The 594-acre parcel, known as the St. Vincent's property, is located off Highway 101 between San Rafael and Novato and includes oak-covered hills, a creek, an historic chapel and lots of open space. Environmental groups and residents have vowed to preserve the property for many years. The city is requiring an environmental impact statement accompany the proposal.

The developer is Shapell Industries of Beverly Hills and the Catholic Youth Organization. The development would be called St. Vincent's Village and would consist of commercial buildings, an auditorium, a new 80,000-sf residential treatment center for boys, an elementary school, and lots of open space. The owner of the adjacent 358-acre property, Tony Silveira, also has expressed interest in selling his land to the group.

Several years ago, Marin residents and environmental groups successfully fought against new development, preserving thousand of acres of land that is now permanently protected. The city's general plan was changed to permit only 20% of total landmass for future development. Today, the only bayfront sites left are the St. Vincent property and the adjacent Silveira properties.