Pacific Gas and Electric Company Donates Land to Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
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 parks, 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.”
PG&E generously donated the land, the City unanimously approved the project, the State’s CalHome program awarded $7.5M – the largest State grant in Habitat Greater San Francisco history – public and private donors supported the entitlement process and all along the way there was no public opposition.
“It is clear that housing is what the community wants and needs,” said Sedonaen. “When PG&E began talking to us about donating the undeveloped land, we knew it was an incredible opportunity but would take tremendous planning, perseverance and coordination. To now be where we are today is an amazing feeling.”
The property was once intended for a PG&E service center but over the years the community’s needs changed and the site sat undeveloped. Several attempts to sell the property were unsuccessful and in 2018, PG&E and Habitat Greater San Francisco reached an agreement to begin the process of transferring the property for 100% affordable housing. PG&E has been a long-term supporter of Habitat Greater San Francisco, with more than 270 PG&E volunteers dedicating over 300 hours on Habitat builds since 2015.
“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 later this year. For more information on supporting Habitat’s efforts to bring affordable homeownership to Novato, visit www.habitatgsf.org.
About the Homes
- Located at 8161 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, Calif.
- 23 residential buildings ranging from one to six homes
- 19 two-bedroom, 37 three-bedroom and 24 four-bedroom homes
- One 2,100-square foot commercial building
- 10 acres of open space
- Dog areas, courtyards, play areas, community garden, small amphitheater and more
- Trail network connecting to Olompali State Park
- Architect: Dorman Associates, Mill Valley, Calif.
About Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (Habitat Greater San Francisco) builds homes and
community in partnership with thousands of annual volunteers, hard-working families, donors,
civic leaders and other engaged community members in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo
counties. The work supporters help us do provides a critical path to financial security for
families who live and work here and strengthens neighborhoods across the Bay Area. Habitat
Greater San Francisco has built more than 250 affordable homes in the Bay Area. More
information can be found at www.habitatgsf.org.
Media Contact: Jennifer Hayes
Phone: 510-325-5622
Email: jhayes@habitatgsf.org
About Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com.
https://habitatgsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Habitat-for-Humanity-Redwood-Blvd-News-Release.pdf
