Strawberry Housing Update

Dear Residents of Strawberry,

I have heard from a number of you with concerns about the Housing Element review process now underway and about housing (specifically “high density” housing) coming to the Strawberry area. There is a lot of confusion about the Housing Element and what it means.

Your questions come at a good time. We are at the beginning of the Housing Element public review process. The first of two public hearings at the Marin County Planning Commission was held on Monday, June 24^th and the second hearing is coming up on Monday, July 8^th. The hearing is here at the Marin County Civic Center at the Planning Commission chambers in Room 328 at 10:00 am.

Marin County Planning Commission
Continued Hearing
Marin County Civic Center, Room 328
Monday, July 8^th at 10:00 am

To help you understand the issues being discussed, I have developed, with the help of our Community Development Agency planners, a Fact Sheet about the Housing Element process and what it means for Strawberry. Please read the attached document. While lengthy, it provides important background information as we consider how our community can meet its needs for housing of all types and affordability (from market rate to affordable) now and in the future. We will develop and circulate more information as your questions come our way.

If you  plan to attend the July 8 Planning Commission hearing, you may want to park in a lot for all day parking as this hearing will probably extend for several hours, if not most of the day. Here’s a map to show you the best parking for a lengthier visit: http://www.marincourt.org/directions.htm (This map was developed for potential jurors but will help serve your parking needs.)

Here’s a link to the information about the Housing Element: http://www.marincounty.org/depts/he

If you are unable to attend the hearing, feel free to write to the Marin County Planning Commission and include your questions and comments about the Housing Element. Please direct your comments to the Marin County Planning Commission by email to housingelement@marincounty.org, or by fax to (415) 473-7880. I welcome your comments to me directly as well at ksears@marincounty.org.

I want to assure you that after the hearings held by the Planning Commission, the Housing Element will come to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in the late summer or early fall for another series of public hearings. Final action on the Housing Element will be taken by the Board of Supervisors at the end of these hearings. In the meantime, I am studying the issues, listening to your concerns and delving deeper into the complexities to be sure we understand our choices and the best course of action.  

Before the Board of Supervisors begins its hearings on the Housing Element, I will be holding community meetings in different parts of Southern Marin, including Strawberry, to hear from you directly, to better understand your concerns, to address questions and to explain the process as it unfolds.

Thank you for taking the time to read the attached Fact Sheet, to learn about the Housing Element and to keep me informed of your thoughts. Please feel free to share this with your friends and neighbors.

Finally, I ask that you stay in the information loop by signing up to receive my District Three news and information updates. Here’s the link to add your name and e-mail address. My updates include information specific to Strawberry and items of general community interest as well. https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CAMARIN/subscriber/new?topic_id=CAMARIN_43

Have a safe, happy  4^th of July weekend.

Sincerely,

Kate Sears 

• Strawberry+Housing+Update+7.02.13+FINAL.pdf