A Neighborhood Coalition
We are a group of more than 300 citizens who live, work and play in the Dominican Valley area of Central San Rafael. A small group of neighbors initially joined forces in May 2023 following the sudden sale by Dominican University of a 21-acre parcel of undeveloped land that lies at the northern edge of the campus. Our coalition has rapidly grown to encompass concerned neighbors from the surrounding area, as well as Marin families and individuals who regularly use the open space for family walks, nature hikes, dog walks, hiking and biking.
Our Goals
We ask that any proposed development not compromise the health and safety of, and continued enjoyment by, residents and visitors. At a minimum, any development should be fully compliant with city, state and federal laws and regulations.
To that end, any approved development needs to:
- Incorporate appropriate safety measures for the community in the event of fire, flood or other emergency. This may include, but is not limited to, expanding ingress and egress as required, following setbacks between built structures to minimize the rapid spread of fire, retaining permeable/ vegetative surface area to minimize flooding, and ensuring adequate infrastructure for water access, water pressure and expanded sewage.
- Continue the >100 years of access to open space along with the parking needed to access it, important for physical and mental health of residents.
- As required under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), State and Federal laws, ensure the environmental integrity of the land, including protecting the habitats, trees, canopy cover, streams and riparian zones for wildlife protection and land stabilization.
- Ensure that the developer bears the full cost of any impact of their development including road widening, increased water and sewer infrastructure and fire/safety upgrades so that these costs, if required, are not shifted onto taxpayers and neighboring homeowners.
Accomplishments
- Established working groups and created a Steering Committee to ensure alignment of work efforts, handle administrative tasks and provide strategic direction
- Executed a visibility campaign to educate the neighborhood, and greater Marin County, about the sale, proposed development, and its potential impact on the area
- Provided the City of San Rafael with a very detailed analysis of what we believe are serious errors and omissions in the developer's applications, clearly demonstrating that the city should not have approved these pre-applications because they do not conform to applicable laws.
- Dialogued with Dominican University officials to establish a mutually
beneficial relationship in support of our efforts. - Hired a local attorney to advise on land use law
- Hired a CEQA attorney to advise on environmental conditions and concerns
- Consulted with numerous environmental and safety subject matter experts
- Consulted with leading Marin County non-profit organizations regarding best practices to accomplish our goals
Coast Live Oak trees
California Oak Tree
Manzanita
Madrone Trees
Blue Gum Eucalyptus
