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Neighbors press San Rafael to reconsider interim shelter location at 350 Merrydale Road
Summary
Residents of San Rafael Meadows and nearby neighborhoods voiced strong opposition to the city's plan for a 65-unit interim shelter at 350 Merrydale Road, citing safety, lack of advance notice and proximity to child care centers and family housing.
Dozens of San Rafael residents used the city council meeting on Oct. 20 to press the city for more community engagement on a proposed interim shelter program at 350 Merrydale Road, a site the city and Marin County announced earlier this month as the planned location for 65 individual cabins and on-site services.
Residents who said they live in San Rafael Meadows and surrounding blocks described the neighborhood as family-oriented and said they were surprised to learn about the project through media reports or neighbors rather than direct outreach. “We felt pretty blindsided by this project,” said Brent McLean, who identified himself as a San Rafael Meadows resident. Multiple neighbors said children frequently play outside in the area near the proposed site and voiced concerns about safety, noise and potential impacts to property values.
City briefed the public, council stressed decision timeline City Manager Christine…
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