PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, September 11, 2023 – On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Governor Newsom, along with the California Strategic Growth Council announced $757 million in funding to advance the building of affordable housing in job-rich, walkable neighborhoods. Petaluma is thrilled that our Meridian at Petaluma North Station (formerly Corona Station) project was awarded $30.2 million as part of this investment. The project will create 131 affordable homes alongside a new Petaluma North SMART train station with safe biking and walking options for the community.
A partnership between the City of Petaluma, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District, and Danco Communities, the project will develop the site at the corner of McDowell Blvd. and Corona Rd. It will feature seven apartment buildings on 5.29 acres, laid out around a central community garden and open space. Site amenities will include a basketball half-court, a play field and recreational area for kids ages 13-17, and a “tot-lot” for kids ages 2-12.
Best of all, the development will be energy- and water-efficient, inside and out. Each unit will feature EnergyStar appliances and include a real-time energy monitoring display as a tool for residents to track their own energy use and minimize their energy bill. Ventilation, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems will all exceed EPA and CA standards, resulting in buildings that are super energy efficient and maintain minimal utility costs for the residents.
The majority of units will be targeted as rentals to families earning between 20% and 60% of household AMI, while 33 apartments will be designated as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. PSH units are designed for residents who have experienced homelessness in the past and offer supportive services that help residents access healthcare, find employment support, and achieve their personal goals. Expanding PSH options in Petaluma is a major goal of our City’s Homelessness Strategic Plan.
An adjacent acre lot will be the home of the future Petaluma North SMART train station, which will expand rail transportation to Petaluma’s East Side. A new bus stop along with expanded sidewalks and bicycle paths will give residents flexibility in how they get to work, school, and across town.
On the funding award, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “California is reimagining communities around the state to address the ways our cities are changing – adapting to climate change and confronting housing scarcity. These investments will help cut carbon pollution and build more affordable housing as we look forward to a clean energy future.”
“The Meridian at Petaluma North Station project will transform an empty lot on McDowell to a thriving neighborhood with robust transportation options,” said Housing Manager Karen Shimizu. “At the same time, the development will increase Petaluma’s affordable housing opportunities without sacrificing our climate goal of becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030. This funding award is huge for our community.”
“For SMART, it’s a source of pride to see our regional public transit rail service play a pivotal role in securing this vital funding award. We’re thrilled to be part of the partnership that will not only enhance climate-friendly transportation options but also bring about affordable housing and sustainable living in Petaluma,” said SMART Board Chair, Eric Lucan. Chris Dart, President of Danco Communities, said, “This tremendous accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the dedication and collaboration between Danco, City of Petaluma and SMART. It’s public-private partnerships like this that we would contribute to the success of this project; well done all!”
“The opportunity to build new, green, affordable housing here in Petaluma is phenomenal,” said Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell, “and we are tremendously grateful to the Strategic Growth Council for seeing the promise in this project. As the former City Council liaison to the Sonoma County Continuum of Care Board, I know the importance of creating more affordable housing in our community. But when we can expand housing options in net-zero buildings like those at Meridian at Petaluma North Station while expanding our public transportation infrastructure at the same time, we’re benefiting all of Petaluma, now and into the future.”
To learn more about the Meridian at Petaluma North Station (formerly Corona Station) Project, visit the City’s website at https://cityofpetaluma.org/meridian-at-petaluma-north-station/.