Make a difference in your quality of life in Novato. Become involved in housing issues of higher density in our neighborhoods. Question why developers are favored to build higher density 70- 120 units and rezone first at Atherton Acres, Partidge Knolls, Landing Court, and Hill Drive. Question why San Marin, Novato Alliance representing Wilson Square, and Pachecho Subdivision at Alameda have lobbied and do not have any high density. Question why the planning commission listens more to lobbying developers and those individuals who were in the Working group than to neighborhoods wanting compatible and not excessive density.
Question why there is no document showing grant money for unknown traffic purposes will be lost if the Housing Element is not finished by January. Question why the planning commission does not ask Bob Brown and staff to extend the time and to find more creative solutions to housing mass and density. Question how next year’s housing element is easier to fulfull with over 1600 units or 3000 with the 10-20% inclusionary policy to be built? Question why the town may lose possibly two million dollars from reducing permits.
Question why Denise Athas, a real estate broker on City Council and John Williams, a commercial real estate broker on the Economic Commission do not recuse themselves from voting on the housing issues. Lastly, question why the buck is passed to the city council.
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Ask more questions and perhaps get answers on Tuesday’s 6:30 the 12th City Meeting and on the 19th. Be polite and gracious- ask and learn about your neighborhood and what you expect for growth – a Corte Madera massive building, a MillWorks 6 story building or buildings that respect the scenic value of Marin. Thanks to Steve Marshall, staff planner, who stated that the Partridge Knolls site is the most scenic area.
It is important that new affordable housing sites respect the general plan that states buildings must complement the height, mass, setbacks, of neighborhoods. Good examples are: Nova Ro, Gideon House, and even Diablo Warner Creek which fit the existing neighborhoods and not rectangular boxes, massiveness of 70-120units 4-5 stories plus roof of urban character and little parking. Please ask some questions at open time for 3 minutes only of your time. Thank you, Eleanor Sluis
