Top Stories This Week: Hum Drum Election, Casino Traffic and Housing Element Plans Moving Forward

Didn’t have much time to read Patch this week? Check out some of the top stories you may have missed.

On Monday, the Novato Planning Commission recommended approval of five future developments around town, each of which would have some affordable housing units. These include a parcel near the Buck Center, another on Redwood Boulevard near Trader Joe’s and on Landing Court, although developers for these projects have yet to be found.

Regardless, hundreds turned out concerned about impacts on traffic, noise and pollution from the developments. But planners said the developments were needed to meet the need for affordable housing in town and in order to receive nearly $900,000 in transportation funds from the state.

Also this week, Novato voters went to the polls to elect new City Council members, school trustees and the Fire Protection District board. But turnout was low and all incumbents held on to their seats, including Mayor Pat Eklund, Councilwoman Denise Athas and all school board trustees. In fact, the only newcomer to any local political seat was Kevin Johnston, a former Novato firefighter and now member of the fire protection district board.

This week, Patch learned that the Mission Lodge, the town’s first motel that had fallen into disrepair over the years, is finally being demolished. Prior to being a motel, the building on the corner of Redwood and Diablo was a boys’ club and dance hall. What will rise up on the site is anyone’s guess, but the site’s odd location (abutting Front Street) and relatively small size, makes redeveloping it challenging, according to the city.