Pressure is building for a theater in San Anselmo. Do we have the density for it? (San Anselmo-Fairfax Patch) The first real trains on the SMART tracks will be freight trains, as long as the Novato Council approves of the plan. (Marin IJ)
The anti-SMART rail lobby is getting restless thanks to the ongoing money issues on the trouble rail line. Although their open reason is one of fiscal responsibility, spokesman Clay Mitchell says on conservative blog NorCalCrush: "[Proponents of SMART] place a very low value on human quality of life, putting perceived value of “mother nature” above that of the human race." (Marin IJ, NorCalCrush)
Another legislative recall is in motion, this one against San Rafael's recently approved Target store. Organizing group Keep it Local San Rafael is forcing the city council to either rescind the store's approval or put it to a general vote at the next election. (Pacific Sun)
Novato debates where they should put new affordable housing. New affordable housing units are required by the Association of Bay Area Governments under the Bay Area's "fair share" laws. Of the proposed parcels for development, the Wood Hollow & Redwood Boulevard parcel is most promising, as it is adjacent to the North Novato SMART station, although far from downtown. Residents spoke passionately on the subject, with the issue of crime coming from low-income, high-density housing a frequent point of contention. Video of the meeting will be available at the city website. (Marin IJ)
Across the street from the Wood Hollow parcel, Fireman's Insurance is aiming to green its campus through the use of fuel-cell generators. Their location at the very edge of town forces its employees to drive, spewing carbon into the air. Hopefully, they'll aim to leverage their transit access once the SMART station is built. (Novato Patch)
On the issue of affordable housing, New York is looking to strengthen their already-tight rent control laws. Some people feel this will just make housing in the state even more expensive. (Reuters, Market Urbanism)