President's Message

San Anselmo has a unique opportunity to address major issues that have faced the Town’s economic viability for many years. More than a year ago the Chamber was approached by a member of the Good Fellows organization requesting our input for special needs in the community. It was suggested that their organization wished to participate in a remedy when the right need was identified. One of the special needs offered by the Chamber is a viable community center allowing larger meetings — a facility with the elegance to host a wedding reception and serve as a center for the performing arts and for business expositions and corporate retreats.

 

This inquiry led the Chamber to explore a rumor about a plan, from many decades ago, presented by an Ongaro elder to the Town to rebuild the Ongaro building on San Anselmo Avenue into a mixed-use facility. The mood of the council decades ago did not see the wisdom of this plan and it was laid to rest. . .until recently. 

 

Several major property owners in the lower section of San Anselmo Avenue revisited the mixed-use concept, hoping to invigorate lower San Anselmo Avenue from its self-proclaimed label of “Baja San Anselmo.” This led to the Chamber’s participation at each of the recent community workshops exploring the community’s vision of development. 

“Baja San Anselmo” has never realized any of the Town’s beautification efforts and has seen a low-occupancy rate and consistent turnover in retail businesses. The time is ripe for a face lift and for incorporating workforce housing into the mix. Allowing living units, built to “green standards,” with a community gathering area, would provide teachers, fire fighters, nurses, police officers, families buying their first home and retirees an option to live and work in San Anselmo. They would have the opportunity to live in town and not have to get into a car, but walk to a local restaurant for a meal, shop, get a haircut, manicure or massage. 

 

There is an overwhelming interest in making something happen that fits the Town’s profile and charm, yet maintains its small-town atmosphere. Consideration of workforce housing, a community center, and green building is certainly a WIN WIN for the Town and citizens of San Anselmo.