House of Representatives Approves Rep. Huffman’s Effort to Support West Marin Affordable Housing
Visual
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 19, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved his proposal to increase the availability of badly-needed affordable housing in West Marin, by giving the County of Marin exclusive first rights to purchase a roughly 30-acre property in Point Reyes Station currently owned by the Coast Guard. The County intends to work with local partners to repurpose the property as affordable housing and community space.
Huffman’s legislative provision was included in the broader Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 passed by the U.S House of Representatives today, a bipartisan bill that authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding and activities for the next two years.
“I am glad that the U.S. House of Representatives recognizes West Marin’s need for greater affordable housing and has approved my proposal to provide an opportunity for working families to stay in the region without impacting the existing landscape,” Huffman said. “I thank Senators Boxers and Feinstein for introducing companion legislation, and I hope we can swiftly move this legislation to the President’s desk.”
“Congressman Huffman has delivered a promising opportunity for West Marin as we work together to provide affordable housing. Our employers, young families, and seniors will all have a reason to celebrate, because the shortage of housing affects us all, and the Coast Guard facility offers the fastest way to make a lasting impact on the problem,” said Steve Kinsey, Supervisor, District Four
“With so many families unable to find homes nearby due to real estate pressures, it isn’t often we have an opportunity to create affordable housing opportunities, especially within walking distance of downtown Point Reyes Station,” said Kim Thompson, Executive Director of the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM). “We thank Congressman Huffman for guiding this important bill through the House of Representatives and hope the U.S. Senate acts swiftly.”
The Coast Guard currently plans to auction the property, designated as surplus, to the highest public bidder. The provision included in today’s legislation, modeled on H.R. 1402, Huffman’s Point Reyes Coast Guard Housing Conveyance Act, would instead require the Coast Guard to provide the County of Marin the exclusive first right to purchase the property at fair market value.
This effort is widely supported by the community, including:
Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM)
Coastal Health Alliance
Shoreline Unified School District
West Marin-Inverness School
West Marin Community Services
West Marin Senior Services
Point Reyes National Seashore Association
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT)
Point Reyes Station Village Association
Inverness Association Board of Directors
Inverness Park Association
East Shore Planning Group
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin
West Marin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
KWMR Radio Station Board of Directors
Toby’s Feed Barn
Point Reyes Farmers Market
Saint Columba Episcopal Church
Tomales Bay Resort & Marina
Black Mountain Artisans
Perry’s Inverness Park Grocery
Bovine Bakery
Cowgirl Creamery
Gallery Route One – Artists in the Schools Program
Gallery Route One – Latino Photography Project
Mainstreet Moms
West Marin Fund
The Mesa Refuge
Coastal Marin Fund
Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore
Marin County Commission on Aging
Petition of Support by local individuals
+