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Not Enough by Katie Crecelius Novato needs to do more because: 1. Novato's General Plan states that for the 1999-2008 planning period Novato has an unmet need for 221 units affordable to very low-income households, after accounting for the 775 below market-rate units at Hamilton. To date none of those very low-income units have been built. 2. In 1995, when the Hamilton Reuse Plan was adopted, 1211 Hamilton affordable housing units existed --503 on the west side of Highway 101 in the former Rafael Village and 708 on the base. Those 1211 units were replaced by 775 affordable units a net loss of 436 affordable units. 3. Of the 775 Hamilton affordable units, 297 are rental units with rents ranging from $775 to $1699. These rents are too high for many in Novato's workforce, seniors, and persons with disabilities. None of these units has rental subsidies, although a few are rented by households with Section 8 certificates from the Housing Authority. 4.Of the 418 for-sale units, 67 are moderate income senior condominiums at Villa Entrada with sales prices ranging from $230,000 to $276,000. There are many seniors living in Novato and seniors with family in Novato who cannot afford purchase prices in that range.
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From the Chair
Novato Housing Coalition’s 2009 highlights are: Forging strong partnerships with other groups, including Sustainable Novato, Grassroots Leadership Network, Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, Homeward Bound, and Greenbelt Alliance. These groups have been in close contact for the past nine months to collaboratively advocate for increased low-income housing opportunities in Novato. Our highly successful Candidates’ Forum in late September drew a big audience and helped to frame campaign issues. (See article on Forum.) With Sustainable Novato, NHC jointly sonsored another well attended Community Forum last February on “Creating Sustainable Communities”. NHC is working with representatives of other Novato groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, to participate in public hearings on the proposed Commons at Mt. Burdell development. With this group of advocates, NHC is working with the developer, American Assets, to find a way to make as many of the proposed 150 rental units as affordable as possible. With its partner organizations, NHC has evaluated potential affordable housing sites for the Site Inventory, which is a State-required exhibit to the revised Housing Element. Our analysis has been presented to City staff.We will participate actively in the public review of a revised Housing Element, planned for this spring. These are just some of the highlights. Thanks to all of you who attended forums and public hearings and supported NHC throughout the year. 2010 will be another busy year because so many land use planning efforts will continue (Housing Element Revision, North Redwood Plan, General Plan Update, and Commons at Mt. Burdell). Thank you in advance for your continued support and the best to you in the New Year! |
Status Report Some members also participated in a walk in downtown San Rafael led by San Rafael city officials. The San Rafael folks shared their experiences over the past 15 years in which they went from a vision to a realization of their plan. One key to the success of their downtown area has been the inclusion of housing in the downtown area, with an emphasis on affordable housing. They didn’t necessarily build affordable housing because it was required, but rather because it was what they wanted to do. The Committee met in December to identify preferred land use scenarios for North Redwood Blvd. That discussion will continue in January. Background information from NHC can be found at: http://novatohousingcoalition.org/NovatoHousing Element.html Novato City information is at:
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