Board issues notice of intent to buy Point Reyes lot for interim housing after residents and neighbors press for answers

The Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a resolution issuing a notice of intent to purchase a vacant lot in Point Reyes Station owned by the Community Land Trust of West Marin (CLAM), an initial step that allows county staff to return with a purchase-and-sale agreement.

County officials said the proposed purchase is intended to support interim housing under the county's March emergency shelter declaration, which aims to help residents facing imminent displacement in West Marin, including households connected to the Point Reyes National Seashore ranch settlement and other vulnerable residents.

Christie McRoy, a principal real property agent with the county Department of Public Works, told the board the parcel is under an acre and that the county is negotiating terms with CLAM. She said that if the board approved the notice of intent the county would return ' as soon as feasible ' with a purchase-and-sale agreement and related documents for final approval.

CLAM and several residents of ranch communities told the board the property, known locally as the "CAF lot," offers the potential for 10 to 16 interim housing units and could provide immediate shelter for families at risk of displacement. CLAM's executive director, Chad Russell, said dozens of families in West Marin face housing insecurity and that the property is one of a handful of sites that could be deployed quickly.

Neighbors in an adjoining homeowners association raised multiple concerns at the hearing. Residents asked for more information about zoning and coastal permitting, water and septic capacity near sensitive habitat, parking and traffic on a cul-de-sac used by a preschool and senior center, noise, and what would happen at the end of a 3- to 5-year interim period. Several neighbors said they had only learned of the plan within days and asked for more outreach.

County and CLAM representatives acknowledged the need for additional, timely outreach and said they would work with nearby homeowners to answer technical questions before a final purchase agreement is returned to the board. Staff said the current vote simply authorizes publication of the required notice of intent in the Marin Independent Journal; a purchase-and-sale agreement would come to the board after notice and negotiations.

Supporters urged the board to move forward quickly. Residents from Martinelli Ranch and other West Marin communities said their families have deep ties to the area and asked supervisors to preserve continuity for children's schooling and local employment. "We're asking for the support of the Board of Supervisors, please support us," one Martinelli resident said through an interpreter.

Supervisors said they would require more information on project specifics before approving a final sale and suggested CLAM lead outreach to nearby neighbors, with county staff available to assist. The board approved the notice of intent by unanimous voice vote after Supervisor Robertson recused himself from the item due to proximity to his property.

Provenance: County staff introduced the item and described negotiations at the board meeting; CLAM and multiple residents provided testimony; supervisors voted to publish the required notice and directed staff to continue outreach and return with a purchase-and-sale agreement for final approval.