Novato Community Alliance Endorses Toni Shroyer For Supervisor of District 5

Why do many of us living in Novato scratch our heads at all the recent attention about our housing element? Why are other cities clamoring for our success? Will our housing history serve as a cautionary tale?

Novato’s Housing Element for 2007-2014, which involved a contentious process from 2009-2013, took courage for people to question the status quo. We acknowledge past and current supervisors, council members, and housing advocates for their role in shaping Novato's heritage for helping people.

The IJ political cartoon of residents holding pitchforks branded Novato. The town was dubbed “the City of Rage” for speaking up against a consultant’s plan. The consulting firm, DC&E, was subsequently fired. In spite of criticism then and today by housing advocacy groups who originally proposed 30 units per acre and 100% concentration of affordable units, participation by local residents ultimately yielded a successful outcome for our town. This improved housing element allows for a greater ratio of market rate housing and for a default density of 20 units per acre. Novato’s economic base will be improved as a result. Part of realizing the new era is recognizing the changes necessary for a sustainable tax base.

To have a deeper understanding of Novato, compare our accomplishments from before our recently approved housing element to what Novato can reasonably hope for in the future:

With the development of Hamilton in early 2000, Novato and Marin County gained important resources. Novato was the only northern California city to use 100% of its redevelopment agency funding for affordable housing. Homeward Bound of Marin, the primary provider of services for the homeless in Marin County, was built. Some multi-family affordable developments include Meadow Park with 708 homes, Bay Vista with 220 units, Creekside with 351 units, and the historic remodel The Villas at Hamilton with 129 units. Another affordable option offered to seniors is two mobile home parks with over 500 rental spaces. Oma Village, an affordable 14 small home development, won recent accolades that resulted from Homeward Bound’s partnership with Blue Homes.

Beyond Hamilton, Novato provided housing opportunities for all socioeconomic levels and the disabled including needed senior housing. The Novato Rotary Club built affordable senior housing beginning in 1975 with Nova-Ro I, II, and III, providing a total of 126 units. Gilead House offers transitional housing and support to women and children. A couple of years ago, Warner Creek Senior Housing was completed with 61 units. One of the oldest multi-family developments in Novato with 136 units is Wyndover Apartments. It was this multi-family development, where Toni Shroyer began five years ago, advocating for best practices and safety. Lastly, Group homes and Section 8 housing also contribute to Novato’s affordability.

 Much of this housing, built in the past and commended by HCD, is tax-exempt.  These tax-exemptions continue to place a significant strain on Novato’s city services and schools. Novato’s per capita revenue of $415 is the lowest in Marin County compared to $760 in San Rafael and $1000-$2000 in southern Marin cities. The City of Novato has been working diligently on reducing expenditures and increasing revenues without raising property taxes. In the last couple of years, invaluable insight acquired with the help of our city staff, residents, grassroots neighborhood organizations, and the work of the Ad Hoc Housing Group, has helped steer Novato towards a more sustainable path. Examples of sustainable development are the thirteen Habitat for Humanity Homes. No other Marin city has any except San Rafael, which has only one. Another example of sustainable development is Workforce Housing for Buck Center employees, if it proves not to be tax-exempt.

Novato understands that the conditions that allowed the successful redevelopment of Hamilton Air Force Base cannot be duplicated due to lack of land and redevelopment agency funds. Current sentiments favoring high density infill development will present more community challenges as current legislation attempts to streamline planning policies. Novato can continue to lead by approaching the next housing element with flexibility, goodwill, and ongoing community engagement. Perhaps in the future Novato will be called "the City of Collaboration".

Please remember to vote on June 3rd. NCA endorses Toni Shroyer for Supervisor District 5. Toni believes in local control to ensure intelligent growth for Novato and Marin. She does not support Plan Bay Area and the high density Urbanization of our city and county.

Trish Boorstein

Novato Community Alliance