150-unit senior living complex approved at old Best Western site, with pond kept private
At 56 Madera Boulevard, the 5.53-acre site now holding a Best Western hotel and a former restaurant, the Town Council voted 4-0 to approve a 150-unit residential care facility for the elderly — 118 assisted living units and 32 memory care units, roughly 176,575 square feet. All existing structures would be demolished. The 0.81-acre on-site pond would be retained and enhanced. Staff recommended approval, and the Council adopted Resolution 30/2026, finding the project exempt from further CEQA review under Guidelines Section 15183 as consistent with 2009 General Plan density.
“It's a big safety concern... it's private property and it's really hard to open that up and take on that liability and risk for our residents.”— Carissa Savant, for the applicant, on public access to the pond
The application came in under SB 330, and the applicant sought waivers under State Density Bonus Law from town development standards — including floor area ratio of 0.93 against the 0.34/0.40 allowed and height of 44 feet 4 inches against the 35 feet allowed. Seven waivers were requested in all, covering height, FAR and parking setbacks. The Planning Commission approved the project on June 9. Council Member Ravasio, hearing a long list of things the town legally could not require, asked: "We've heard a lot about what we can't do tonight... My question is, is there anything that we do have an opportunity for?"
The sharpest exchange was over public access to the pond. Ravasio asked whether a passageway could be allowed, noting public works crews already reach the area for pump maintenance. The applicant's attorney, Chris Bert, said "prescriptive easements are ultimately very complicated... the council doesn't have discretion to demand that at this point in time." Applicant representative Carissa Savant said access was "a big safety concern... it's private property and it's really hard to open that up and take on that liability and risk for our residents." Resident David McPherson pressed the point from the podium: "Does our town attorney agree with the applicant's attorney that the town does not have any right... to impose public access to the pond as a conditional use?"
Barbara Salsman of the Marin Audubon Society objected to the loss of a heron roost — "It feels to me like the applicants just don't want to do it... with some creative thinking we think it could be retained." Ruven Galvan of the Carpenters Union asked about labor standards, citing an active council-wide dispute over area wages. Patty Stolier urged more room to move: "We should build a community where people truly thrive... I urge you to prioritize dedicated spaces for movement, exercise, gathering, socializing, and experiencing the outdoors." Katherine Wolfers said she supported the project but questioned the name. Council Member Andrews asked whether the fire-only northwest entrance could be opened to residents and visitors to avoid dangerous left turns onto Madera Boulevard — the applicant said the fire department wanted it kept for its own use — and whether the project's $1.9 million in-lieu affordability fee could someday help Corte Madera residents move in. Vice Mayor Casissa said he could support the project but remained concerned about the economic effect on Town Center, during construction and after. Ravasio asked for reassurance that engineering keeps checking how design changes affect flooding on Highway 101.