San Rafael planning panel finds proposed purchase of Merrydale/Redwood parcels conforms with General Plan

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — The San Rafael Planning Commission on Nov. 4 unanimously adopted a resolution finding that the city's planned acquisition of two parcels at 350 Merrydale Road and 3833 Redwood Highway conforms with the city's General Plan.

Greg Minor, assistant director of community and economic development, told commissioners the acquisition is being considered under California Government Code section 65402, which requires a planning agency to review proposed public acquisitions for conformance with the General Plan. "You're being asked to consider whether or not the proposed acquisition conforms with the general plan," Minor said during the staff presentation.

The property, about 2.5 acres with three single-story buildings and a large parking area, was last used as an adult school and has been vacant since 2020. Staff said the city is pursuing a potential grant from the County of Marin to buy the site and expects the project to move forward in…