There are a number of changes since 2013 that warrant reconsidering a new PDA for the North San Rafael/Northgate area, and establishing a new PDA for the Southeast San Rafael/Canal area. First, the region is in a housing crisis. The City Council has directed staff to continue to seek opportunities for new housing and preserving the existing housing supply.
Second, the definition of a PDA has changed from being a prescribed ½-mile radius surrounding a rail station or transit center to more fluid configuration. San Rafael and the community have full discretion over the PDA-boundaries. Boundaries and be custom drawn and continue to be refined throughout a community-driven planning process.
Lastly, as part of the General Plan 2040 community members of North San Rafael and the Canal areas requested the City conduct a community-driven planning process for their neighborhoods. A PDA-designation would provide access to funding to conduct this type of community-driven planning process.