San Rafael approves 238-apartment complex

The San Rafael Planning Commission has approved a housing proposal involving 238 apartments in two buildings.

The property at 4040 Civic Center Drive is next to MarinHealth medical offices on a hill east of Highway 101 near the Merrydale Road overcrossing. The commission voted unanimously on the project on Tuesday.

Commissioners said the project is a refreshing change from some recent development plans that took advantage of state housing laws to secure approval for large, unpopular projects.