Belvedere’s Mallard Pointe clears more city hurdles
Story poles for the Mallard Pointe development proposal stand among homes on Mallard Road near Belvedere Park in Belvedere on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)
By KRISSY WAITE | kwaite@marinij.com | Marin Independent Journal – May 29, 2024
A controversial housing redevelopment project received more stamps of approval from Belvedere, but not without conditions.
The City Council approved a tentative subdivision map of Mallard Pointe and a revocable license for irrigation, landscaping, lighting and pedestrian paths along Community Road. However, one condition of approval included keeping the council’s strong preference for keeping sidewalks in mind; a wish that probably won’t be granted, according to the developers and consultants.
“Belvedere is one of the most sought-after places to live in the entire country,” developer Bruce Dorfman, a partner in Thompson Dorfman Partners, said in a statement. “While it was an arduous process to secure the necessary entitlements, we are thrilled to earn approval for 40 new housing units in Belvedere.”
The 3-1 vote approving the map on May 13 marked the end of a multiyear process to build 40 homes at 1-22 Mallard Road. In November 2023, the Planning Commission — against the advice of city staff — voted to require the project to undergo an environmental review. The decision was appealed and then overturned by the City Council.
Councilmember Nancy Kemnitzer recused herself from the discussion and vote because she owns property near the project.
The tentative subdivision map allows developers Thompson Dorfman Partners to split the three-parcel complex into 12 separate lots, which helps to create crosswalks and sidewalks, as well as make public right-of-way improvements.