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San Rafael council declares shelter crisis, accepts $8M county grant and authorizes purchase of 350 Merriddale for interim shelter
Summary
After hours of public comment — many neighbors demanding more outreach — the council unanimously approved a package to declare a shelter crisis, adopt emergency shelter standards, accept an $8 million County of Marin grant and authorize a $6.7 million purchase and related agreements for 350 Merriddale as an interim shelter and future affordable housing site.
San Rafael — The City Council on Nov. 17 voted unanimously to declare a local shelter crisis, adopt emergency standards for interim shelters and authorize a county‑funded purchase of 350 Merriddale (referred to in staff materials as the Mary Dale site) to be used as a time‑limited interim shelter and later for affordable housing.
Staff told the council the county will provide a grant of $8,000,000 to support purchase and initial site setup and that the city would appropriate $7,000,000 to cover acquisition costs, with a purchase and sale agreement price of $6,700,000 and a broker agreement not to exceed $201,000. Assistant City Manager John Stefanski summarized program parameters: up to 65 locking cabins on a 2.5‑acre infill site, 24/7 on‑site staff and security, coordinated county case management, and a closed program prioritizing existing sanctioned camping participants and local encampment residents.
Staff emphasized that the interim shelter is intended as a bridge to…
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