This land donation from Pacific Gas and Electric will expand access to affordable homeownership for 80 Bay Area families in Novato. This latest development will be the largest affordable housing development in California
San Francisco, CA – March 14, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (Habitat Greater San Francisco) announced today it has closed escrow on a 13.6-acre property in Novato that was generously donated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The land transfer marks a major milestone in making the largest 100% affordable homeownership development in the state a reality. Featuring 80 homes set amongst parks and courtyards, 10 acres of open space, communal areas, dog areas, trails, and more, the project will provide much-needed housing for more than 300 low- and moderate-income individuals.
The project could not come at a better time as the region continues to experience a worsening housing crisis. The median home price in Marin County is $1,590,000, nearly 89% more than the median home price in the rest of California. In Novato, housing expenses exceed the national average by 120%. The high cost of housing coupled with limited housing stock mean the majority of Marin’s workforce now live outside county lines and drive farther on average than any other workforce in the Bay Area. The long commutes are exacerbating Marin’s already congested freeways resulting in longer commutes for everyone.
“Every day we see the multitude of benefits affordable homeownership brings to Habitat families, from shorter commutes and more time with family, to improved health and better educational outcomes for parents and children. For far too many people living and working in Marin County, homeownership has long been out of reach,” said Maureen Sedonaen, Chief Executive Officer at Habitat Greater San Francisco. “This project took the entire community coming together for a shared purpose. We invite the community to join us in this next step of making the dream a reality.”
“This land donation from PG&E represents a lot of hard work and creativity from our coworkers at PG&E and partners at Habitat for Humanity. As the hometown utility for our communities in the North Coast, we are fortunate to be able to contribute in this meaningful way and look forward to the future success of this important Habitat for Humanity development that will directly benefit 80 families and the entire community,” said Dave Canny, Vice President for PG&E’s North Coast Region.
The project is an important part of Novato’s efforts to bring more affordable housing to the region. Habitat Redwood Boulevard will make up 12% of the state-mandated low-income homes and 12% of the moderate-income homes required of the city by 2031.
“I have been a tireless supporter of the Habitat for Humanity Novato project since the beginning, and I could not be more excited to see it moving forward. Housing affordability was one of the most pressing issues facing Novato when I was Mayor and it continues to be across the county today,” said Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan. “This project is not only the right thing to do at the right time, but it is what we must do to invest in the future of our city, county, and hard-working, local families.”
Habitat Greater San Francisco is currently securing final permits for the project and construction is expected to begin in late Spring or early Summer of 2024.
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