House of Representatives Approves Rep. Huffman’s Effort to Support West Marin Affordable Housing

May 19, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.—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

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