Homeless Shelter Update 2

 October 28, 2025 - Eric Bobrow

350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter Project

Over the past week, in our new Rafael Meadows WhatsApp discussion group, literally hundreds of messages from dozens of neighborhood members have been exchanged — an incredible show of community engagement! 

The group has become a central hub for updates, collaboration, and shared ideas around the City of San Rafael’s proposed interim homeless housing project at 350 Merrydale Road.

In addition, a volunteer working committee of about a dozen residents has been researching options and brainstorming the best ways to respond to the city – to coordinate messaging and ensure our voices and concerns are heard and addressed.

Petitions, lawn signs and other social media and PR activities are being developed. Outreach to Merrydale Road businesses and residents, as well as the nearby Redwood Village community has been initiated.

Join the conversation:

I (Eric Bobrow) am setting up additional resources on our neighborhood website rafaelmeadows.org (this site) and creating a shared Google Drive folder for organizing documents, correspondence, and reference materials related to this issue.

📅 Key Dates & Meetings

  • TODAY - Tue, Oct 28, 6:00–7:30 PM (Zoom) — City of San Rafael & County of Marin: Virtual Community Meeting
    Click HERE for more info and to register for the call.
    We need as many people as possible to attend, ask questions and give feedback on the 350 Merrydale project.

  • Thu, Nov 6, 5:00–7:00 PM (In‑Person) — City Community Meeting
    Referenced in mayoral correspondence shared in the group. City communications have varied between 350 Merrydale and TBD; we’ll confirm the final location in WhatsApp and on the website as soon as it’s posted.

  • Mon, Nov 17, 6:00 PM — San Rafael City Council Meeting (Chambers: 1400 Fifth Ave; hybrid options typically available)
    Neighbors have noted this is expected to include the Merrydale topic (monitor the agenda when published).
    → Council meetings overview: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/city-council-meetings/

  • Tue, Nov 18, 9:00 AM — Marin County Board of Supervisors Meeting(Civic Center, Room 330; hybrid options typically available)
    Community reporting indicates the Merrydale item is anticipated; please check the agenda when posted.
    → BOS meetings/agenda portal: https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/board/board-supervisors-meetings

Tip: We’ll post final links/locations and agenda items here on the Rafael Meadows website and in WhatsApp as soon as the City/County publish them.

🔍 Discussion Themes (from WhatsApp)

1) City Process & Communication
• Many neighbors were surprised by the Oct 15 announcement and reported lack of prior consultation.
• SR City Schools and SRPD were reportedly not consulted before the announcement.
• Several residents plan public records requests (emails, notices, staff analysis, etc.).

2) Transparency & Messaging
• Coordinated letters/emails to Mayor Kate Colin & City Council asking for transparency and a pause for public input.
• Draft/templated messages are circulating; examples of sign slogans:
“Open Meetings, Not Closed Deals” • “San Rafael Can Do Better” • “We Support Solutions, Not Secrecy” • “Pause the Plan — Listen to San Rafael.” • “No Decisions About Us, Without Us.”

3) PR Options
• Many households offered to contribute to a legal fund.
• Outreach to multiple PR/public‑affairs firms is underway.

4) Media & Awareness
• KTVU Channel 2 visited 105 Corrillo Dr. and aired a segment on the 10 PM news (Oct 22).
• Neighbors are sharing the clip and personal posts on social media to broaden awareness.

5) Safety, Schools & Proximity
• Posts raised concerns about potential drug activity, unlicensed animals, and proximity to daycares and school bus stops (reports within ~700 ft).
• Several noted increased police patrols in recent days.
• Addresses of licensed childcare and distance checks are being compiled.

6) Local Business & Outreach
• El Prado Market and the adjacent laundromat owner expressed concerns and willingness to help with outreach.
• Plans include flyers, petition signatures, and outreach at the Civic Center Farmers Market.

✅ Action Items

  1. Attend the Oct 28 Zoom & Nov 6 in‑person meetings. Ask questions; request a pause until full community input is gathered.
  2. Email City leadership. Personalize your note; emphasize transparency and collaborative planning.
  3. Share the news coverage and your own posts to inform nearby neighborhoods.
  4. Help with outreach. Volunteer for flyer distribution, petition stations, and Farmers Market tabling.
  5. Contribute to the legal/PR fund. Donation details will be shared after the committee aligns on process.

🔗 Useful Links & References

🙏 Closing

It’s inspiring to see our neighborhood move quickly — with clear communication, civility, and collaboration. Please stay engaged, attend the upcoming meetings, and invite nearby neighbors to participate.

Warm regards,
Eric Bobrow
Rafael Meadows Neighborhood Communications Team

Let’s make our voices heard and protect our neighborhood’s future! ❤️

More info on the Rafael Meadows website: rafaelmeadows.org/homeless-shelter

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