Small Housing Victories in Marin Worth Celebrating; Highlight Council’s Statewide Reform Victories

Getting new housing approved in Marin County is notoriously difficult so it’s worth celebrating when even a smaller project crosses the finish line. The Magnolia Village project in Larkspur won City Council approval this week, clearing the way for construction of 20 townhouses, including four designated as affordable, retaining two existing retail businesses and adding space for another pair of retail businesses at the corner of Magnolia and Estelle avenues. 

The decision came following five separate appeals filed by residents to an earlier Planning Commission approval. It’s highly likely that in the past the City Council would have upheld the appeals, killing the project, delaying it or shrinking it. But major reforms the Bay Area Council has secured in recent years at a statewide level have put cities on notice that they will be held accountable for flouting their housing obligations.

Bay Area Council Director of State Government Relations Alex Torres testified in support of the project. Congratulations to Council member Cox, Castle & Nicholson for their work on behalf of the developer to beat back the appeals.