenade Conceptual Plan 2002, General Plan 2020 and General Plan 2040) that have paved the way for a North San Rafael Town Center. We will continue to explore ideas, focus on our mission and advocate for a profitable and sustainable mixed-use commercial/residential town center at Northgate which the community has been contemplating for 20+ years.

HOW DO THESE VARIOUS PLANS AND ELEMENTS LEAD TO A NORTH SAN RAFAEL TOWN CENTER?

(Click here or on the image to see an enlarged version)

WHAT’S TO COME

1. Although neither the mall owner nor Costco Wholesale have applied for a permit to the City, RGM regularly checks public record information so we don’t miss anything. We are also monitoring other locations where Costco Wholesale is at odds or in lawsuits with other community groups. What happens in these communities, such as the proposed Costco gas station in Novato, can impact Costco plans for Northgate Mall.

2. The Research and Community Vision Teams are reviewing various planning tools in preparation for the North San Rafael PDA process which will start sometime this summer.

3. RGM will continue to participate regularly in Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and City Council meetings to provide input on the following:

   • Future direction of Design Review Board 

   • General Plan 2040 

   • Environmental Impact Report for Downtown and North San Rafael 

   • State housing regulations 

   • RHNA goals and exemptions to CEQA and usurpation of local jurisdiction 

   • Traffic guidelines and standards

4. We will be holding virtual quarterly Supporter’s meetings so we can all stay informed and connected. As soon as it’s safe we’ll go back to holding in-person meetings, which we all prefer.

UPDATE

Costco Wholesale’s Novato Gas Station Project Moves Forward

According to an environment report conducted by the City of Novato, Costco Wholesale’s proposal to build a 10,000 sq. ft. canopy covering 14 fuel dispensers that can accommodate 28 fueling positions has been given the green light to move forward. In addition to the fuel dispensers, the project includes three underground 40,000-gallon storage tanks, a controller enclosure, a vapor processor unit and several site improvements including a reconfiguration of Rowland Blvd. 

The report states that the project “would have no significant impacts on the environment” despite the fact that the one-acre site sits on top of wetlands with groundwater in some parts as shallow as 3 - 5 feet. Several environmental groups are vehemently opposed. Silke Valentine, member of 350 Marin, stated: “For me, it’s so absolutely clear that the only effective way to tackle our climate crisis now is to stop fossil fuel projects from being built locally.” Susan Stompe of the Marin Conservation League stated: “I know the city is just hungry for tax revenue and feels that this would be a tremendous boost for the city coffers, but at what expense?” Barbara Salzman, president of Marin Audubon, stated she is concerned about burying the three 40,000-gallon underground storage tanks that could leak due to the substrate the shopping center is built on. “All or most of that shopping center was built on bay mud. It was all former tidal marsh.” 

This is Costco Wholesale’s second attempt to build the gas station in Novato. The first attempt was withdrawn from consideration several years ago without a formal decision by the Novato Planning Commission. 

Last year, Governor Newsom announced an executive order ending sales of new gas-powered cars in the state by 2035. General Motors is phasing out manufacturing of gas vehicles. Even the Novato General Plan 2035 promotes increasing electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gases and using renewable energy. 

As we turn to renewable energy, why add unneeded gas stations? What is needed are more charging stations at Vintage Oaks, given the increasing number of electric vehicles in Marin. 

On Saturday February 22, RGM volunteers joined 350 Marin, 350 Bay Area, Green Novato and other community organizations for a rally at the Novato Costco Wholesale warehouse to protest the proposed Novato Gas Station.

Those concerned about this project can sign up to receive Novato Planning Commission email updates on the City’s project webpage.

DID YOU KNOW? A GLIMPSE INTO OUR PAST…

Terra Linda emerges

In 1953, 400 acres of northern San Rafael (Previously owned by the Manuel T. Freitas family since 1896.) were sold for residential subdivision under the Terra Linda Master Plan.  Rose Freitas, one of Manuel and Maria’s daughters, suggested the name “Terra Linda” which means “beautiful land” in Portuguese.   Additional acreage was sold to commercial developers after the Terra Linda ranch was closed, and the Terra Linda Valley developed rapidly.   The Freitas farmhouse was donated to the Catholic Church and became St. Isabella’s Church and School. 

GET INVOLVED

There’s a lot to do this year. You can help by attending the various City Meetings that are posted on the RGM calendar. Consider joining one of our volunteer teams or if you don’t have the time, support RGM with your donations to support our work in creating a sustainable, well-balanced community. 

Thank you for helping us achieve so much in such a short time together!

Volunteer Opportunity

Seeking a community-minded altruistic neighbor with fundraising expertise who can draft grant applications and work with the Marketing Team to develop fundraising campaigns. Let us know if you’re interested: info@rgmarin.org

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