Marin could reconsider Silveira Ranch housing

State officials have mandated that Marin County build much more affordable housing. This is, in part, so Marin can create housing options that its own labor force can afford. Forcing workers to commute long distances contributes to climate change. Joining the Association of Bay Area Government's housing bond proposal would help fund this needed housing effort (“Marin could see windfall from regional housing measure,” Nov. 29).

Additionally, I think Marin County officials should reconsider plans for a new, sustainable community of 5,000 people on the land owned by St. Vincent's School for Boys and Silveira Ranch along Highway 101 just north of San Rafael. It's right in the area designated as the county's citycentered corridor for growth.

The award-winning plans were envisioned in San Rafael's 1995 Architectural Land

Use Competition. They provide an important model for our policymakers to counter climate change.

The plan, known as “Dovetail,” (in the spirit of humans dovetailing with nature) explored how one could walk or shuttle within the compact town. The plan would keep the historic train stop and provide a community fleet of vehicles to choose from when needed. Residents could grow their own food, build their own homes, biologically treat waste for irrigation and make much of what is needed in shops, studios and the existing school complex.

I recommend that Marin County develop the Dovetail concept into building plans. The new community would radiate out, in four directions, from the town square. It would include solar-powered