Greenbelt Alliance is excited to officially endorse the Mallard Pointe development project, in the North Bay city of Belvedere. This new proposal would redevelop a current site, which includes 22 homes originally constructed in 1951 that are not in compliance with current building and fire codes and is under threat of sea level rise. The redevelopment will transform this outdated site into multi-family, mixed-income homes. Additionally, the current lot would create a more resilient and walkable community in the multimodal transit hub less than a mile away from the neighborhood center and downtown Tiburon.
The Mallard Pointe proposal consists of 42 homes, 12 of which are below market rate. This is a monumental proposal, considering it would represent Belvedere’s first mixed-income development in 33 years. Deemed California’s richest city in 2020, this development would not only contribute to meeting the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals, but also target Missing Middle housing. The proposal includes three one-bedroom accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and four much-needed apartments designated for workforce housing.
Sustainable Update
The developers have taken large strides to ensure that this 2.8-acre development is both sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change. The proposal reflects a comprehensive reinvestment in site infrastructure and an energy-efficient design. It incorporates water-efficient technology and solar panels with storage batteries, along with energy-efficient appliances, heating units, lighting, and other building systems—all of which do not exist on the current houses.
A major hurdle that developers faced in the planning process was flood risk. To account for sea level rise and to be FEMA compliant, the plan for Mallard Pointe outlines that the first occupied floor will be located 11 feet above sea level as required by City ordinance.
According to GreenTRIP—a free online tool that models traffic and greenhouse gas impacts of residential projects in California—The Mallard Pointe project will result in:
268 fewer miles driven every day compared to the Marin County average.
16% fewer GHG emissions every day compared to the Marin County average.
The proposed project’s walkability, commitment to affordability, and long-term sustainability aligns with the City of Belvedere’s planning and environmental goals. Greenbelt Alliance believes Mallard Pointe will play a pivotal role in reimagining a more resilient and inclusive Belvedere for all residents to enjoy. We are proud to give this project our endorsement and hope its approval will inspire cities around the Bay Area to redouble their efforts to grow smartly.
Greenbelt Alliance’s Climate SMART—Sustainable, Mixed, Affordable, Resilient, Transit-Oriented—Development Endorsement Program goals call for fully protecting the Bay Area’s greenbelt, directing growth into our existing communities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a way that equitably benefits all Bay Area residents. Our Endorsement Program provides support for projects that advance the right kind of development in the right places. By promoting climate SMART development, we can create thriving, resilient neighborhoods with ready access to transit and housing choices for all of the Bay Area’s people.
Find out more about our Endorsement Program here. Of course, we’re always here to help so feel free to contact our team for more information and support.
