HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 14090 (Las Gallinas Freitas Pkwy Improvements)RESOLUTION NO. 14090
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE
FREITAS AND LAS GALLINAS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 11171; AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY CLERK TO CALL FOR BIDS
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 13821 on October 6, 2014,
authorizing the Director of Public Works to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with
CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc. for design services for a project to make
improvements to the intersection of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/Las Gallinas Avenue, City
Project No. 11171 (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan 2011 Update specifically lists
pedestrian related improvements at the intersection of Manual T. Freitas Parkway/Los Gamos
Drive; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 13908 on April 20, 2015,
authorizing an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh
Engineering Group, Inc. to expand the scope of services to include design services for the
intersection of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway/Los Gamos Drive as part of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the plans, specifications, and estimate have been completed for the
Project's proposed intersection improvements and the City is ready to call for bids on the Project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San
Rafael hereby approves the plans and specifications for the Project for advertisement, and
authorizes the City Clerk to call for bids.
I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the
Council of said City held on the 21 st day of March, 2016, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin and Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: McCullough
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
File No.: 18.01.73
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
AMENDED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
You are invited to attend the upcoming City Council hearing on the following project:
PROJECT:
HEARING DATE:
LOCATION:
WHAT WILL
HAPPEN:
IF YOU CANNOT
ATTEND:
MANUEL T. FREITAS PARKWAY AND LAS GALLINAS AVENUE
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. The City is planning to construct
intersection improvements at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue
which will involve widening the intersection and installing a new traffic signal
system to improve the traffic operations, close the gap in a heavily traveled bike route
and improve American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility through the
intersection.
Consistent with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, this project is subject to environmental review and an Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration has been prepared. The Initial Study and supportive appendices
have been posted on the City of San Rafael website and can be accessed via the following
link.- htti)://www.citvofsanrafael.org/vubworks-Droi-freitasL'allinas/. Hard copies of
the Initial Study are available for review at the Department of Public Works, 111 Morphew
Street, San Rafael or at the San Rafael City Library, 1100 E Street, San Rafael
Previously published hearing date of Monday, March 7, 2016 has been changed to
Monday. March 21. 2016 at 7:00 P.M.
San Rafael City Hall — City Council Chambers
1400 Fifth Avenue at "D" Street
San Rafael, California
The City Council will review and consider action to: a) adopt the Manuel T. Freitas
and Las Gallinas Intersection Improvement Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration; b) adopt the plans and specifications for construction and authorize the
City Clerk to call for bids.
You may comment on the project. The City Council will consider all public testimony and
decide whether to take the proposed actions.
You may send a letter to the City Clerk, City of San Rafael, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San
Rafael, CA 94901. You can also hand deliver it prior to the meeting.
FOR MORE For information on the design, permitting and on the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
INFORMATION: Declaration, contact Jeff Stutsman, Assistant Civil Engineer at (415) 485-3342 or
i effrev.stutsmannu,citvofsanrafael.org.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Esther C. Beime
City Clerk
At the above time and place, all letters received will be noted and all interested parties will be heard. If you challenge in court the matter
described above, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this
notice, or in written correspondence delivered at, or prior to, the above referenced public hearing (Government Code Section 65009 (b)
(2))•
Sign Language and interpretation and assistive listening devices may be requested by calling (415) 485-3085 (voice) or (415) 485-3198
(TDD) at least 72 hours in advance. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request.
Public transportation to City Hall is available through Golden Gate Transit, Line 22 or 23. Para -transit is available by calling
Whistlestop Wheels at (415) 454-0964.
To allow individuals with environmental illness or multiple, chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals are requested
to refrain from wearing scented products.
North San Rafael Coalition of Residents
Celebrating Our 30" Year
www. 94903Co-nmu,,tv ora
Post Office Box 6642. San Rafael. Calfomla. 94903
February 6, 2016
"A, LA
Jeff Stutsman, P,E,Assistant Civil Engineer
City of San Rafael, Dept. of Puialic Works
Re: Freitas and Las Gallinas Intersection Improvement project
Dear Mr. Stutsman:
Thank you for the notice of the comment period related to the above project and for the two public
meetings to accept community input.
We write to bring to mind the North San Rafael Vision and the Conceptual Plan (attached). More
than 700 residents of north San Rafael worked long and hard on this City process. The intersection is
a part of the area scheduled for traffic safety improvements: the North San Rafael Promenade.
While the community is eager for improved traffic/cycling/pedestrian safety, we urge that the project
be designed and completed within these larger area pre-existing plans.
Please ask the design/engineers to review the attached materials and affirmatively indicate that the
proposed improvements are not incompatible with the Promenade conceptual plan.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
NORTH SAN RAFAEL COALITION OF RESIDENTS
Bv
Caroli S. Lenert, Chair
KQ�
North San Rafael Vision Promenade
Conceptual Plan
Prepared for
The City of San Rafael
The North San Rafael Vision In
Action Committee
By
Wittenkeller and Associates
of
Brian Powell & Associates
November 2002
0
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
NORTH SAN RAFAEL VISION IN ACTION COMMITTEE
.Jennifer Ciccone
Shirley Fischer
Henri K. Lese
Lloyd Liebes
Cecil Neilsen
Kay Noguchi
Larry A. Paul
Mike Mc Guire
Angela Risdon
Kirk Rockwell
Annie Sterling
Amanda Staller
STAFF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dave Bernardi, San Rafael Public Works Director
With special thanks to Shirley Fischerand Kay Noguchi who were invaluable
to the planning process and outcome of this project.
CONSULTANTS
Brian Wittenkeller, Wittenkeller & Associates
Brian Powell, Brian Powell & Associates
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LExecutive Summary.... ........................ . ....................................................... 4
II. Introduction................................................................................................. 6
III. The Promenade........................................................................................... 9
A. Criteria...................................................................................... 9
B. Recommendations.................................................................... 10
C. Unifying Promenade Themes ................... .....................,..... 10
IV. Impfementation Priorities ........................... .................... 25
V. Appendix.................................................................................................... 27
A. Minutes of Public Meetings...................................................... 27
B. Bibliography............................................................................. 32
C. Information Matrix from VIA Committee .................................. 33
D. Site Plan................................................................................... 36
3
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The North San Rafael Vision Promenade Conceptual Plan is a vital element of the
community's Vision North San Rafael In The Year 2010 report. The Promenade Plan
proposes:
• Improved bicycle and pedestrian linkages between the Terra Linda Recreation Center and
Lagoon Park at the Marin County Civic Center.
• Much-needed amenities such as improved public parks and new plazas.
• A repeating and unifying theme which reflects cultu4 elements, people, local natural
history and expresses the community identity of North San Rafael through use of
consistent "theme details"
Please refer to the site plan shown inside the back cover for a graphic guide to the proposed
improvements.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BIKEWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS
• Create new pedestrian connections between the Terra Linda Recreation Center, Freitas
Parkway and the Terra Linda Shopping Center.
• Revise parking in front of Scotty's Market to create a new pedestrian -only plaza for
seating, gathering and expanded produce display.
• On Freitas Parkway, replace the existing pathway on the north and south sides of the
street with a six -foot -wide concrete pathway with theme details and a two -foot -wide,
soft -surface jogging path. Eliminate parking on each side of the street and install Class II
bike lanes in each direction. Add park type pathway lighting along the new pathways.
Add new landscaping along the shoulders of the creek and at the unplanted areas along
the walkways.
• At Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue, the pedestrian element of the Promenade
splits into two parts, with one part heading down Las Gallinas Avenue and the other into
the Northgate One Shopping Center. Along the south side of Las Gallinas Avenue, a new
six -foot -wide walkway with theme details should be installed to accommodate strollers
and small children on bicycles. Work with the Northgate One Shopping Center to
accomplish the various proposals shown in this Conceptual Plan.
• Las Gallinas Avenue is part of the identified north/south bicycle connection between
Novato and downtown San Rafael, but new development goals at The Mall could cause
four lanes of auto traffic to be constructed on Las Gallinas Avenue, eliminating bicycle
traffic. If four lanes of auto traffic should occur, the city should negotiate with The Mall
to develop new bicycle routes through this area.
• The community and City of San Rafael should negotiate with The Mall to include
pedestrian circulation improvements in their expansion plans.
• New Class II bike lanes should be constructed on both sides of Northgate Drive between
Freitas Parkway and Los Ranchitos.
• On Las Gallinas Avenue at Northgate Three, a new vehicular entry with a new signalized
intersection should be constructed.
• >From the intersection at Las Gallinas Avenue and Merrydale Road, Class II bike lanes
and pedestrian ways should continue east of Mt. Olivet Cemetery to the Northwestern
Pacific Railroad right-of-way.
• A multi-purpose pathway with a two -foot -wide jogging path on each side should be
constructed parallel to the railroad tracks under US 101 from Merrydale Road (east of
Guide Dogs for the Blind) to Civic Center Drive.
• At Civic Center Drive, the proposed multi-purpose pathway will intersect with the existing
Class II bike lanes on Civic Center Drive. From this point, new Class II bike lanes and
minimum six -foot -wide sidewalks (in each direction) should connect to Lagoon Park.
11
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMENADE AMENITIES
• Develop thematic design details that reflect the North San Rafael community identity and
consistently repeat them throughout the Promenade. These thematic details would
include features, such as colored paving, historical markers, and trellises with wisteria
vines.
• At Munson Park add game tables, additional seating, a "petanque" court (informal bocce
ball), a trellis with wisteria vines, and a restroom.
• At Hillview and Arbor Parks, add game tables and trellises with wisteria vines.
• Northgate One: At the western sign wall, create a new pedestrian entry by adding a new
sign wall, trellis, and pathways into the site. In front of Safeway, widen the existing
pedestrian zone by relocating the existing curb four feet into the driveway; this would
widen the existing walkway to eight feet and narrow the existing driveway to 22 feet.
Relocate the existing steel pedestrian control guardrails as needed.
• At the "Central Plaza" (between Starbucks and Kinko's), work with Northgate One to
incorporate optimum seating and thematic details into the space. Add new sycamore
trees along the central vehicular entry to create an "allee" on each side of the road. Add
a cluster of flowering shade trees at the south end of the lawn area.
• The Mall at Northgate: At the intersection of Las Gallinas Avenue and Northgate Drive,
create a new entry and entertainment plaza when the new Rite-Aid facility is constructed.
Create new pedestrian ways from the Rite-Aid plaza to Macy's and, if parking can be
accommodated, from the Rite-Aid plaza eastbound along the south side of Las Gallinas
Avenue to the Merrydale Overcrossing. At Las Gallinas and Merrydale Road, create a new
vehicular entry with low walls and new seating areas on each side of the road entering
The Mall property.
• At Lagoon Park, create a new entry walkway that emphasizes the view to the lagoon and
accommodates crosswalks across Civic Center Drive, pedestrian ways and bicycle access.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIFYING PROMENADE THEMES
Concerned citizens have stated a keen interest in expressing the community's identity along The
Promenade through use of architectural details. These details should reflect cultural elements,
people and even local natural history. Even though more study is required to formulate the
identity and theme, this plan recognizes the community's significant interest in the Santa
Margarita Creek by using symbolic patterns in the new walkways that suggest watercourses.
Future study will refine this detail and other theme features.
II. INTRODUCTION
'A vision is a dream about the future, shared by the community. It paints a picture of the type of
place in which we want to live, work and play. Our vision is more than just a description of what
we hope to see in North San Rafael k also describes the legacy we hope to achieve and defines
the way we want to work together to create a more livable community. "—Vision North San Rafael
In The Year 2010.
The Vision North San Rafael report, completed in 1997, summarizes the community's vision for
business vitality, beautification, gathering places, community services, and pedestrian/bicycles
linkages. The North San Rafael lesion Promenade Conceptual Plan expands the goal of
pedestrian/bicycle linkages into a linear parkway that connects the Terra Linda Recreation Center
to Lagoon Park at the Marin County Civic Center. The improved walkways and bicycle lanes
create the "spine" of this pian and provide the context for new amenities, such as plazas, public
art, landscaping, cultural/historical markers, and public park improvements.
Over a six month period, concerned citizens, city staff, commercial interests and consultants
worked to develop the goals, objectives and design proposals that would make The Promenade a
reality. On three occasions community meetings were held to solicit input and feedback from the
community. Formal meetings with the Planning Commission and City Council further allowed City
officials and the public to get involved with the process and to voice important feedback,
The result of this interactive process is an enthused community with a plan of specific strategies
for developing The Promenade. This report outlines the details of the process, the Conceptual
Plan and the design features that were created. A fold -out plan of the entire Promenade is
located at the back of the report and should be used while reading this report.
BACKGROUND
This Conceptual Plan incorporates the previous and ongoing accomplishments made by the
community. Since the Las Gallinas Valley was developed in the late 1950's, Tena Linda residents
have been active in City planning processes. In the 1970's residents taxed themselves to
purchase the surrounding hills for open space. From 1994 to 1997, citizens worked with the city
to develop the Vision North San Rafael in the Year 2010 report. Since then, the North San Rafael
Vision in Action (VIA) Committee has facilitated the implementation of many parts of the report,
including renovation of Freitas Park and the Terra Linda pool; new landscaping and property
improvements at the Freitas Parkway entryway (The Gateway Project); approval of acceptable
land usage on the Fairchild, PG&E, and Marin Ranch Airport properties; development of
community events such as 'Surfin' Safari' and good neighbor awards, and funding of this North
San Rafael Vision Promenade Conceptual Plan.
The residents near Santa Margarita Creek adjacent to Del Ganado Road are developing a plan for
landscape enhancement of the concrete creek channel. Plans call for the removal of several feet
of asphalt paving and installation of appropriate plantings. This project is currently in the final
design and funding stage.
The San Rafael Bicycle Master Plan includes a North/South bicycle connection along Las Gallinas
and an East/West bicycle connection along Freitas Parkway to the existing Fawn Drive path in
Sleepy Hollow. The plan also includes a future North/South bicycle connection along the
Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way shown on this on map. A proposed rail transit station
in the vicinity of the Marin County Civic Center is proposed in the Sonoma -Marin Rail Transit
(SMART) Plan.
Future development goals at The Mall at Northgate may change the character of Las Gallinas
Avenue and the City's ability to accommodate bike facilities on the street. If development is to
proceed, the traffic engineers at the City of San Rafael recommend that Las Gallinas from
Merrydale to Freitas be reconfigured to four lanes of traffic, two in each direction. If Las Gallinas
Avenue is converted to four lanes of traffic, then alternative bicycle facilities through the area
must be developed.
MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Mission. To develop a bicycle/ pedestrian Promenade that connects the east and west
sides of North San Rafael and offers new recreational opportunities and enhanced
community identity.
Goals
•
To provide safe outdoor recreation
facilities for active and passive uses.
t;
•
To create a safe, cohesive, bicycle
f
pathway system that connects the `
Terra Linda neighborhoods to the
Marin County Civic Center.
�
•
To provide safe pedestrian ways for
strolling, jagging and seating which
connect the parks, neighborhoods and
"�-
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commercial centers of Terra Linda to
the Marin County Civic Center.x-
•
To reflect local history and geography
including watershed, creek and
neighborhood identity.
•
To create a landscape identity along Detail from Vision North San Rafael report in the year 2010.
the Promenade by using consistent Drawing by Ian MacLeod
theme plantings, appropriate
aL, rcLa x pe elements, shade trees and color plantings.
•
To encourage citizen interaction by developing new
opportunities for gatherings,
displays, seating and other recreational pursuits.
•
To engage people, schools and neighborhoods by providing opportunities for individual
and group expression.
DESIGN INTENT FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
It is the intent of the Conceptual Plan to enhance the enjoyment and safety of pedestrians and
cyclists who use the Promenade route. Recommendations in this plan are intended to be
implemented over a period of time by various private and public efforts. In order for this plan to
be considered successful, not every recommendation must be completed. However, there must
be a continuous, recognizable and safe system of travel for both bicycles and pedestrians
throughout the Promenade corridor.
DESIGN INTENT FOR AMENITIES ALONG THE PROMENADE
Existing features along the Promenade include the broad, landscaped areas along Freitas
Parkway, views to the western hills, Munson Park, Hillview Park, Northgate One, The Mail at
Northgate, Northgate Three and the Marin County Civic Center Lagoon Park. This Plan makes
recommendations for the enhancement, improved usability and access to these facilities as well
as recommendations for new amenities.
DESIGN INTENT FOR EXPRESSING COMMUNITY IDENTITY AND
PROMENADE THEM95
The North San Rafael Vision Promenade has an opportunity to express the pride and history of
the community in North San Rafael, A process needs to be undertaken to identify the most
significant community elements that reflect local culture, people and even natural history. These
elements then can be communicated in an understandable fashion along the Promenade through
signage and architectural details. These details not only will be a reflection of the community
culture but they will provide continuity and identity to the Promenade route itself.
III. THE PROMENADE
There are three basic components to the Promenade: bikeways and pedestrian ways, project
amenities, and unifying Promenade themes. The Conceptual Plan describes the criteria used to
develop these components, provides recommendations for their improvement, and proposes a
uniform Promenade theme.
CRITERIA
The formulation of a plan for pedestrian and bicycle facilities must comply with the Bikeway
Planning and Design Manual (chapter 1000 of the California Streets and Highways Code).
Understanding the various types of bikeway facilities and minimum standards required for each is
critical to the success of this plan.
BIKEWAYS:
Class I Bikeways: "Generally, f bikeways] should be used to serve corridors not served by
streets and highways or where wide rights-of-way exist, permitting such facilities to be
constructed away from the influence of parallel streets. Bike paths should offer opportunities not
provided by the road system. The most common applications are along rivers, oceanfronts,
canals, utility rights-of-way, and abandoned railroad rights-of-way, within college campuses or
within and between parks. The minimum paved width for a two-way bike path is 7.8 feet. An
additional 3 -foot graded area is recommended to provide clearance from poles, trees, walls,
fences, guardrails or other lateral obstructions. A wider graded area also serves as a jogging
path. Dual use by pedestrians and bicycles is undesirable, and should be separated wherever
possible."—Bikeway Planning and Design Manual.
Sidewalk facilities are not considered Class I facilities because they are primarily intended to
serve pedestrians, generally cannot meet the design standards for Class I bikeways, and do not
minimize interferences with motorists. In residential areas such as Terra Linda, sidewalk bicycle
riding by young children is acceptable. With lower bicycle speeds and lower auto speeds,
potential conflicts are somewhat lessened. Even though this type of bicycle use on sidewalks is
acceptable, it is inappropriate to sign these facilities as Class I Bikeways. A more appropriate
designation for these sidewalks would be "multipurpose pathway."
Class Ii Bike Lanes: "[Bike lanes] for preferential use by bicycles are established within the
paved area of highways. Bike lane stripes are intended to promote an orderly flow of traffic by
establishing specific lines of demarcation between areas reserved for bicycles and lanes to be
occupied by motor vehicles."—Bikeway Planning and Design Manual. Bike lane signs and
pavement markings support this effect. Bike lane stripes can increase bicyclists' confidence that
motorists will not stray into their path of travel if they remain within the bike lane. Class II bike
lanes are one-way facilities and move with the flow of the traffic. The recommended width for a
class II bike lane is 4.9 feet where the lane is adjacent to parked cars and four feet where the
lane is at the edge of pavement. When at the edge of a curb and gutter the width is to be 4.9
feet with a minimum of 2.9 feet beyond the concrete gutter. Traffic lanes as discussed in the
highway design manual are typically 11.8 to 12 feet wide, Where favorable conditions exist,
traffic lanes of 10.8 to 11 feet may be feasible.
Class III Bike Routes: "[Bike routes] are intended to provide continuity to the bikeway system.
Bike routes are established along through -routes not served by Class I or Class II bikeways or
they are used to connect discontinuous segments of bikeway. Class III facilities are shared
facilities, either with motor vehicles on the street or with pedestrians on sidewalks and in either
case bicycle usage is secondary. Class III facilities are established by placing bike route signs
along roadways."—Bikeway Planning and Design Manual
PEDESTRIAN WAYS:
The pedestrian ways should be safe, convenient and designed to encourage use. Dimensions
should be adequate to allow pedestrians and strollers to pass without conflict. To ensure safe
street crossings and continuity along the Promenade, the walkway details (color and texture)
should be continued into the crosswalks. The City of San Rafael is experimenting with audio
alerts at some intersections that can further increase safety at intersections.
Concrete is the most practical and durable material for public walkways and ramps, But concrete
pavers and colored, stamped asphalt provide good alternatives to concrete. All pedestrian
surfaces are not necessarily hard. The multipurpose pathways can include a soft -surface jogging
paths, similar to those along the Tiburon and Corte Madera Creek bikeways.
UNIFYING PROMENADE THEMES:
This plan recognizes the value of promoting community identity in the Promenade project. A
process will be undertaken to identify key elements of the North San Rafael community and to
determine the best way to express those elements on the Promenade route. Signage, "signature"
details and plant selections, and historical markers will contribute in expressing the Promenade
theme.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations for improvement are presented in sequence starting at the Terra
Linda Recreation Center and proceeding east to the Lagoon Park at the Marin County Civic
Center. Please consult the scaled drawing inside the back cover for reference to the Promenade
route.
TERRA LINDA RECREATION CENTER (WESTERN TERMINUS)
The Terra Linda Recreation Center should be clearly marked as the start of The Promenade.
Signature details developed in the project theme process should be displayed prominently here
and repeated through the project. It is important to integrate these improvements with the
Recreate the Creek project already underway.
Del Ganado Road should be re -striped to include a Class II bike lane in each direction and to
accommodate the widened creek landscaping proposed in the Recreate the Creek plan, A new
six -foot -wide sidewalk with signature details should extend along each side of Del Ganado
Avenue from the Recreation Center to Freitas Parkway. A signature crosswalk should be installed
across Del Ganado Road from the Recreation Center to the Terra Linda Shopping Center and a
route should be developed from this crosswalk to Scotty's Market. Additional crosswalks with
theme details should be installed across Del Ganado Road at Freitas Parkway and across Freitas
Parkway to the south side of the street.
10
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Recommendation; Re -stripe Del Ganado from the RecrWdOn Center to Freltas
Parkway to acraomrnodate Class II bike lanes and additional landscaping at the
creek. Add new sidewalk with theme details to each side of the sbwt Add
new crmwwalks widr theme details across Del Ganado at the Recreation
Center and at Freitas Parkway. Coordinate improvements with die Recreate
the Creek plan. Develop connections to the Terra Linda Shopping Center,
ENTRY TO TERRA LINDA SHOPPING CENTER
The northwest corner of the Del Ganado Road and Freitas Parkway intersection is considered by
many to be the entry to the Terra Linda Shopping Center. At this corner, an opportunity exists for
improved signage and new accent plantings that reflect the Promenade design themes.
Recommendation; Work with the ownership of the Terra Linda Shopping
Center and the community to determine opportunities and constraints and to
refine the design details and cast of this project proposal
11
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around the Terra Linda Shopping
Center for informal gatherings or
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The area in front of Scotty's Market ^� r-.� y•
is particularly attractive for this
purpose due to the existing -
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pedestrian activity and the great
potential of a slightly reorganized
space. This space is achieved by
reconfiguring the parking and t �'kr
roadway nearest to the front door. 4444
Angled parking with one driveway is more convenient but causes a net loss of four parking stalls.
Ninety degree parking and one driveway result in no net loss of parking. Once the parking
realignment is achieved, important connections need to be made to the Terra Linda Recreation
Center and to the new walkways on Freitas Parkway,
Recommendation: Work with the ownership of Scotty's Market, the Terra
Linda Shopping Center and the community to develop a new pedestrian plaza,
a realigned parking lot and new pedestrian connections to Freitas Parkway
and the Terra Linda Recreadion Center.
FREiTAS PARKWAY: PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
The existing five -foot -wide concrete sidewalk
along the south side of Freitas from Del
Ganado Road to Las Gallinas should be
removed and replaced with a six -foot -wide
concrete path and a two -foot -wide soft -surface
jogging path along the south side of the
sidewalk edge, creating a new multipurpose
pathway reflecting consistent signature
Promenade details.
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A similar multipurpose pathway should be installed on the north side of Freitas Parkway. The
existing four -foot -wide concrete sidewalk in this area is in need of repair and/or replacement. In
most locations, the multi-purpose pathway is easily accommodated. However, in a few locations
grade differences along the pathway will require low retaining walls. In at least one area a
surface storm drain Swale is very close to the pathway. It is recommended that this drain be
placed underground. It is also recommended that short segments of safety railing be installed
where the pathway is in close proximity to the roadway. The new pathway should be studied
carefully to see if proposed improvements at Munson Park and the "Pork Chop Islands" would
cause an adjustment to the pathway's alignment.
12
The existing sidewalks along Freitas Parkway are un -lighted and dark. It is recommended that
new park - type light standards, 12 to 18 feet tall, be installed along with the new pathways to
enhance user safety.
When completed, the pathways will provide joggers and walkers with a loop path just over one
mile long. The jogging path opens this area to a new user group. These wider multi-purpose
pathways will make pedestrian and bike travel for young children and families more inviting and
safer than current conditions.
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Recommendation:
Remove existing walkways on the north and south sides of Freitas
Parkway between Diel Ganado Road and Las Gallinas Avenue and
replace with six-foot wide concrete walkways, two -foot- wide jogging
paths and pathway fighting. Include Promenade theme details
FREITAS PARKWAY: BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS
The existing arrangement of two 12 -foot traffic lanes and one eight -foot -wide parking lane along
the south side of Freitas Parkway does not provide enough width for a designated Class II
bikeway. However, by removing the parking along the south side of Freitas from Del Ganado to
Las Gallinas Avenue there is adequate room for the Class II bike lane. Currently, much of the
commuter parking along Freitas Parkway is west of Del Ganado and should not be changed. The
parking east of the Del Ganado bus stop and at the Las Pavadas bus stop should be relocated to
side streets. Parking along the north side of Freitas Parkway between Del Ganado and Las
Gallinas should also be eliminated. Each side of the street should be striped and signed for Class
II bike lanes.
Recommendation: Eliminate parking on the north and south sides of Freitas
Parkway between Del Ganado and Las Gallinas and create Class II bike lanes
in each direction.
13
FREITAS PARKWAY: LANDSCAPING
In addition to the pathway widening
and Class II bikeway improvements,
the landscaped areas along each side
of Freitas Parkway and those adjacent
to the creek should be improved. On
the north and south side of Freitas,
areas of bare land would benefit from
accent, shade, erosion -control and
theme plant materials.
The landscaped areas at the creek
adjacent to each curb are between
four and six feet wide. Additional
plantings of liquidambar trees and
other appropriate vegetation in this sr�rirri h?
■w..r
corridor will enhance the visual
character of Freitas Parkway. The plant palette and landscaping should
design of the Recreate the Creek and Gateway projects.
r_AEE r
be coordinated with the
During the course of public meetings a number of residents expressed the desire to eliminate the
concrete channel and re-establish a more natural creek environment along Freitas Parkway.
While this idea has some appeal (and considerable expense), it is outside the scope of this plan.
Several creek reclamation projects have taken place in the East Bay, which could provide
valuable information in assessing the feasibility of improving Las Gallinas Creek.
Recommendation: Work wiHr the community and city staff to develop goals
for improved landscaping and to identify areas that need improvement
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
Undergrounding of utilities along Freitas Parkway is one of the City's long-term goals. Participants
at the community workshops were strongly in favor of identifying the locations of future
underground utilities (potentially at the edge of the roadway) in the Conceptual Plan so that
Promenade features will not be disrupted when utility work occurs. The possibility of providing
conduits for future utility work can be considered as Promenade features are built.
Recommendation: Work with community, City staff, and utility companies to
designate locations of future underground utilities and possibilities for
coordinating work with Promenade consfrucoon.
14
POCKET PARKS
Munson Park
The neighbors of Munson Park and other community members visualize modest improvements at
this quiet neighborhood park. The amenities currently existing at the Park consist of three picnic
tables, one large bench, and an open turf area punctuated by numerous mature shade trees.
Proposed amenities include a new restroom and a small grouping of game tables for checkers,
chess or a casual lunch. An optional area for the informal court game called "petanque" (a French
version of bocce ball) is also shown. The community would like to see public art in the park. This
expression can take many forms, from freestanding pieces prepared by local artists to an art wall
where local children could attach ceramic tiles.
The landscape improvements to Munson Park should be consistent with the new landscaping
proposed for Freitas Parkway. New ground covers, flowering shrubs, perennials and accent trees
would add greatly to the appearance of the park.
Hillview Park and Arbor Park
The pathways, jogging path and bike lanes should all integrate with the pocket parks to
encourage easy access. Hillview and Arbor Parks are perfect areas for rest stops and should be
studied for new opportunities, such as additional seating, game tables, and public art.
Recommendation: Work with the community and the City of San Rafael to
refine the goals for Munson Party Hillview Park and Arbor Park to establish the
types of amenities, design details and construction costs that would be
appropriate.
PORK CHOP ISLAND
Located at the intersection of Freitas Parkway
and Las Pavadas is a "leftover" piece of land
where the right turn lane cuts diagonally from
Freitas to Las Pavadas. Community input
regarding this area, called "Pork Chop Island"
is mixed. Some public participants feel that the
space should be closed off and converted to a
small park with the right turn lane moved onto
Freitas Parkway. Others feel that the current
configuration of the right turn lane is quite
useful.
One proposal shown in this plan converts the existing turn lane into a passive park that would be
quite compatible with the other pocket parks along Freitas Parkway. The plan shows a space with
gentle mounding, shade trees, perennial beds, park benches, and a more direct pathway
connection from the north side pathway to the intersection at Las Pavadas. At this intersection of
Las Pavadas and Freitas, a new crosswalk with theme details should be constructed.
Recommendation; Work with the community and the City of San Rafael to
refine the goals for the Pork Chop Islands as well as Me traffic constraints,
design details and cost of the proposal.
E
LAS GALLINAS AVENUE: PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS (Freitas Parkway to Merrydale
Road)
At the intersection of Las Gallinas Avenue and Freitas Parkway, the Promenade splits into two
routes that offer different experiences. One route enters the Northgate One Shopping Center and
provides new pedestrian opportunities and safety features (see "Northgate One" below). The
other route continues along Las Gallinas and extends the bicycle and pedestrian facilities
recommended for Freitas Parkway.
South Side of Las Gallinas Avenue
It is recommended that the existing four-foot-wide sidewalk be widened to a minimum of six
feet. The new sidewalk should contain colored markings and/or pavement insets consistent with
the Promenade theme. At the intersection with Nova Albion, the crosswalk should again be
identified by color and/or texture. Continuing east past Nova Albion the existing four-foot-wide
sidewalk can be widened in most locations to six feet. Where trees and other obstacles are
present, the sidewalk may be narrower. The existing sidewalk on the north side of Las Gallinas
between Nova Albion and Northgate Drive is quite narrow and interrupted by many driveways,
making sidewalk widenings along the north side impractical.
Northgate One to The Mall at Northgate
The western sidewalk on Northgate Drive between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue
should be widened for safety and convenience and should include signature Promenade details.
It is the main pedestrian connection between Northgate One and The Mall.
At the intersection of Northgate Drive and Las Gallinas Avenue, the pedestrian way from
Northgate One should cross Las Gallinas in a signature crosswalk and rejoin the Las Gailinas
Avenue sidewalk on the south side of the street. Here, the reunited pedestrian Promenade
crosses Northgate Drive in a signature crosswalk and enters a new public plaza being planned by
Rite-Aid and the Northgate Mall. This plaza should be an entertainment and gathering space as
well as a confluence for the following pedestrian routes:
Rgute to Macv'q: One pedestrian route from this plaza goes southeast through a reconstructed
parking lot to the north side of Macy's. This route provides convenient access to shopping and
refreshment opportunities. The route then continues to the east side of Macy's and beyond to a
proposed plaza at the intersection of Las Gallinas Avenue and Merrydale Road.
Route Parallel to Las Gallinas Avenue: Another pedestrian route parallels the south side of Las
Gallinas. The existing four-foot-wide sidewalk adjacent to the curb along the south side of Las
Gallinas cannot be widened due to grade differential and large existing trees, The opportunity
exists, however, to provide a new six-foot-wide (minimum) pedestrian pathway located along the
northern edge of the Macy's parking lot. The existing parking area would need to be re-striped
and some parking spaces would be lost. However, the loss of parking spaces may be replaced by
the proposed parking structures under consideration on The Mall property. If this multi-purpose
path were installed, a cost/benefit analysis would have to be conducted to see if the existing four
foot sidewalk could be converted to traffic or bike lanes.
Route Alona Northoate Drive: A third pedestrian route continues along each side of Northgate
Drive to where it intersects Los Ranchitos, then north on Los Ranchitos to Merrydale Road. A
"missing" section of sidewalk on the south side of Northgate Drive should be installed to create a
continuous walkway.
16
All three new pedestrian pathways would connect the "Rite-Aid" plaza with the small seating
plaza at the intersection of Las Gallinas and Merrydale Road.
Recommendations.
• Remove the existing walkway on the south side of Las Gallinas
between Freitas and Rite-Aid Plaza and replace it with a six -loot -wide
(minimum) walkway with theme details
• Install a new 5' wide sidewalk on the west side of Northgate Dave
between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue
• Work with The Mall at Northgate and Rite-Aid management to develop
a pedestrian way through The Mall or parallel to las Gallinas A venue
that connects Rite-Aid Plaza to the Las Gallinas/Merrydale Avenue
intersection.
• Complete the sidewalk on the south side of Northgate Drive.
LAS GALLINAS AVENUE: BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS
At the intersection of Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas, the bikeway portion of the Promenade
turns south onto Las Gallinas Avenue The San Rafael Bicycle Plan calls for Las Gallinas to be the
north/south connector between Novato and downtown San Rafael. Traffic engineers with the City
of San Rafael have indicated that four lanes of vehicular traffic may be required along Las
Gallinas from Freitas Parkway to Merrydale Road, if development goals at The Mall are realized.
This increase in traffic lanes would eliminate all parking along both sides of Las Gallinas as well
as any room for Class II bike lanes.
If expansion at The Mall takes place, the City of San Rafael should work with The Mall to
negotiate construction of Class Ilbike lanes on or near Las Gallinas If development pressures do
not require four lanes of traffic, then a Class I1 bicycle facility can be accommodated as follows:
Freitas Parkway to Northgate Drive
This portion of Las Gallinas currently includes two eight -foot -wide parking lanes, two 12 -foot -
wide traffic lanes, and a left turn lane with a short median at the Nova Albion intersection. If four
lanes of traffic are not required, then one lane of parking could be eliminated and the street
could be re -striped to accommodate two 12 -foot traffic lanes, one lane of parking and two Class
II bike lanes.
Northgate Drive to Merrydale Road
This part of Las Gallinas currently has two lanes of traffic, one lane for left turns, and one lane of
parking. If four lanes of traffic are not required, then the one lane of parking could be removed
to provide for two traffic lanes, one left turn lane and two Class II bike lanes.
Alternative Route
As an alternate route, Class II bicycle lanes could be extended east along Freitas Parkway from
Las Gallinas to Northgate Drive. At this point, the Class II bike lanes turn right and head south to
Las Gallinas. This alternative is not ideal due to the traffic congestion at the Freitas/Northgate Dr.
intersection, but it might serve an interim need.
FA
Class II Bike Lanes at Northgate Drive
Class II bike lanes should be provided in each direction along Northgate Drive from Las Gallinas
to Los Ranchitos. At Los Ranchitos, the cyclists have the choice of heading south on existing bike
routes to central San Rafael or north to the Merrydale Overcrossing and beyond.
Recommendations:
• If four lanes of traffic are required on Las Gallinas Avenue, then the City
should construct Class III bike lanes from Freitas to Northgate Drive, then
negotiate new Class II bike lanes through the mall property.
• If four lanes are not required on Las Gallinas,
-West of Northgate Drive, one lane of parking should be eliminated and
the street should be re -striped to accommodate two 12 -foot traffic lanes,
one lane of parking and two Class II bike lanes
-East ofNordrgalfe Drive, one lane afparldng should 6e remto ed to provide
for two traffic lanes, one left tura lane and two Class II bike lanes.
• Regardless of the bikeway development along Las Gallinas Avenue, Class
11 bike lanes should be provided in each direction along Northgate Drive
from Las Gallinas to Las Ranchitos
NORTHGATE ONE
New Entry
As earlier stated, the pedestrian element of the Promenade splits in two at the Las
Gallinas/Freitas Parkway intersection with one route going along Las Gallinas Avenue (see "Las
Gallinas Avenue: Pedestrian Improvements" above for detail) and the other heading into the
Northgate One Shopping Center. At the western corner of the shopping center an improved
pedestrian entry into Northgate One should occur. New walkways would bring pedestrians
around each side of the existing lawn to a new sign wall and a large shade trellis with wisteria
vines. A break in the existing wall would be aligned with the new expanded walkway in front of
Safeway.
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ate' M
_-M
1-.0 ---1
18
�„Fli�<5:... 1.71 \Il'.1 �I�' I•I�t•.•.f�•I i
Circulation at Safeway
fay
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5c G1Y� °,A @ a -Few.'?
The narrow walkway in front of Safeway is
under-utilized by most shoppers who prefer
walking directly into the roadway to get to
their parked cars. Because the
pedestrian/vehicle conflicts in front of
Safeway are significant and because this
area is such a key link in the pedestrian
Promenade, an opportunity exists to create a
new, safe pedestrian facility for shoppers as
well as for pedestrians just passing through.
The two-way driveway in front of Safeway is 26 feet wide. This plan proposes to narrow the
driveway to two 11 -foot -wide drive lanes and move the curb line four feet away from the
building.. This reduction of street width will slow the traffic and increase sidewalk width. The
existing rails along the back of the curb could be moved to the new edge of curb. Moving the
curb north almost doubles the pedestrian space and allows for much safer pedestrian movement
through the area.
Central Plaza
Members of the community have a great deal
of interest in the existing plaza between
Starbuck's and Kinko's. It is centrally located,
receives great sunlight and is a pleasant place
to relax and visit with friends. They have
expressed a number of ideas for improving the
space, such as adding more comfortable
seating, high -branching light -textured shade
trees, and a crosswalk to the lawn median
north of the plaza.
•� �yrr�
.•o=n•s.� we
Main Vehicular Entry
Mature sycamore trees exist on the east side of the center island at the main vehicle entry and
young sycamore trees exist on the west side. This plan calls for additional sycamores to be
planted on each side of the center island to create an allee of trees that people would drive
through upon entering or leaving the property. At the south end of the center island, several
people feel that the lawn area could provide an informal seating area if Flowering deciduous
trees, like crape myrtles, were added. Pedestrian access to this space should be studied carefully
with the city traffic engineer.
Recommendabion. The community should work dosely with the city staff and
the owners of Northgate One to improve the safety of the pedestrian
circulation and to identify opportunities to carry the Promenade theme
throughout the center.
I
THE MALL AT NORTHGATE
Rite-Aid Plaza
The Las Gallinas Avenue/Northgate Drive
intersection is the grand entry to The Mall at
Northgate. Vehicles coming off Freitas
�---
Parkway and pedestrians coming from
Northgate One and Nova Albion Drive must
r as
pass this corner to get to The Mall. Currently,only
signage exists at this corner of the
property, but The Mall and Rite-Aid are
,1 �—/ •_�
planning to construct a new Rite-Aid store in
this area that includes inviting architecture
"
and a dynamic public plaza. Features of this
k,; Q +
plaza might include an entry court with a
� E) 0 O CJ
large, colorful paving pattern at the center of
the space, which draws the pedestrians to a
large shade trellis covered with wisteria. At this point, a passageway is formed by the close
proximity of the buildings. Where the visitor emerges, he passes through a bosque of flowering
shade trees and is greeted with a full view of
the plaza in all of its detail. A circular fountain
provides the sound and movement of water plus informal seating. Numerous shade trees cool the
paving and create an interesting overstory. Informal steps surround an elevated space that can
be used as a performance area.
Recommendation: Work with the ownership of The Mall at Northgate, Rite-Aid
and the community to develop the details for this plaza.
NORTHGATE THREE CENTER: NEW INTERSECTION AT LAS GALLINAS AVENUE
The Northgate Three Shopping Center has a southern vehicular entry near the Las
Gallinas/Merrydale intersection and another entry near to but not aligned with a Mall entry road
that runs by the north side of Macy's. In order to simplify the circulation in this area, the two
existing Northgate Three entries should be closed and a new, signalized entry should be
constructed where The Mall entry road near Macy's intersects Las Gallinas.
Recommendation: Work with the city traffic engineers, ownership of The Mall
at Northgate and ownership of Northgate Three to close the two existing
entries and build a new signalized entry where Macy's access road intersects
Las Gallinas
20
FAST PORTAL: LAS GALLINAS AVENUE AND MERRYDALE OVERCROSSING INTERSECTION
All pedestrian and bicycle improvements lead to the Las Gallinas/Merrydale Overcrossing
intersection. This intersection requires improvement due to its significance as the east portal of
The Mall and hub for bike and pedestrian travels east and south. New, low seat walls on each
side of the entry drive create a more formal appearance and provide an informal rest area for
pedestrians and cyclists. Special paving in front of the walls complete and define the small
seating space. Accent lighting highlights existing trees and new, low level signage for the center.
1 fjf.••^:r•K1
Recommendation: Work with the ownership of The Mall at Northgate to develop the
details for this new entry.
MERRYDALE OVERCROSSING
The bicycle and pedestrian connection between the Las Gallinas/Merrydale Overcressing
intersection and the Marin County Civic Center can be accommodated in more than one way.
Existing bicycle lanes occur on both sides of the Merrydale Overcrossing and a pedestrian
sidewalk is provided on the north side of the Overcrossing as well.
Preferred Route to Civic Center
The safer and more appealing route for the pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Civic Center
is located on the west side of Highway 101 behind the Mt. Olivet Cemetery and Guide bogs for
the Blind. From the "East Portal" described above, existing sidewalks and bicycle lanes extend
over the overcrossing. In the preferred route, just before the overcrossing the eastbound cyclists
would exit to the right and continue on the existing street behind the Cemetery. Pedestrians
would follow the same route on a new concrete sidewalk to be built at the back of the existing
curb. Westbound pedestrians could also use this same sidewalk or could use the existing sheet to
cross under the overcrossing to connect with the existing west bound sidewalks there. All
westbound cyclists would use he same existing sheet to cross under the overcrossing and
connect with the existing westbound Class II bike lane coming off the Merrydale Overcrossing.
21
Where the road behind the Cemetery (Merrydale Road) intersects with the Northwestern Pacific
Railroad right-of-way, the Promenade facilities turn east and utilize the existing train
undercrossing to connect with the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Civic Center Drive.
The existing single railroad track is south of the undercrossing's center line, leaving adequate
space for the installation of a multi-purpose pathway, which should be a 10 -foot -wide concrete
path with an adjacent two -foot -wide soft -surface jogging path.
This connection under the freeway is considered highly desirable as it reduces the conflict
between automobiles and multi -use pathway users. It is worth pursuing at an early date. Any
improvements in this area would need to be coordinated with transit officials, the County of
Marin, the City of San Rafael, utility districts and adjacent private landowners. Improvements for
pedestrians and bicycles under the freeway would need to have appropriate safety and security
provisions built into their design. Proper lighting for evening use and adequate access for police
patrol is a necessity.
Additional Routes to Civic Center
Additional connections between Los Ranchitos Drive and the railroad undercrossing should be
explored. Other possible connections to the railroad right-of-way are:
• Along the paved road within the Cemetery property at its southern border.
• Along the southern boundary of the Guide Dogs for the Blind property.
• Along the existing creek/flood control right-of-way approximately 100 feet south
of the Los Ranchitos and Constance Drive intersection. The existing concrete -
lined channel could be covered with a boardwalk and used as a pedestrian and
bicycle connection.
• The existing connection at Walter Place just south of Los Ranchitos and
Constance Drive.
Any connection to private property would need the full consent of the property owners.
Recommendations.
• Install a Class II hike lane and sidewalk along the eastbound street
next to the Merrydale Overcrossing.
• Install a westbound Class II hike lane and sidewalk along the existing
street under the Merrydale Overr mssing, which connects to the
westbound bike lane and sidewalk on Merrydale Overcrossing.
• Install a 10 -foot wide multi-purpose pathway wide an adjacent two -
foot -wide jogging path from Menydale Road (parallel to the railroad
tracks through the underr%sing the freeway) to the Class II hike
lanes and sidewalks on Civic Center Drive.
CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
From the Merrydale Overcrossing on the east side of US 101, existing Class II bike lanes continue
south along each side of Civic Center Drive to the railroad crossing. From this point, no bicycle or
pedestrian facilities exist along Civic Center Drive. This plan recommends that Class II bike lanes
and six -foot -wide sidewalks should be continued on both sides of Civic Center Drive from the
railroad crossing to North San Pedro Road. A new Promenade crosswalk would carry pedestrians
across Civic Center Drive and orient them to a new entry to Lagoon Park.
22
Install much-needed landscaping on the east side of Civic Center Drive, south of the McInnis One
office building.
Recommendadons:
• Install a Class II billre lane and a six -foot -wide sidewalk on eadr side of
Civic Center Drive from the railroad crossing to North San Pedro Road.
• Install landscaping on the east side of Civic Center Drive, south of the
McInnis One o>i`ice building
LAGOON PARK (EASTERN TERMINUS)
The new entry to lagoon Park should focus the visitor's view on the lagoon and should integrate
with the existing park conditions. A new pathway should extend from the Promenade crosswalk
to the shady lawn area near the existing lagoon pathway. At the lawn area, a small plaza and
trellis with wisteria vines and informal seating should mark the Eastern Terminus of the
Promenade. A walkway should connect this seating area to the walkway around the lagoon.
Recommendations.
• Install a new walkway, new seating, and a new trellis with wisteria
vines at the entry to Lagoon Park.
• Install new walkway connections from the new entry to the pathway
around the lagoon.
TRANSIT CENTER NEAR CIVIC CENTER
As the proposed transit center at the intersection of McInnis Parkway and Civic Center Drive is
developed, it should utilize consistent Promenade details and should connect easily and safely to
the bikeways and pedestrian ways. A Promenade crosswalk should be utilized.
UNIFYING PROMENADE THEMES
The project theme is an expression of the cultural and historical elements of north San Rafael.
The theme and all of it elements are intended to convey local history in a permanent, outdoor
format that can be viewed with convenience any hour of the day. Providing theme elements
along the Promenade will give pedestrians and cyclists places to stop and rest, and opportunities
to learn about the community's history.
A community workshop should be undertaken to identify the people, places, historical events and
natural history that make North San Rafael what it is today. The historic significance of the Terra
Linda valley can be categorized into four general periods; The pre -history Native American
habitation; the Spanish Land Grant period; the Freitas ranch period and the Developmental
period from 1945 to present. Each of these distinct periods is unique and worthy of researching
and documenting for community interest and education. Historic markers of plaques should be
developed and located to chronologically tell the story of the people who lived, worked and loved
the community known to us as Terra Linda (beautiful €and).
23
The markers could begin at the Terra Linda Recreation Center with a historical presentation on
the Native American era. Each period may require several markers. As on moves eastward
along the Promenade, the historic periods can be presented in chronological order. The marker
for the most recent development period would be located in the vicinity of The Northgate Mall. A
marker in the vicinity of the railroad could highlight the railroad and tunnel development and a
marker at Lagoon Park could highlight and Civic Center development.
The project theme should be expressed with an architectural style that matches the overall
design intent of the Promenade. The style might reflect the area's Spanish heritage or might
symbolically represent the significance of the stream courses in the Terra Linda watershed. Once
the style is established the elements themselves (i.e, kiosks, markers, signage, paving details,
etc.) can be designed. For example, a blue or teal color could be applied to the surface of the
concrete walkways to symbolize local hydrology.
Throughout the Promenade, and especially at the end points, it is important to show a map of
the Promenade within the context of North San Rafael, On these maps, "You Are Here" labels
would be helpful to orient first time visitors. These maps could also show locations of historical
events in the area.
The project theme and style should use consistent detailing in all of the graphic and architectural
elements along the Promenade. Signage, low wails, paving details, crosswalks, benches, trellises,
guard rails, accent lighting and even planting materials should reflect the designated motif.
24
IV. IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES
The North San Rafael Vision Promenade reaches almost two miles and extends through public
and private lands, Implementation of the improvements recommended in this plan requires a
concerted effort between the City of San Rafael, private landowners and concerned citizens.
To help guide the implementation process, a brief discussion of financing and an outline of the
community's priorities has been prepared.
FINANCING
As stated earlier, this project will be implemented over time, and in phases, as funding becomes
available. Funding sources may include: private sector contributions, grants from various
sources, and new development contributions. City funds, most likely, will not be available for the
foreseeable future given the current State -funding crisis and its impact on local government
finances.
Private landowners can undertake improvements on private land at any time, providing necessary
City approvals are acquired. Additionally, the City of San Rafael can require the construction of
specific improvements when a landowner submits an application for facility expansion or
improvements.
PRIORITIES
Whether the improvements are on public land or private land, a public communication process
needs to occur for every project to ensure the public's needs are satisfied. Goals and objectives
need to be drafted for each project to identify priorities, limits of work and scheduling.
Developing a strategy for getting started is one of the most useful endeavors the community can
undertake, The following list of construction priorities outlines a reasonable approach for realizing
the goats established in this plan.
1A. Bike Lanes: Eliminate parking where specified on Freitas Parkway and construct
Class II bike lanes in each direction from the Terra Linda Recreation Center to
Las Gallinas Avenue. Construct Class II bike lanes in each direction on Northgate
Drive from Las Galiinas to Los Ranchitos. Continue existing Class II bike lanes on
Civic Center Drive from the railroad crossing to Lagoon Park,
1B. Themes: Work with the community and VIA committee to develop project
themes and details for historical markers, signature crosswalks, trellises, and
sidewalks.
1C. Railroad Riaht-Df-Way: The City of San Rafael must begin the process of
establishing a multi-purpose pathway adjacent to the railroad tracks that cross
under US 101.
25
2A. Del Ganado Road: Construct the walkway, jogging path and crosswalk
improvements specified in this plan for Del Ganado Road between the Terra
Linda Recreation Center and Freitas Parkway. This construction should
accommodate the widened landscape zone at Santa Margarita Creek specified in
the "Recreate the Creek" plan,
2B. Freitas P rk : Construct the walkway, jogging path, crosswalks, planting,
irrigation and lighting improvements specified in this plan for each side of Freitas
Parkway from Del Ganado to Las Gallinas. Prepare for future undergrounding of
utilities as needed.
2C. Joyoina Path & Sidewalk: Construct jogging path on Freitas Parkway from Del
Ganado to Monticello. Construct the un -built portion of sidewalk on the south
side of Northgate Drive to create a continuous sidewalk.
2D. Terra Linda Sh000ing Center: Construct signage and landscaping improvements
at the southeast corner of the Terra Linda Shopping Center. Construct the new
parking and pedestrian plaza in front of Scotty's Market. Construct a pedestrian
connection between the Terra Linda Recreation Center, Scotty's Market and
Freitas Parkway.
3A. Pprk Amenities: Construct park amenities at Munson, Niliview and Arbor Parks.
3B. Pork Choo Island: Construct improvements to the pork chop island at Las
Pavadas and Freitas Parkway.
3C. Commercial Centers: Develop the suggested improvements at Northgate One,
The Mall at Northgate and Northgate Three. Strategize implementation of the
improvements with the ownership of the centers.
3D. Las_ Gallinas__Ayenue: Work with the City of San Rafael to develop interim and
future alternates for bike and pedestrian ways on Las Gallinas Avenue.
Consider the extension of the Promenade west up Freitas Parkway from the Terra Linda Shopping
Center to the open space areas beyond.
26
VI. APPENDIX
MINUTES FRAM PUBLIC MEETINGS
Meeting minutes July 17, 2002
Meeting held at Terra Linda Recreation Center
Meeting opened by Dave Bernardi, San Rafael public Works director at approximately 7:45 PM.
Project background was given by Kay Noguchi. Kay introduced project landscape architects Brian
Powell and Brian Wittenkeller. Brian Wittenkeller reviewed consultant's approach to project and
indicated that the primary purpose of meeting was to receive input from the public in attendance.
Brian Powell presented preliminary concepts for the Promenade development from Scotty's
Market to the Marin County Civic Center. The meeting was then opened to the general public.
Approximately 40 people were in attendance. The public was asked for their input, comments
and suggestions. Shirley Fischer recorded public comments.
Following is a listing of public comments:
• Intersections in area are not safe for pedestrians.
• Consider possible pedestrian overpass at The Mall corner.
• Continue Promenade north on Redwood Highway to Smith Ranch Rd.
• Freitas Interchange is most dangerous in all of Marin County per Caltrans.
• 8 -foot -wide concrete sidewalks not desirable, provide soft surface for runners.
• Continue bike lanes along Freitas to Northgate One as alternative to Las Gallinas.
• San Rafael bike plan calls for a bike path on railroad right-of-way and Merrydale.
Think more of historic context of Creek, community interest in restoring Las Gallinas
Creek.
• State and federal grants are available for creek restoration.
Include creek restoration in Promenade plan.
• Add quality of life as a goal for the Promenade plan.
• Undergrounding utilities along Promenade should be significant part of project.
• Eliminate parking on south side of Freitas or provide indented parking for four or five
cars.
Likes the way the north side path meanders.
• Extend Promenade to Terra Linda Recreation Center.
• Provide pedestrian walkways that are wheelchair accessible particularly at Safeway and
Starbuck's Plaza.
• San Rafael charette included water features, fountain, and waterways as part of
walkway.
• Reclaimed water currently available along Freitas Parkway to Terra Linda Recreation
Center?
Put pedestrians adjacent to new creek.
• Like autumn color of trees along Freitas Parkway, especially liquidambers on south side.
• Locate pedestrian walkway where one can look down into creek.
• Straight drive-through in front of Safeway is dangerous. Widening sidewalk is good idea.
• Few people use small parks along Freitas. Could parks be enhanced with water features?
Could there be a Class I bikeway on one side of Freitas and pedestrian pathway on the
other side?
• Theme and focal point of Promenade and community are the creek system; native
plants, habitat, signs. Enhance creek and watershed all the way to bay.
• Look at entire watershed system. There are people in the state ready to provide grant
money.
27
• Connect bike route from Freitas Parkway to Sleepy Hollow.
• Perhaps ecological theme for north side and historic theme for south side.
• Find a better name for Starbuck's Plaza.
• Prefer north side for walking and jogging because south side is shady (others prefer
south side for walking).
• Use native plantings along creek and Promenade.
• Creek is center of the community.
• Need buffer for reduction of traffic noise, put walkway near creek.
• Use less asphalt and paving and lessen automobile 'influence.
• Why aren't pocket parks used? No protection or separation from cars?
• Need plaza near coffee shop in 'Scotty's Market' shopping center.
• Greenbrae walkway under freeway is well done with adequate lighting and not scary.
• When re -striping parking spaces make more room for standard size automobiles.
• Experience walking through rich riparian area along creek in Lucas Valley.
• Remnants of riparian habitat remain in Terra Linda, could be again?
• What do we want to see as we walk and bike home? Native plants that tie-in with the
hills.
• Create better separations between pedestrians and cars/driveways.
• Pork Chop Islands contain electric and telephone equipment boxes. Can they be located
in less visible areas? Are they proliferating? Can they be consolidated and landscaped.
• Create slow water in the channel, small waterfalls, and ponds to help keep sediment out
of Bay.
• Create tree canopy. Studies show tree canopy slows traffic.
• Las Gallinas unsafe for bikes, 4 lanes of traffic will make it worse.
• Bridge over creek between Scotty's and Las Gallinas?
• Permanent bike lane (Class II) south side of Freitas Parkway.
• Parking along Las Gallinas slows traffic, creates buffer effect for pedestrians.
• Intersections should be wider for pedestrians with countdown signals.
• Create walkway between Guide Dogs and cemetery property.
• Existing pathway between Los Ranchitos and San Rafael Meadows.
• Would be great to connect to Freitas open space, Civic Center, China Camp with soft
surface jogging path.
• People won't let kids use Class II or Class III bike links, as these are not separated from
cars.
• Can accommodate kids on multi -use path with pedestrians. Want majority of adult
cyclists to stay on bike lane however.
• Could we do full multi -use path as in Greenbrae and Mill Valley?
• Multi -use path 8 ft. paving, 2 ft. soft surface each side equals 12 feet. Could possibly do
on South side of Freitas.
• Bicycle parking? Where and how many. Drinking water available? At Munson and
Hillside Park.
Possible traffic circle at Monticello and Freitas. Current stop signs in some directions
make intersection confusing.
• Create'oases' along the way, with palm trees. 'Not! Bathrooms? Terra Linda Recreation
Center and The Mall.
• In favor of parking for commuters who take bus to work. Provide 15 to 18 spaces at
Scotty's and five or so at other bus stop.
• Like idea of parking bays for commuter parking. Check for off-road parking at Christ
Presbyterian Church or other nearby parking areas.
• Feng Shui. Could someone look at the project for health and safety? (Was done at Corte
Madera Town Center)
The meeting concluded at approximately 9:45 PM.
28
• Could public area be widened where Class III bike route is? May be able to use some of
private landscape strips? Remove parking?
• Parking space is major issue with shopping centers.
• Narrowing Class II to Class III with 11 ft. traffic lane decreases safety for bikers; doesn't
match bike plan routes for Las Gallinas
Possibly Class II on Freitas to Northgate and try to make changes on Northgate also.
• Decrease traffic lanes on Freitas, 12 feet to 11 feet such as on a Highway 101 HOV lane,
to create more bicycle/pedestrians space.
Parking pockets, increase 1 ft. of pavement on a door side instead of jogging lane.
• Look at space requirements for future Creek restoration project.
• Designate bike racks and water fountains along Promenade.
• Provide chess tables by Starbucks. In the past there have been policing issues in that
location.
• Caution about water features -- fountains near Big Five and Starbuck's were removed
because of vandalism. Design of water feature important.
• Like gathering place near Scotty's.
• Like simplest design for Terra Linda Shopping Center signage.
Trellises are more windproof than umbrella tables, maybe a combination?
• Incorporate swings at Munson Park, losing them in other areas such as Santa Margarita
Park.
• Like water feature at Munson Park. Kids will like it also.
Problem with health regulations for kids' water area, had to remove water feature at
Freitas Park.
• Munson Park lovely now, hate to see it developed and fenced near road., would be less
attractive.
No parking on Freitas except near bus stops.
Keep Munson Park and Pork Chop Islands simple.
• Fewer bus parking spaces on Freitas; use some on other adjacent side streets.
• Big money projects, move roads to one side of Creek. Box culvert under roadway.
• What is lime frame for implementing Promenade improvements.
• Only need jogging path on one side of walkway.
• Keep Creek in middle, visually divides the four lanes of roadway.
• Pork Chop Island parks are impractical, a lot of pocket parks already exist, people use
right turn lane, just add landscaping.
• Merrydale Road, not wide enough for five-foot-wide bike lanes. Overcrossing currently
has four-foot-wide bike lanes.
• Pursue possible right-of-way between Guide Dogs and Cemetery.
• If Las Gallinas is converted to two lanes of traffic in each direction with no parking,
people will not want to walk or bike there, Promenade will not be complete without this
connection.
• If The Mall is going to expand, housing, etc. They will need to accommodate cars but
also create a bike and pedestrian solution. Create bike lanes along Las Gallinas to
Merrydale, may need to lose some parking that could be replaced elsewhere on the site.
• Create crosswalks and pedestrian barrier between Starbuck's Plaza and the green grass
circle.
• Plant a few trees in grass circle.
• Use paving pattern as visual indication to slow down at intersection.
The meeting concluded at approximately 9:45 p.m.
30
Muting minutes September 18, 2002.
Meeting held at Terra Linda Recreation Center
• Designate which lane scooters are to use.
• Specify bus stop locations.
• Consider fewer than 4 lanes on Las Gallinas. Widen entrances/intersections to get people into
The Mall.
• Safety problem with pedestrian crossings at Las Gallinas/Northgate needs resolution.
• Reconsider entering Northgate Mall from Del Presidio or direct entry to Mall other way.
• City needs to pull all plans together into one plan—bikeway, Mall plans, transit stops
(overlays) --so environmental impacts can be evaluated and public can see the whole
project—also consider factors like restoring Gallinas Creek.
• Definite recommendation to connect through the railroad tunnel (next to Guide Dogs most
direct --best for bikes, doesn't bring people back into congested area).
• Concern about tree roots where parking bays are proposed—tree roots extensive; trees are
important for street ambiance.
• Suggest alternative—remove all parking on Freitas along Promenade and find other locations
for commuter parking (side streets? Terra Linda Shopping Center?)
• Will new meandering pathways encroach on tree roots? Don't encroach with new path any
closer than edge of existing sidewalk.
• Don't realign sidewalk closer to street in Munson Park.
• Neighbors in the past didn't like the noise associated with the proposed children's playground
at Munson Park.
• Consider renaming Munson Park/western terminus to reflect Spanish/Indian heritage. "No".
• Need restrooms—Scotty's? Munson Park?
• Don't want Munson Park plan to detract from priority on Promenade. Put in the back of the
report as possible future improvement, not primary recommendation.
• Possible bike/pedestrian route through Mall instead of Las Gallinas bank stretch.
• Strong recommendation that if 4 lanes are required on Las Gallinas that development needs
to accommodate/replace Class II bike lane.
• Construct Class ti bike lane on Las Gallinas now.
• Do not want to trade off Class II functionality for more congestion—bikeway meets
community needs; giving it away to increase congestion is against community needs.
• Las Gallinas from Northgate Drive to Freitas is a key link in a north -south bikeway and critical
safe infrastructure for bicycle commuting from Novato to San Rafael.
• What are the options for mitigating parking needs if you remove one lane of parking on Las
Gallinas?
• Need connection to Los Gamos (pedestrian).
• Speeding and congestion at intersection of Las Pavadas and Freitas (traffic to private
schools}—U turns, etc.—is a problem. Conditions at intersection need a closer look.
• 4 -way -stop needed at intersection road near lagoon and Civic Center Drive.
• Re-create the creek.
• At Del Ganado and Freitas intersection replace old yellow brick near bridges with red cinder
block like that used on the Fre Station and Espresso Express—repeat use of similar materials
along Freitas.
• Coordinate finishes (materials and design) of signage at Terra Linda Shopping Center, the
Northgate shopping centers, bridges over Freitas, and the Gateway Project.
• Repeating theme along Promenade—wisteria trellises (already at Hillview Park, Northgate
near Macy's}—specify other locations.
• Specify how you get through parking lot to plaza in front of Scotty's.
• Like using the grass circle at Northgate One as a passive grassy area.
• Like the idea of an avenue of trees along the entry way at the grass circle at Northgate One.
• Keep plans simple so as not to put off property owners,
• Problem with people double parking for Starbuck's—maybe designate a 5 -minute parking
zone.
• Consider a wisteria trellis at the curb in front of Northgate One plaza. Repeat at entry of
Northgate One (Freitas/Las Gallinas).
3I
BIBLIOGRAPHY
California, State of, Highway Design Manual, Chapter 1000, Bikeway Planning
and Design. February 1, 2001.
San Rafael, City of, Bicycle and Pedestrian MasterPlan. San Rafael Community
Development Department.
San Rafael, Qty of, Vision North San Rafael. San Rafael Community
Development Department, 1997.
32
North San Rafael Promenade Improvements
Area Improvement
Segment 1: Freitas from Del 1. 8 -foot bike lane/parking lane on south side of
Ganado to Las Gallinas Freitas
2. 4 to 5 -foot bike lane on north side of Freitas
3. Sidewalk on the north side of Freitas.
4, Intersection improvements
S. Pocket park improvements
6. Spurs
Segment H: Freitas at Las 7. Bike route continues right onto Las Gallinas,
Gallinas to Northgate Drive right onto Northgate Drive, and left onto Los
Ranchitos to Merrydale Overcrossing.
8. Crosswalks bring the walkway across Freitas
to the south side of Freitas.
9. A pedestrian entry into Northgate One to
include a wide sidewalk to bring people from
Freitas into the shopping center.
10. Extend the walkway from the vicinity of
Starbucks along the storefronts of Northgate
One to the sidewalk along Northgate Drive,
and south to the Mali.
Phase Comment
One Consider parking bays at Maria B. Freitas Senior Housing
and the Freitas bus stops, with an 8' bike/parking lane.
One Consider eliminating parking along this segment, and
adding a 4' to 5' bike lane.
One Walkway is widened and improved, and includes
distinctive crosswalk treatment at crosswalks.
One At Las Pavadas and Montecillo, consider creating larger
pedestrian areas at the intersection by closing the right -turn
lanes and attaching the islands to the promenade walkway.
One Add benches, game board tables, public art.
One Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan includes the following:
• Provide a bike lane on both sides of Freitas to the Open
Space.
• Provide a bike lane on both sides of Del Ganado to the
Open Space.
One In Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan.
One Include distinctive crosswalk treatment.
Longer Work with Northgate One to make promenade
-term improvements to the auto entry on Freitas.
Longer Work with Northgate One to include the promenade
-term within the site design.
Include distinctive crosswalk treatment.
ISegment 3: Northgate Drive j 11. At the Northwest corner of the Mall, add (in I Two f Work with Macerich to bring pedestrian improvements to ,
3 07/09/01
at Las Gallinas to Merrydale
addition to Rite Aid) an indoor/outdoor cafe,
the northwest corner of the Mall in conjunction with the
Overcrossing intersection
a public plaza with performance area, and
relocation of Rite Aid.
small shops.
12.
Provide a walkway from the Las
Two
Work with Macerich to provide easy access from the Las
Gallinas/Northgate intersection through the
Gallinas/Northgate intersection to the front entrance of the
northwest corner of the Mall along the front
mall, and from the mall to the Merrydale intersection.
of the Mall, around Macy's and along the
drive to the Merrydale intersection.
13.
Crosswalk improvements at Las Gallinas and
One
Include distinctive crosswalk treatment.
Merrydale.
14.
Options for other sidewalk improvements
Three
. The sidewalk on the mall side of Las Gallinas could be.
relocated inside of the landscaping, so long as parking is
not reduced,
• As opportunities arise, improve pedestrian safety (for
example, reduce curb cuts) on the east side of Las
Gallinas.
Segment 4: Merrydale 15.
Bike route continues across Merrydale and
Three
Included in Bicycle/Pedestriaii Plan.
Overcrossing to Civic Center
south along Civic Center Drive,
16.
Crosswalk improvements at Merrydale and
One
Include distinctive crosswalk treatment.
Civic Center Drive.
17.
Complete sidewalk in section along east side
Three
Most of the east side of Civic Center Drive has a sidewalk
of Civic Center Drive between Las Gallinas
with the exception of this section.
Creek to the Lagoon.
18.
Spurs
Three
e Include in the transit stop site design pedestrian access
through the tunnel, behind the cemetery along
Merrydale to Las Gallinas.
• Consider relocating the Caltrans buspad from the
Freitas interchange area the transit stop area to better
link riders up with the transit stop and the promenade.
• Encourage the County to extend pedestrian walkways
in and around the Civic Center.
4 07/09101
Promenade Route - Comments from Oct. 22, 2001 Walk
• Should the Promenade terminale at a small public plaza at the Terra
Linda Shopping Center?
• A wider sidewalk should be created on Freitas (at least 5-6' wide), ideally
with a landscape buffer between the road and pathway.
• is the grade difference between the sidewalk on the north side of Freitas
and the roadway a problem? Would the south sidewalk be a better
location for the Promenade?
• There should be informational plaques provided -- history of the Terra
Linda Open Space acquisition, Freitas family, etc.
Consider eliminating the "pork chop" island at Las Pravados and Freitas
by placing the right turn lane on Freitas. This would provide a larger
landscaped area.
• Munson Park needs more amenities and noise buffering for picnic
facilities.
• Noxi gate 1: There is no pedestrian entry into the shopping center. A
gathering place between Kinko's and Starbucks should be considered.
• A wider sidewalk is needed along Northgate Drive between Freitas and
Las Gallinas.
• Pathway lighting could be provided by solar powered bollard, lighting.
• Landscaping is needed on the east side of Civic Center Drive, south of the
1 McInnis office building.
i
The path should tie into Civic Center Park, The sidewalk should be
i extended across the lawn to connect with the walkway around the lagoon,
3
16 Specialty paving could be colored concrete for sidewalks and crosswalks
with an imprinted pattern (such as leaves, etc.). Other identification
features could include light fixtures and/or bollards.
6T/0T :� SBt+TGt:01 L, -2T St -STS �E77E:INE11IP.1:WCII, A this,: -0 0102-S-B'EA
Meeting Minutes Aug. 14, 2002
Meeting Heid At Terra Linda Recreation Center.
Pre -meeting walk of Promenade route began at 5:30 p.m. Approximately 20 participants were
carpooled to the Civic Center. The group walked the Promenade route arriving at the Terra Linda
Recreation Center at approximately 7 PM.
The community meeting was called to order by Kay Noguchi at 7:35 p.m. Approximately 40
people were in attendance. Brian Wittenkeller gave a brief introduction and history of the project
and Brian Powell proceeded to present the revised Master Plan for the Promenade. Mr. Powell
and Mr. Wittenkeller gave detailed descriptions of design drawings for specific site locations such
as: Scotty's Market Plaza and Munson Park, among others.
Following the presentation by the landscape architects a short break was taken. Following the
break, the public was invited to provide comments and suggestions regarding the Promenade
concepts. Shirley Fisher recorded public comments.
Following is a listing of public comments:
• Keep the riparian theme, underlying a focus on restoration.
• Undergrounding of utilities is a high priority and should be addressed in the Promenade
report.
• Include Santa Margarita Creek project as part of background information in the report.
• Integrate what community is already doing at Gateway.
• Began Promenade project at Terra Linda Community Center.
• Under grounding of utilities should include conduit or culvert that utilities can later be
pulled through.
• Concerned that Freitas cross sections are unrealistic, too narrow for jogging near fence,
trees, etc.
Cross-section is also too narrow for much landscape enhancement near Creek without
adding more room to planting area.
• Liquidambar trees are the existing theme and should be continued.
• Consider removing one lane of roadway from Del Ganado to Las Gallinas as remedy for
narrow section of Freitas Parkway.
• Could Class II bike way continue along Freitas to Northgate Drive? Too narrow on
Northgate Drive?
• Bridge across Creek at Munson Park?
+ Pork Chop Islands more suitable for passive park use.
• Include bike/pedestrian connection between cemetery and Guide Dogs.
• Repeating themes (colors, etc.) at special iocations and shopping centers.
• Unifying theme -- possibly re -circulating fountains with large rocks.
• Repeating theme -- similar architectural design details for walls, benches, signs and trellis
as well as paving details and theme plantings.
• Theme paving to extend into intersection & cross walks.
+ Safety measures such as security lighting and police patrols are needed at walkway
under highway.
• Concern that Pork Chop playground for children too close to traffic, good idea but should
be located elsewhere, possibly part of undeveloped Freitas Park.
• Right turn lane at Pork Chop Island not needed.
• Favor simple pian for pork chop Island.
• Water theme -- use more real water features, more naturalized features, water that
actually feeds to Creek.
29
VISI 0 N
North San Rafael
November 1997
San Rafael, California
North San Rafael Steering Committee Members
Jim Atchison
Ida Baugh
Al Boro
Amadeus Colenbrander
Ann Crew
Carol Dillon
Carol Durham
Jerry Edelbrock
Consultants
Shirley Fischer
Kitty Forde
Peter Galli
Elissa Giambastiani
Rev. Lon Haack
Tom Hinman
Ben Lowe
Ian MacLeod
Phyllis McGuire
Robyn Anderson, Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc.
Jeff Baird, Jeffery Baird & Associates
Paul Tuttle, Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc.
Carolyn Verheyen, Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc.
Larry Paul
Gary Phillips
Lauren Pizzi
Joe Shekou
Roger Smith
Ann Song -Hill, co-chair
Valerie Taylor
Pat Webb, co-chair
City of San Rafael
PROJECT TEAM STAFF SUPPORTING CITY STAFF
Evelyn Buchwitz, Planning Intern
Jean Hasser, Principal Planner *
Linda M. Jackson, Associate Planner
Bob Leiter, Community Development Director
Bob Pendoley, Planning Director *
* Former
Chantry Bell, Associate Planner
Dave Bernardi, Public Works Director
Tom Boyd, Commander Police Dept.
Sheila Delimont, Principal Planner
Rod Gould, City Manager
Ulla -Britt Jonsson, Planning Technician
Katie Korzun, Senior Planner
Walt Kosta, Police Department Captain
Gail Lockman, Library
Sharon McNamee, Recreation Director
Matt Naclerio, Assistant Director, Public Works
Ken Nordhoff, Financial Services Director
Jake Ours, Economic Development Director
Vaughn Stratford, Library Director
Carey Tate, Planning Intern
Bill Tuikka, Associate Planner
Stacy Wydra, Planning Intern
The Steering Committee is grateful to Ian MacLeod for his illustrations depicting
our vision of North San Rafael - may they serve as inspiration to imagine the possibilities.
Vision North San Rafael
November 1997
San Rafael, California
Copies of this document and the Technical Appendix are available from the
San Rafael Community Development Department. For a copy, or for information
about how you can participate and help to bring this vision into reality, please call (415) 485-3085.
letter from the mayor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I Introduction
Background and History Page 1
Profile of North San Rafael Page 2
Crafting Vision North San Rafael Page 9
Vision Framework Page 13
SECTION 11 Our Community Values Page 15
SECTION III Vision North San Rafael Page 17
SECTION IV Vision Concepts, Goals and Actions Page 19
Natural Environment
Page 21
Easy to Get Around
Page 25
Northgate Promenade
Page 31
Gathering Places
Page 33
Town Center
Page 35
Business Vitality
Page 37
Homes for a Variety of People
Page 39
Community Services
Page 41
Design, Beautification and Maintenance
Page 43
SECTION V Our Implementation Strategy Page 47
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
Background and History
In the spring of 1996, the City of San Rafael initiated a community visioning process to plan for
the future of city areas north of Puerto Suello hill, an area known as North San Rafael. North
San Rafael is home to over 15,000 people, renowned for its beautiful hills, sunny weather,
thriving businesses and excellent schools. The last planning effort, fifteen years ago, resulted in
the Northgate Activity Center Plan. With the success of Our Vision of Downtown San Rafael
and the Montecito/Happy Valley Neighborhood Plan, the City Council and citizens started a
similar effort to learn more about what the people who live, work, and play in North San Rafael
would like for their community in the year 2010.
Beginning the Process
The community effort began with a Start -Up Committee. During four meetings, the Committee
designed a process to provide opportunities for the North San Rafael community to help shape a
vision for their future. Members set out to create a fun process with a broad and integrated
approach that was realistic and feasible, and had extensive participation.
Guiding the Efforts
In July of 1996, the City Council used an application process to select 25 people to serve on the
North San Rafael Vision Steering Committee. Collectively, the members reflect the many
interests in our community: residents, business -owners, community and government. Council
set the following charge for the Committee:
Develop a broadly supported vision for the future of North San Rafael that addresses all
of the essential elements of community such as: neighborhood identity, values and goals,
housing, business and retail development, traffic, pedestrian and bicycle access, schools,
recreation, open space, and aesthetics.
The process will address incorporated city neighborhoods, and involve residents,
business interests and property owners.
The Vision will be the primary basis for updating city policies and programs
affecting this area.
The Vision will establish an environment for collaborative activities by the
neighborhood and City government.
The Vision will be completed within one year.
Profile of North San Rafael
This section presents a picture of North San Rafael in the past, as well as the community today.
The Community in the Past
North San Rafael is rich in history. Below are snapshots of the early settlers.
John Lucas was nephew of San
Rafael pioneer Timothy Murphy
(Don Timoteo), recipient of the
Mexican Ranch Grant of San
Pedro, Santa Margarita Y Las
Gallinas of which North San
Rafael was a part. When Lucas
brought his bride to San Rafael
in 1855, he found Don Timoteo
had died leaving him the Santa
Margarita Rancho. Lucas and
Maria built a home in North San
Rafael, where they lived until
Lucas' death in 1896.
2
Manuel T. Freitas emigrated to
California from the Azores in
1853. He became a business
leader in San Francisco, as well
as Portugal's Consul General.
Although Freitas and his wife,
Maria, owned a string of six
ranches from Marin to Solano
counties, they built their
mansion and raised their nine
children at their `Home Ranch'
in North San Rafael.
Shown here in 1953, the valley had been part of the Freitas Home Ranch since 1896. The ranch
was transformed after the end of World War II. Highway 101 (across the lower half) a four -lane
country road, became an interstate highway, and St. Isabella's church replaced the Home Ranch
(buildings in the middle). Named Terra Linda (`beautiful land' in Portuguese) by Freitas'
daughter Rose, the land today is home to 15,000 people.
The Community Today
Over the past 40 years, North San Rafael has developed into a complete and well-balanced
community. During the 1960s and 1970s the area was annexed into the City of San Rafael. With
its variety of housing, shopping centers, corporate headquarters, industrial businesses, protected
open spaces and the Marin County Civic Center, North San Rafael is a vital part of Marin
County.
Land Use
North San Rafael has a variety of residential, civic, entertainment and business activities. In
addition, hundreds of acres of protected open space and parks have been secured for the
enjoyment of future generations.
Land Use in North San Rafael
Vacant Open space
Nonresidential o 37%
21%
7 %
Residential
35%
Source: San Rafael Community Development Department, 1997.
Population
Between 1980 and 1990, North San Rafael's population increased slowly, by only 183
persons. In northern Terra Linda, the population declined by more than 1,000 people
as household size decreased and the population grew older. The growth in North San
Rafael since 1980 is due to new construction in southern Terra Linda and east of
Highway 101. North San Rafael has about 28 percent of the city's total population of
51,644.
0 40,000
r
30,000
a
a 20,000
10.000
Population, 1980, 1990 and 1995 (est.)
14,875 15,058 14,596
ff1111A
North
San
Rafael
44,700 48,404 51,644
Source: U.S. Census, 1980, 1990, and Claritas, Inc. estimates
0
City of
San
Rafael
01980
®1990
01995
Types of Households
Overall, North San Rafael had more husband/wife households and single female households
than the city as a whole, and fewer single male or non -family households. However,
household types vary greatly by area, depending on the type of housing in the neighborhood.
Types of Household in North San Rafael, 1980 and 1990
50
45
40
35
� 30
U 25
a- 20
15
10
5 \ —
0
1980 1990
Source: U.S. Census, 1980 and 1990
❑ Single Male
❑ Single Female
® Married Couple
❑ Male head of Household
® Female Head of Household
® Non -family (Roommates)
Age of the Population
Throughout North San Rafael the number of persons over 65 years old increased from 10
percent in 1980 to 25 percent in 1990. Correspondingly, the number of children in North San
Rafael declined between 1980 and 1990. The decrease in children aged 0-17 was most striking
in Northern Terra Linda, declining from 28 to 19 percent of the population.
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
578 659
1,000
0
0-4yrs
Age of Population, 1980 and 1990
3,774
5-17 yrs 18-44 yrs 45-64 yrs
Source: U.S. Census, 1980 and 1990
Household Income
5
65+ yrs
❑ 1980
® 1990
In 1990, North San Rafael had higher incomes and fewer lower income households
than the City as a whole. Within the community, northern Terra Linda had the most
number of households with incomes over $100,000, while southern Terra Linda had a
higher -than -average percentage of households earning incomes less than $20,000.
Household Incomes by Neighborhood, 1989
Less than $20,000 $100,000+ Median
North San Rafael 18% 13% $46,250
San Rafael 21% 13% $41,992
Source: U.S. Census, 1990
Ethnicity
Similar to the City as a whole, ethnic diversity in North San Rafael increased from
1980 to 1990. Overall, however, this area of town remained less diverse than the city.
Ethnicity, North San Rafael, 1990
Hispai
6%
African-
American Asian Other
Source: U.S. Census, 1990
0
White, not
Hispanic
87%
Types of Housing
North San Rafael contains a wide variety of housing, similar to the City as a whole.
Because North San Rafael developed more recently than other parts of San Rafael and
at a time when larger scale subdivisions and apartment complexes were popular, there
are few two- to four -unit structures.
Housing Types in North San Rafael, 1990
100% p000uu000uu000ui0000iu000 uooi uooii
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
North San Rafael
Source: U.S. Census, 1990
City of San Rafael
Owner and Renter Housing
Overall, North San Rafael contains fewer rental units and more owner units than the
city as a whole. Northern Terra Linda, which is largely single-family, had a very
high homeownership rate. Rental units tend to provide needed housing for low-
income households, young adults, and seniors.
Owner/Renter Percentage of Occupied Units, 1990
100%
Source: U.S. Census, 1990
7
❑ Mobilehomes
❑ 50+ units
❑5-49 units
❑2-4 units
® SF Attached
❑ SF Detached
o Renter
® Owner
Crafting Vision North San Rafael
Vision North San Rafael is a description of what the community would like North San Rafael to
be like in the future. People who live, work, shop or own property in the area helped shape the
vision described in this document. The overall response by participants was enthusiastic and
supportive, with hundreds of ideas generated.
To "cast the net" and reach as many people as possible, the North San Rafael Steering
Committee initiated a widespread community involvement and outreach program. Bold in its
scope and approach, the program successfully included more than 1,400 people at a variety of
community events, stimulated interest among community members through flyers, newspaper
articles and a web -page, and educated the community on issues facing North San Rafael. The
Vision process was organized into four phases.
Phase One: Invitation
Early on and throughout the process, the Steering Committee used local newspapers,
neighborhood associations, partner groups, and the schools to invite people to participate in
community events. Although the focus of the vision process was on the incorporated areas of the
city of San Rafael, participation was welcomed from the broader North San Rafael community,
including Santa Venetia, Los Ranchitos and Marinwood.
Phase Two: Exploration and Visioning
The purpose of Phase Two was to draft the Vision Statement. A variety of community activities
were conceived to reflect on our community in terms of where we are and where we want to go
in the future.
❑ Partner Groups are neighborhood, community, civic and governmental organizations who
were interested—but may not otherwise participate—in the Vision process. In the fall, over
750 adults and children in Partner Group discussions were asked: "What do you like in North
San Rafael? What don't you like? What would you like to change? What would you like to
keep? "
In the winter, Steering Committee members shared with their Partner Groups our draft
Vision statement. In the summer, members briefed the Partner Groups on preliminary Vision
Concepts and invited everyone to the final workshop.
Overall, people appreciate the wonderful qualities of North San Rafael. At the same time,
many identified areas of dissatisfaction and a desire to make changes to make the area a
better place to live.
❑ Schools. To learn more about what our young people feel about and desire in our
community, the Steering Committee invited the schools to participate in the vision process.
In the fall, students from sixteen classrooms took part in a school curriculum. Students were
asked to name and draw their favorite places, places which were scariest to them, and places
which were the ugliest and the most beautiful. Results were displayed at Northgate Mall and
City Hall, and during the Vision Festival.
❑ The Vision Festival was an all -day event that included guided bus tours of the area, booths
from North San Rafael community and business groups, food, live music, and small group
Visioning sessions. Building on the work of the small groups, the Steering Committee
drafted a vision statement which reflected the community's direction that would be revisited
and revised throughout the process.
X
Below is a summary of community comments received during Phase Two, including the Partner
Group sessions, school curriculum and the Vision festival.
Location
• Open spaces
• Weather
• Retail shops and services
• Community feeling
• Friendly, small town
atmosphere
• Sense of community
• Excellent schools
Beauty of the area
• Farmer's Market
Pleasant, clean and quasi -rural
ambiance
• Proximity to open space
• Quiet
• Parks and recreation
Feeling of safety
• Low traffic levels
• Nearby hiking trails
• Airport and open space at
Marin Ranch Airport
K
We don't like:
• Traffic congestion
• The lack of a center, core
or heart of the community
• Dearth of social spots
• Absence of gathering
places
• Insufficient landscape
maintenance
• Inadequate teen activities
• Scarcity of safe
pedestrian and bike ways
• Lack of public
transportation
• Dangerous Freitas
interchange
• The idea of `big box'
retail on the now -vacant
(Fairchild) site on
Redwood Highway along
the north side of the
North Fork of Las
Gallinas Creek.
Changes we'd like are:
• A center to the
community which brings
us together
• More community events
• Improved landscaping
• A public library
• More zoning flexibility
for small businesses
• Housing which is
affordable so that people
who work here can also
live here
• Improvements at the mall
• More and better
restaurants
• More "hangout" places
• More pedestrian and bike
ways
Phase Three: Directions
The "nuts -and -bolts" of creating a vision began in January 1996 and continued through the
winter and spring with a series of eight community workshops. These workshops focused on
specific issues that emerged during Phase Two. Steering Committee members hosted the
workshops, collecting background information, writing Fact Sheets, and using the results to draft
goals and actions.
❑ Kick -Off Workshop. In January 1997, Reverend Doug Huneke was invited to share his
thoughts about how a vision can spark a community and how—like a kaleidoscope—the
many voices of a community emerge to support shared values and common dreams.
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Working in small groups, participants saw the draft Vision statement for the first time, and
gave the Steering Committee their feedback. After the workshop, members revised the draft
statement to reflect the community's input.
❑ Design, Beautification and Maintenance Workshops focused on the "look" and "feel" of
North San Rafael—on the attractiveness of streetscapes and buildings and, in particular,
maintenance of public and private spaces.
❑ Land Use Workshops focused on identifying a desirable land use mix (open space,
residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational) while at the same time enhancing and
conserving the basic community character.
❑ Transportation Workshops focused on the ease of mobility and access, and safety for various
modes of transportation. The interrelationship with land use and design was noted as critical.
❑ Community Events and Services Workshops focused on organizing community activities,
providing cultural gathering places and assuring excellent services and facilities.
Phase Four: Celebration
The purpose of Phase Four was to present the draft Vision to the community, celebrate our
cooperative efforts and begin the process of implementing the Plan.
❑ A Community Open House. The nine vision concepts which emerged during the community
workshops were shared with the community during an Open House in July. Overall,
participants were pleased with the direction, and enjoyed the opportunity to see and comment
on the work -in -progress.
❑ Business Focus Groups, co-sponsored by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, brought
together nearly 30 business owners to discuss issues affecting the business community, and
to share ideas for what could be done to improve the business climate in North San Rafael.
❑ Final Workshop. On September 20, 1997 the Steering Committee held its last workshop.
The purpose of the workshop was to present the draft Vision to the community, prioritize the
most important Actions and recognize everyone's efforts in working together to create and
implement a vision. The top priority actions identified at the final community workshop
are summarized in the introduction for each of the nine Vision Concepts described in Section
IV. Note, however, that the goals and actions under each concept are not ranked in any
particular order.
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Vision Framework
The Vision is organized into four parts, reflecting the thoughtful process used by the Steering
Committee in developing the Vision.
Our Community Values
Our Vision is supported by a statement of community -shared values. These values express how
we share our community life and what we hold most important. They define who we are and are
the ultimate key to where we want to go.
Vision North San Rafael
Our Vision was written with the community. Over the years our Vision will serve as a catalyst
for community initiatives and as direction for improvements in our neighborhoods.
Vision Concepts, Goals and Actions
During the course of the visioning process, several themes emerged as key Vision Concepts.
Collectively, these concepts represent our hopes and aspirations for a beautiful, safe and close-
knit community. As highlighted within, the concepts are further supported by overall goals and
specific actions.
Our Implementation Strategy
Realization of our Vision will be based on our ability to live the values articulated by the
community and to pursue our implementing strategies. As we dream about what North San
Rafael will be like in the future, we look to the many different ways we can make it happen.
Here we work in alliance on projects, bringing together residents, employers and employees,
civic groups and non-profit organizations to find ways to make the vision a reality.
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SECTION II
OUR COMMUNITY VALUES
Our shared values guide our life together, shaping over time the foundation and character of North San
Rafael. As we consider improvements and changes, we rely on the values we hold in common to help
us make the best decisions. We value above all the quality of life in North San Rafael as reflected in
the following:
Community Respect for all people
Safe, healthy and friendly neighborhoods
A diverse population
Places where we can gather
A sense of belonging
A hometown feeling where people know their neighbors
Environment Natural environment as an integral part of our community
Protection and stewardship of our wildlife and our natural areas including the
hills, creeks and wetlands
Beauty Beautiful natural setting from the hillsides to the bay front
Attractive architecture and landscaping
Well-maintained neighborhoods and business areas
Education Excellent schools
Library services and easy access to information
Resources Valued and limited lands
Our surrounding natural environment
People who contribute to our community in various ways
Vitality Creativity and innovation
Cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities
Diverse local economy with variety of thriving businesses
Variety of housing
Ability to move around easily
Partnerships Participation in making decisions about our future
Working together to meet the evolving needs of our community
Cooperation between residents, businesses and government
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SECTION III
VISION NORTH SAN RAFAEL
A vision is a dream about the future, shared by the community. It paints a picture of the type of place in
which we want to live, work and play. Our vision is more than just a description of what we hope to see
in North San Rafael. It also describes the legacy we hope to achieve and defines the way we want to
work together to create a more livable community.
In the year 2010
We are a balanced, vital and evolving community with a diverse population.
We preserve the things that we have so long appreciated—our hills, wetlands and parks, safe and stable
residential areas, vital diverse businesses, and convenient shopping and services.
Our entire community is beautiful and well-maintained, with excellent, well -integrated architecture,
abundant landscaping, and tree -lined streets. As we come home to our clean and friendly neighborhood,
we pass through attractive, distinctive gateways. Getting around our community and out to surrounding
areas is easy—whether by foot , bicycle, bus, rail or car.
Our business community continues to be healthy and innovative, supporting entrepreneurship. We are
known for economic stability with a full range of employment opportunities. Various vibrant centers
provide opportunities for us to meet, interact and reaffirm our sense of community. We enjoy gathering
together at local shopping areas, restaurants, cultural attractions and plazas.
We offer a variety of housing options for our diverse and changing population. Our concern for
residents of all ages is expressed in excellent schools, libraries, youth activities, senior services,
entertainment, recreational and cultural opportunities.
We gracefully adapt to changing needs of residents and businesses while respecting our environment and
quality of life. Neighborhoods and businesses work together. Through cooperation, we create a
community everyone loves.
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[IN.
SECTION IV
VISION CONCEPTS, GOALS AND ACTIONS
As a result of input received during the community visioning process, the Steering Committee identified
nine overall concepts which describe the unique opportunities to build upon and enhance the North San
Rafael environment and community. These concepts are further supported by goals, or statements of
direction to realize our vision. The actions listed under each goal bring us even closer to seeing our
vision become reality by identifying more specific steps to pursue.
The nine Vision Concepts are:
Natural Environment
We will protect the beautiful hillsides, wetlands and creeks for future generations.
Easy to Get Around
We will be a safe and enjoyable community to walk and bicycle,
with convenient transit and smooth traffic flow.
Northgate Promenade
We will establish a new connection from Terra Linda to the Civic Center
where people can walk and ride a bike safely.
Gathering Places
We will have many opportunities for residents and workers to get together
for entertainment, recreation and relaxation.
Town Center
We will create a heart to North San Rafael in the Northgate shopping area
with an active mix of uses and places where everyone comes to shop, visit and celebrate community life.
Business Vitality
We will ensure that our business community is healthy and dynamic.
Homes for a Variety of People
We will have many wonderful places to live for individuals, families,
people who work here and seniors.
Community Services
We will be known for our excellent library and schools,
and a variety of high quality City recreation and public safety services.
Design, Beautification and Maintenance
We will have a beautiful, well-maintained community with
well-designed buildings and abundant landscaping reflecting pride and care.
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Protecting our Hillsides
By the late 1960s, much of the floor of the Santa Margarita Valley had been developed with housing.
Terra Linda residents grew to enjoy the way the hills and the natural environment framed their
community. As development began to spread into the hills, people wondered if it would be possible
to protect the remaining hillsides.
Over the next few years a core group of residents searched for ways to preserve the privately -owned
hills as protected open spaces. Purchase seemed impossible at the beginning, for the hills were
extensive and high-priced undeveloped areas. During the early 1970s, there were several attempts to
raise money to buy the land, and many negotiations were initiated with property owners to reach
acceptable purchase prices. Joining together with immediate neighbors and with the wider Marin
County community, residents in the valley voted overwhelming to approve a number of funding
sources for open space purchase. These included:
1972 San Rafael residents approved a bond issue of $2,250,000 bond issue to purchase open space
city-wide, including parcels in North San Rafael.
1972 Marin County residents created and funded the Marin County Open Space District to
preserve lands of county -wide importance.
1973 Mont Marin neighborhood formed an assessment district to purchase the 184 acre Mont
Marin Open Space for $314,000.
1975 Terra Linda residents, with a 76 percent yes vote, established a community services area with
a $1,150,000 bond issue to purchase open space properties. These funds were combined
with $500,000 from the 1972 San Rafael bond and $500,000 from the Open Space District to
buy the Nunes, Freitas, de Long and Turski lands, the semi -circle of ridges around Terra
Linda.
The 1,252 acres which make up today's Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Divide Open Space Preserve are
owned and managed by the Marin County Open Space District. The Terra Linda, Sleepy Hollow &
San Rafael Ridge Open Space Preserve Land Management Plan (199 1) sets out a detailed program
for maintenance and improvement of these publicly -owned open space lands.
It took nearly ten years to see the vision of preserved open hillsides become a reality. Thanks to the
dream and efforts of a small group of people, everyone today takes great joy and pride in the views of
the hills and the protected natural habitat.
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Natural Environment
North San Rafael is set in a valley surrounded on the north, south and west by expansive hillsides,
undeveloped ridgelines and open space. The San Francisco Bay and waterways with wetlands and other
marine habitats create the eastern boundary. Riparian habitats, scattered along creeks, are rich with
wildlife, birds and native plants, and are a valued resource and integral part of North San Rafael.
Retaining the beauty of the surroundings and protecting the wildlife is a high priority for our community.
At the same time, however, people want to enjoy this valuable resource. Access to these areas would be
balanced with the sustainability of their natural habitats. Education and stewardship are essential
factors in protecting our natural environment.
The top priority actions are to protect and preserve surrounding hillsides and habitats and to increase
wetlands habitats.
ACTIONS
Protect, restore and enhance 1.
Preserve and protect the surrounding hillsides and habitat areas.
our hillsides, bayfront,
wetlands and creeks. 2.
Protect hillsides from erosion.
3.
Remove invasive plants from open space and other public and
private lands.
4.
Repair large eroded ravines off fire roads.
5.
Protect Russom Park Creek walk by controlling creek and hill
erosion onto the trail.
6.
Ensure hillsides are well-maintained and fire safe.
7.
Encourage regular fire safety education in schools regarding our
hillsides
8.
Wherever feasible, restore and enhance the natural wildlife
habitat, particularly habitat for endangered species, by providing
wildlife corridors, adequate buffers along wetlands and creeks and
other environmental protections.
9.
Whenever feasible, seek out opportunities to protect, restore and
increase wetlands habitat.
10.
Restore creeks and incorporate sound flood control practices and
riparian vegetation, such as at the large meadow site next to the
transit line, the San Rafael Meadows neighborhood and the Valley
Baptist Church (the PG&E site).
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ACTIONS
Assure that environmental 1. Promote active community participation in maintaining and
considerations are always appreciating open space, such as supporting volunteer projects to
a high priority in care for the hills, open spaces and trails.
North San Rafael.
2. Provide innovative ways for domestic and wild animals to cross the
freeway or surface roads safely. For example, consider providing a
"Duck Crossing" sign on Civic Center Drive to slow traffic to allow
these birds to cross safely from the Lagoon to the West side.
3. Encourage the Design Review Board to emphasize and enhance
views of the hillsides, wherever possible.
ACTIONS
Allow habitat friendly access 1. Provide opportunities for people to enjoy the natural environment.
to open space.
2. Allow recreation uses in open space areas only when they are
compatible with environmental protection and the sustainability of
habitat.
3. Improve signage in public open space and trails.
4. Continue to prohibit motorized vehicles on hillsides.
5. Support the San Francisco Bay Trail project.
6. Retain Freitas Parkway and Del Ganado as cul-de-sacs.
7. Where possible, use bike paths with removable barriers for
emergency connectors, instead of building new roads.
8. Work collaboratively with Marin County and environmental
organizations to provide access and interpretive center(s)
to facilitate the public's enjoyment of wetland areas,
where appropriate.
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Easy to Get Around
The ease, frequency and safety of getting around are important for our community. Circulation both
within North San Rafael, especially east -to -west connections, and to surrounding areas such as
Downtown San Rafael needs to be improved. A variety of transportation options can better link us to
each other and to places we frequent. Improving the many ways we move about can help combat auto
congestion.
Installing and maintaining wider sidewalks and well -landscaped walkways, separate from the main roads,
will make the area more pedestrian -friendly and safer. If walkways are more inviting and safer, people
are more inclined to walk as a way to get to a destination, and for exercise and enjoyment. Bicycling
continues to be a highly popular way to travel in Marin County, enjoy the outdoors, and get exercise. To
accommodate the needs of bicyclists, safe bicycle paths, lanes and parking would be provided throughout
North San Rafael. Public transit would enable children going to school, commuters and seniors who
may not want to drive a car an affordable and reliable way to get around North San Rafael. Traffic
calming would be a major improvement in the community to reduce speeding and cut -through traffic,
and to make the streets safer for all.
The priority actions are to create a local shuttle bus service, and to install hike -and -bike paths throughout
North San Rafael.
ACTIONS
Create safe, convenient, 1. Connect the Terra Linda Shopping Center and Recreation Center,
pleasant walkways throughout the Northgate shopping area and the Civic Center with a central
the community. promenade.
2. Connect the east and west sides of Highway 101, particularly
north of Freitas Parkway, under Highway 101 from Merrydale to
Civic Center Drive along the railroad tracks, and possibly along
Las Gallinas Creek.
3. Complete landscaped walkways on at least one side of all existing
roads. Improvements are specifically needed on Redwood
Highway near the Professional Center Parkway, the west side of
Northgate between Thorndale and Quail Hill, Los Ranchitos,
Lucas Valley Road, and Civic Center Drive.
4. Install walkways on both sides of new streets, where appropriate.
Assure sufficient width of sidewalks and pathways, and
lighting, so people can walk comfortably.
Provide frequent and inviting places to sit and rest, some of
which should offer shelter from the rain.
Ensure wheelchairs and strollers accessibility (improvements
for the walkway at 755 Las Colindas through Penny Royal,
Pine, Del Ganado, Bamboo to Monticello).
5. Provide safe, well -landscaped walkways between Northgate One,
Northgate Mall and Northgate Plaza.
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6. Increase the amount of time at pedestrian crossings at Freitas
Parkway intersections, especially at Las Gallinas and Freitas.
7. Design parking lots to minimize conflicts between pedestrian
walkways and cars.
Create walkways in the area between two rows of parked cars
instead of having people walk in the driving area. For example,
Northgate should have automobile -free passageways between
shopping areas and to the stores.
9. Where possible, locate building entrances so that people do not
have to walk across parking lots to enter the building.
10. Avoid multiple driveways across public sidewalks.
11. Provide safe and inviting access from parking lots to shops.
The reorganization and hedge screening of parking on the Old Redwood Highway frontage road could
allow installation of a continuous sidewalk with tree planting and undergrounding utilities.
ffrawoml
Support bicycling as a normal 1. Form a bicycle advisory committee to promote public involvement
mode of transportation. and support for bicycle use, create a bicycle master plan, and
pursue funding and other implementation initiatives.
2. Create bike lanes wherever possible, especially along major roads,
along Nova Albion to the schools, and to the parks.
3. Install hike -and -bike paths along the promenade, and next to the
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railroad right-of-way in accordance with the Marin County North-
South Bikeway Feasibility Study (1994).
4. Provide a setting conducive to safe and enjoyable bicycling --
Provide shade trees where possible.
Provide adequate bike lane width, drainage, parking and
signage.
• Separate bike paths and pedestrian paths wherever appropriate.
• Create a free public bike transportation system with pick-up
and drop-off points along the promenade and at major
destinations throughout North San Rafael.
• Provide bike racks and lockers for convenient storage at bus
and shuttle stops, park and ride lots, schools, shopping centers,
and the recreation center.
• Remove barriers on sidewalks, pathways, and streets that
prevent easy passage by bikes, wheelchairs and strollers.
• Where possible, provide bikeways separate from the road.
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ACTIONS
Create useful, convenient,
1. Create a community advisory team, including youth and seniors, to
local bus service, which
determine options for providing local bus service, to work with local
also connects
public and private transportation providers and to seek funding
Downtown San Rafael.
opportunities at all levels of government.
2. Create a local bus shuttle service:
• Connect neighborhoods to shopping, the Civic Center, the
transit center, schools and other major destinations including
Downtown San Rafael.
• Study extending bus hours from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, seven
days a week.
• Where feasible, use small electric or natural gas powered buses
(20 - 30 passengers).
• Provide bus service that accommodates bicycles and wheelchairs.
• Provide adequate bus pads where large numbers of students wait
for buses.
• Offer, when possible, free or discount youth, senior and/or
handicapped fares, and consider weekly or monthly passes.
• Investigate the possibilities of contracting inexpensive taxi
service for seniors, and sharing buses with senior housing and
schools.
3. Encourage organizers and producers of large events at the Civic
Center to provide shuttle service to the Civic Center from
Downtown San Rafael and local park-and-ride lots.
4. Provide safe, comfortable and convenient bus stops:
Reroute freeway buses so pedestrian access to bus stops along
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Highway 101 is safe and convenient. Do not require pedestrians
to cross highway on- or off -ramps in order to board or leave the
bus.
• Locate bus stops adjacent to sidewalks for easy wheelchair and
pedestrian access. For example, connect the bus stop on Civic
Center Drive in front of the Lagoon to a sidewalk.
• Provide benches, preferably covered, at all bus stops.
• Provide a Park -and -Ride lot in the vicinity of Civic Center Drive
and McInnis, and re-route the buses from 101 to this lot.
Ensure safe access from transit stops to businesses along
Redwood Highway.
Preserve and support rail
ACTIONS
service through 1. Preserve the existing rail track for future rail transit service.
North San Rafael. Plan for a transit center at the junction of McInnis Parkway and
Civic Center Drive:
• Ensure that new rail service mitigates adverse impacts on
adjacent neighborhoods.
• Design rail stops so patrons can get to the stop safely and
conveniently by walking, bicycling, bus or car.
Minimize potential vehicular conflicts as pedestrians move
through parking lots and cross driveways to purchase tickets and
board trains.
Design stations and stops so bicyclists can ride to the station
and board easily, without unnecessary curbs, barriers or conflict
with vehicles, pedestrians, and other bicycles.
• Provide bicycle racks (preferably rain -proof) close to the main
entrance.
• Provide bike storage on the trains.
• Where feasible, route autos so they do not cross bikeways and
sidewalks.
• Provide a park-and-ride lot screened from view on the street
side with clearly marked safe walkways to the trains.
Coordinate bus and train schedules. Where possible, bus drop-off
and pick-up areas should be designed to minimize vehicular,
pedestrian and bicycle conflicts.
3. Design attractive crossings at the transit line which are safe for
pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles.
4. Minimize visual and noise impacts along the rail line.
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WNW&TAI
Create livable streets that are
1. Slow traffic and improve safety for children, pedestrians and
safe for children, pedestrians
bicyclists. Possible traffic calming tools include:
and bicycles, and reduce
commuter traffic through our
a Add landscaping.
neighborhoods.
• Calm traffic in neighborhoods surrounding Terra Linda High
School.
Prohibit widening of Civic Center Drive.
Maintain parking by the pond and the lawn of Civic Center
Drive.
Locate stop signs at critical intersections when warranted (for
example, at Yosemite and Smith Ranch Roads).
Narrow streets, where appropriate, in order to calm the traffic,
increase safety and make it easier for pedestrians to cross at
intersections.
2. Redesign traffic circulation adjacent to the Northgate Mall areas.
Consider, for example, continuing Del Presidio into the Mall's
parking area rather than a "T" configuration.
3. For safety's sake, redesign Freitas Parkway between Highway 101
and Las Gallinas with appropriate signage.
4. Improve, or reduce if possible, traffic flow at North San Pedro
Road and Civic Center Drive. Alternatives include an additional
exit off Highway 101 at the maintenance buildings directly into the
Civic Center, or a second left -turn lane from North San Pedro Road
going east to Civic Center Drive.
5. Maintain Merrydale Road and Las Gallinas Avenue in San Rafael
Meadows as dead ends with no through traffic.
6. Enforce current traffic regulations to the maximum extent of the
law by increasing the number of enforcement personnel and the
frequency of the patrols in the critical commute times.
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The continuation of Del Presidio Boulevard could create a grand entrance into Northgate Mall
and provide an important link in the promenade between activity areas.
W.
Northgate Promenade
Throughout North San Rafael there are many diverse neighborhoods, shopping areas and parks.
Because Highway 101 physically divides our community, people find it difficult to get from one
place to another by foot or on bicycle. To remedy this artificial separation, a linear parkway, or
Promenade, would be created to connect the Terra Linda Shopping Center and Recreation Center to
the Civic Center. A unifying hike -and -bike path—complete with attractive directional signs,
landscaping, public restrooms, places to enjoy a cup of coffee, areas where children can play, public
art and transit stops—would bring the community together. Together, people of all ages could stroll,
jog, walk or bike, safely removed from traffic.
The Promenade will conveniently link other important destinations, such as Redwood Highway
business areas, Terra Linda High School and neighborhoods on both sides of Highway 101 and to the
north and south. It will have many benefits: bringing neighbors, workers and visitors together to
enjoy the outdoors, helping people get to work or shop safely on foot or by bike, and providing many
opportunities for people to meet each other.
The top priority actions are to construct pedestrian and bicycle pathways along the Promenade, and
to create safe pedestrian connections across Highway 101.
ACTIONS
Encourage bicycling and 1. Construct pedestrian and bicycle pathways along the Promenade.
walking along the 2 Wherever possible, the pathways should beat least 12 -feet wide
Northgate Promenade. and allow for drainage, landscaping and signage, and incorporate
pocket parks.
ACTIONS
Provide linkages to other 1. Create safe pedestrian connections across Highway 101.
activity centers. 2. Provide convenient and efficient connections between popular
destination points, such as Northgate Industrial Park, Vallecito
Elementary School and San Rafael Meadows area.
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Gathering places, outdoor dining areas, landscaping and signage improvements would rejuvenate
the Terra Linda Shopping Center.
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Gathering Places
Gathering places provide an essential forum for social interaction and enhance a sense of shared life for
the people who work, live and visit our community. Good gathering places are easy to get to and provide
opportunities for a variety of activities such as shopping, eating, sitting, socializing and recreation.
Parks are wonderful places for people to get together. These facilities can be improved with picnic and
barbecue areas, playgrounds and benches to encourage family events, and children's play and "hanging
out" places. Outdoor music concerts, dances, neighborhood picnics and community fairs would be
offered in our parks. One specific improvement many would like to see is restoring water play to Freitas
Park. Others would like to have better recreation facilities in the vicinity of Merrydale/Los Ranchitos
and North San Pedro Road.
North San Rafael shopping centers can also be neighborhood gathering places. This has begun at
Northgate One with the addition of a coffee shop and outdoor seating. Our shopping centers would
include restaurants and cafes with outdoor eating areas, bookstores and plazas to create places with
vitality and excitement. Many people want nighttime activities as well as places to go with friends at the
end of the day.
Sports and recreational facilities provide special places for the community to gather and have fun.
These facilities could include skateboard parks, dog parks, lighting for evening sports events, and soccer
fields—each offering opportunities for the young and old alike—to spend time together and to get to
know each other.
The top priority action is to establish a beautiful, viable neighborhood center and gathering place at Terra
Linda Shopping Center.
ACTIONS
Enhance the use of gathering 1. Establish beautiful, viable neighborhood centers and gathering
places within walking distance places at Terra Linda Shopping Center, along Merrydale in San
to spark social interaction and Rafael Meadows, and at other neighborhood centers by using
sense of community. incentives to encourage a coordinated site design.
2. Create gathering places that include: outdoor eating places, library,
schools, parks, community gardens, farmer's market, museum and
transit stops, for example.
ACTIONS
Use parks, recreation and 1. Provide daytime "green spaces" which can include multi -use
cultural facilities as fun recreation areas, sports fields and sitting areas.
gathering places to enhance 2 Improve parks by adding landscaping and amenities such as
our sense of community. benches, public art, play equipment, gazebos and bandstands, as
appropriate.
3. Encourage both daytime and nighttime gathering places, such as
cafes, bookstores and restaurants.
31
Building a Town Square
A town square is more than just a place; it is people and activity, art and festivities, homes and shops.
Essential ingredients are:
Mix of Activity Shops, offices, residential, public (such as child care, a library, and churches),
32
recreation, education and entertainment
Food
Markets, restaurants, cafes, street vendors and other eating places
Events
Celebrations, concerts, fairs, memorials
Public
Open to everyone at all times of the day throughout the year
Visible
Open to view from the streets and buildings for safety and security
Contained
Outdoor room with buildings defining the edges
Connections
Doors, passageways and windows connecting the outdoors to indoor activity
Seating
Places for people to sit and view the action
Recreation
Passive ways for people (especially children) to have fun, a gazebo for music
Art
Cultural identity, a landmark
32
Town Center
A town center is a focal point where the values and history of the community are expressed and
supported, where community identity is strengthened and neighborhood cohesion is fostered. It is a place
where residents and workers can gather—formally and informally—to share community life. The Town
Center will have public art, a wide variety of unique shops, many places to eat, and a number of
entertainment options.
Our town center will be a major destination point on the promenade, a place where everyone feels
welcome, something is always happening, and strolling is a pleasure. It will also include one of North
San Rafael's principal gathering places—in the form of a town square! Over time, the Town Center
would change, expand and evolve to become the heart of the North San Rafael community.
The priority actions for the Town Center are to crease a sense of enclosure, pedestrian -scale and easy
accessibility and to provide high quality retail stores for local residents as well as the broader
community.
ACTIONS
Create an attractive, thriving
1. Create a Town Center with high quality retail stores for local
heart for the North San Rafael
residents as well as the broader community.
community—a centerpiece of
commerce and activity which
2 Allow uses that will enhance the Town Center, including retail,
is easy to get to—with a
office, housing and community services.
diversity and synergy of
3. Consider providing library services at the mall.
activities for all ages.
4. Provide planning and financial incentives to establish a Town Center.
5. Assure quality of design.
6. Create a sense of enclosure, pedestrian -scale and easy accessibility.
Outdoor gathering and dining spaces at the retail centers could be encouraged, with storefronts
and signage improved to match the quality of the interior spaces.
ACTIONS
33
Establish places for enjoying 1. Encourage outdoor public gathering places.
community life. 2. Improve access and pedestrian connections between Northgate
One, the Mall and Northgate Plaza.
3. Consider the feasibility of providing automobile -free passage ways
between shopping areas, i.e. between Northgate Plaza and
Northgate Mall, and between the Mall and Northgate One.
4. Redesign traffic patterns adjacent to the Northgate Mall, and
consider ways to improve the entrance into the mall.
5. Design parking lots to minimize vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle
conflicts.
6. Improve landscaping and maintenance of buildings, and unify the
signage and architecture at Northgate Mall.
34
Business Vitality
North San Rafael has a very healthy, broad-based business community. Northgate businesses are an
important part of San Rafael's healthy economy, comprising half of the city's professional services, and a
quarter of its retail establishments. Northgate Mall is the city's largest retail shopping center, with more
than one million square feet of building area, contributing over $1 million in sales tax revenue annually.
Two major concentrations of businesses include the Northgate Industrial Park and the Northgate
shopping centers. In addition, Terra Linda Shopping Center, Redwood Highway offices and services,
Kaiser Hospital, Guide Dogs for the Blind, two major hotels and large office buildings, and several
corporate headquarters are located in North San Rafael. These local diverse businesses provide jobs for
residents, goods and services for residents, taxes for City services, and donations for local schools and
non-profit agencies.
Maintaining business vitality is essential for a prosperous economy. We want to keep the
competitive edge of the North San Rafael business community, and to continue to enjoy the
convenient local shops and employment opportunities.
Residents and workers alike would benefit from retaining homegrown businesses and industrial uses,
bringing in more upscale and unique shops, and increasing the number of restaurants and cafes. The
Terra Linda Shopping Center holds tremendous potential to be a thriving neighborhood center. The
businesses along the Redwood Highway frontage road would benefit greatly from targeted physical
improvements. Most importantly, the large vacant site on Redwood Highway where there once stood a
big manufacturing plant could be home to a new office/light industrial complex complementing the
adjacent Northgate Industrial Park. Of particular delight to the community would be a restaurant located
here along the beautiful north fork of Las Gallinas Creek.
Our highest priority is to make our business areas function better with a mix of uses, improvements to
make these places more attractive, and changes that support a business -friendly community. It is also
important to ensure that environmental, traffic, design, parking and access concerns are met in all
business development.
ACTIONS
Support existing local 1. Encourage amenities and services to support the business
businesses and help them community such as restaurants, outdoor dining, child care and
adapt to the future. convenience retail.
2. Use incentives to accommodate growth and change of businesses.
ACTIONS
Support home businesses, 1. Encourage live/work and home-based businesses.
new businesses and 2 Encourage incubator businesses.
small businesses.
3. Preserve small tenant spaces.
4. Streamline permitting and provide other incentives.
ACTIONS
35
Create distinctive businesses 1. Improve the design and function of business areas.
and public complexes, and 2 Encourage innovation and public/private partnerships to meet
make these areas work better parking needs.
3. Encourage property owners to maintain and remodel commercial
buildings.
4. Encourage a new business at the corner of Freitas Parkway and
Northgate to enhance the entryway. Appropriate uses could
include office, small retail or a sit-down restaurant.
5. Ensure that environmental, traffic, design, parking and access
concerns are met in all new business development or when
renovation or remodeling occurs.
36
Homes for a Variety of People
Because of its beautiful setting, moderate climate, accessibility to natural and cultural amenities, and
convenient location, North San Rafael is a very desirable place to live. Subdivisions such as San Rafael
Meadows, Terra Linda and Marin Lagoon provide wonderful, family -centered communities with a
reputation for being a great place to raise children and for maintaining excellent schools.
In addition, there is a range of options for apartment dwellers, from units that are affordable to low
income households to luxury units for higher income households. These are well-established as well as
very new condominium developments. Other housing includes a variety of senior housing, a mobilehome
park, and group homes for the handicapped.
An adequate diversity of housing is a crucial part of creating a complete and vibrant community. Like
many other cities in California, however, housing prices are high in North San Rafael. Consequently,
young people starting out cannot afford to live near their families, families share units or are crowded
into housing too small for their needs, seniors become "trapped" in homes that are larger than they
need and local employees are forced to live in outlying areas and, therefore, become part of the
commuter rush.
Providing more housing in North San Rafael is a challenging task. Many residents are concerned
about excessive development, unmanageable traffic and the loss of views and privacy. At the same
time, the limited housing supply is a major concern for employees and local business owners, parents
seeking excellent schools for their children, and elderly residents wishing to sell their homes yet stay
in the neighborhood.
The supply of housing may increase by offering more variety in housing choices and by using innovative
ideas such as mixed use housing, live/work units, higher density housing close to public transit, and
sensitive development of unused or underutilized lands. Above all, new housing must fit in with
surrounding development, and must maintain the friendly, safe character of existing neighborhoods.
The top priority action which was reflected in the final workshop was to encourage a variety of housing
types, including mixed use and live/work units.
ACTIONS
Provide homes for 1. Identify opportunities for development of housing on vacant or
individuals, families, underutilized land.
people who work here 2. Encourage second dwelling units, wherever feasible.
and seniors.
3. Encourage housing to be incorporated as part of renovation or
redevelopment of property.
4. Promote and build partnerships with other organizations to support
housing development.
37
ACTIONS
Promote innovative ways to 1. Allow innovative approaches to combining housing and workspace.
house people. 2. Encourage a variety of housing types, including mixed use and
live/work units.
3. Where appropriate, encourage housing in gathering places, thereby
adding to the vitality of these areas and facilitating the use of
public transit.
Affording a Home
Housing which costs 25 - 33 percent of a household's income is referred to as "affordable housing."
Income levels vary from one household to another, for example, a large family with one small
income would afford a different type of housing than a DINK ("double-income/no kids") household.
Income levels are identified by the California Department of Housing and the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development. In Marin, examples of income levels by household size for 1997
are:
Income Level
One Person
Very low income
$22,550
Lower income
$31,750
Two People
$25,750
$35,950
Four People
$32,220
$44,950
Moderate income $54,100 $61,850 $77,300
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, 1997
A senior citizen with a very low income would typically be able to pay $470 - $620 month for
housing. A family of four with a moderate income would be able to afford housing costing $1,610 -
$2,126 a month.
Community Services
North San Rafael is a family -centered, multi -aged community with many different social needs ranging
from recreational activities to informational services to neighborhood meeting places. In order to have an
enriched and fulfilled community, quality activities, facilities and services are essential.
Living in a safe community is critically important to North San Rafael residents, particularly in the
neighborhoods and public places. Although North San Rafael is considered very safe, it is important to
maintain a high sense of security by assuring excellent public safety services.
People emphasized the need for communication of information, whether by library services, computers
or information kiosks. Although the Civic Center library is located in North San Rafael, it is difficult to
reach for most residents. There are many opportunities for providing a City library in North San Rafael,
including possible partnerships with the School Districts, the private sector and the County. A library,
located west of Highway 101, would be more accessible to more North San Rafael residents, providing
an invaluable community service, evening activities, and a community meeting place.
The Terra Linda Recreation Center with the city's only public swimming pool, the many pocket and
neighborhood parks, and the Marin County Civic Center offer a wide range of recreational
opportunities. Many people would like to improve current facilities, and to make the most of what they
have in order to help enhance the sense of community in North San Rafael. The recent acquisition of the
Bernard Hoffman playing fields is an example of what is possible when sports organizations, the City
and the School District cooperate for the good of the greater community.
Youth in particular have varying interests and would benefit from increased opportunities to pursue these
interests without having to travel too far. Our young people would like to have places just to "hang out"
and get to know each other. Facilities such as a teen center, a skate park or a technology center would be
ideal.
Top priority actions are to provide recreational and entertainment facilities for children and youth, public
safety programs and a library west of Highway 101.
ACTIONS
Provide a public library in 1. Establish convenient and accessible library services for everyone in
North San Rafael west of North San Rafael.
Highway 101. 2. Form a North San Rafael Library Booster Group of teens, parents,
teachers and homeowners associations.
A north San Rafael branch library west of the freeway could be located anywhere that is centrally
located and provides adequate parking..
ACTIONS
39
Encourage safe places for the 1. Provide and maintain recreation and entertainment facilities for
young people in our children and youth such as a skate park and a teen center.
community to gather and use 2 Encourage a variety of safe gathering places where teens can meet
to explore and pursue and socialize.
their interests.
3. Promote and facilitate activities for children and youth.
ACTIONS
Encourage cultural, 1. Establish an annual signature community event to celebrate life in
entertainment and North San Rafael, and create shared memories for residents.
recreational activities. 2. Support cultural activities throughout the community.
3. Provide a variety of facilities for cultural activities such as an art
gallery, a cultural center, a band shell, or a gazebo for outdoor concerts.
4. Improve and expand equestrian connections from Los Ranchitos to the
Civic Center.
Seek ways to enhance horseback riding opportunities in North San
Rafael.
6. Support the Farmer's Market.
ACTIONS
Optimize use of all public and 1. Maximize the use of City, religious and school facilities for
private sites for entertainment. cultural, educational and recreational purposes.
2. Restore the water feature to Freitas Park.
3. Maintain the restroom facilities at Santa Margarita Park.
ACTION
Continue to provide and 1. Continue to provide and enhance public safety programs that maintain
enhance City services for a a high sense of safety in the neighborhoods and adequate public safety
safe community. services, including disaster preparedness and wildfire safety.
ACTION
Improve communication in 1. Encourage information kiosks, a web site, neighborhood
North San Rafael about newsletters, and informational inserts in the local newspapers.
community issues and activities.
.O
Design, Beautification and Maintenance
North San Rafael is blessed with a spectacular setting of open hills, large oak trees and views out to the
bay. The beautiful natural surroundings form a backdrop treasured by residents, workers, and visitors.
Apart from the unique Eichler homes and other residential neighborhoods, many of the buildings in
North San Rafael are considered bland, isolated and indifferent.
Residents yearn for an inviting, charming and attractive community. They want a place that is
beautiful to live in and walk around in, one which has grown gracefully into a pretty town. A beautiful
community inspires its residents. Where beauty is pervasive, inhabitants share a common pleasure and a
sense of civic pride essential to community life.
To create a physical environment that is pleasing and appealing to residents, workers and visitors, the
open spaces and buildings must be interesting, complex and diverse. Beautiful buildings create places to
go, to see and be seen, and to be exposed to the tangible legacy of those who have gone before us. Areas
such as the Town Center, Redwood Highway, Terra Linda Shopping Center, Civic Center Drive and
McInnis Drive can be transformed into exciting places to explore with a diversity of buildings, beautiful
architecture and landscaping, and delightful pedestrian areas.
Above all, our public and private places need to be cared for. We collectively have an investment in the
infrastructure of our community. We will begin long -needed maintenance projects and repair our roads
and sidewalks, irrigate our landscaping, remove the litter, and use code enforcement to keep our public
places and private homes in good and safe conditions.
Many residents have expressed a special desire to improve the appearance to the Del Ganado ditch.
Others wish for the overhead wires to be undergrounded. These were priorities reflected in the final
workshop.
ACTIONS
Create attractive community 1. Create a beautiful entryway to North San Rafael at the corner of
entries welcoming all and Freitas Parkway and Northgate.
lending an identity to our area 2 Install artistic groupings of landscaping and art on Freitas between
Highway 101 and Northgate Drive.
3. At all entries and intersections, plant trees, and improve and
maintain City medians and Caltrans property (including
interchanges, highway frontage and parking lots).
4. Develop clear and unified signage at entries and commercial
centers (perhaps with the same Mission bell signage theme found
in Downtown San Rafael).
5. Improve the entry to the Civic Center from San Pedro Road.
41
Landscaped medians along Del Ganado could not only improve its appearance, but create safer
driving conditions.
ACTIONS
Ensure clean, beautiful and 1.
Improve the appearance of the Del Ganado ditch.
well-maintained public spaces. 2
Begin a phased undergrounding of overhead power lines as
funding becomes available.
3.
Maintain roads, sidewalks and lighting.
4.
Provide lighting for pedestrian walkways where acceptable to
neighbors.
5.
Develop realistic funding plans for maintenance and capital
improvements.
6.
Encourage Caltrans to remove litter from Highway 101.
7.
Encourage the County to maintain the Civic Center, the Lagoon
and surrounding areas.
8.
Encourage the City and County to create a public/private
partnership to maintain public plantings.
9.
Support and encourage participation in neighborhood clean-up
days.
42
Landscaping could improve the appearance ofparking lots in north San Rafael.
ACTIONS
Improve design and function of 1. Promote design standards to unify the community and enhance a
our built environment. sense of connection.
2. Upgrade and unify the architecture and signage along Redwood
Highway on the east side of Highway 101.
3. Improve the landscaping and sidewalks along Redwood Highway
on the east side of Highway 101.
4. Coordinate design and colors at the Terra Linda Shopping Center.
Signs should be removed from rooftops to under the eaves.
5. Establish a tenant identification sign for Terra Linda Shopping
Center, consistent with the center's appearance.
6. Provide kiosks and maps of Northgate Industrial Park.
7. Use code enforcement to remove illegal business signs.
43
ACTIONS
Improve and expand 1. Improve the appearance of the northwest corner of Freitas Parkway
existing landscaping.
and Northgate.
2.
Provide additional landscaping to Montecillo, Freitas Parkway and
along Del Ganado.
3.
Provide additional trees and shrubs at Terra Linda Shopping
Center.
4.
Encourage native trees and plantings in parking lots, bus stops and
park -n -ride lots.
5.
Improve and maintain landscaping on medians and roadways.
6.
Irrigate landscaping, trees and shrubs regularly, using reclaimed
water where possible.
ACTIONS
Ensure that private spaces 1. Enforce San Rafael Municipal Code regulations relating to
reflect community pride. maintenance of private property.
2. Maintain the design integrity of the neighborhoods.
SECTION V
OUR IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
North San Rafael is entering a new era. From a time of ranching days, to seeing the latest buildings take
form, North San Rafael is transforming into a mature community. Neighborhoods are welcoming new
families, schools are bursting with young children, and businesses are enjoying a strong economy. Our
Implementation Strategy starts with our vision of a more beautiful and sustainable community, outlining
the basic steps which must be taken to see the vision unfold into reality.
Our implementation strategy focuses on immediate action -oriented cooperative activities and
investments to gain momentum with quick small and large changes. These changes will become the
impetus for more improvements. Other more modest incremental changes will have a noticeable impact
on our appearance and the overall long-term health of our community.
Our strategies assume the alignment of public, private and civil sectors as well as individual commitment.
The lead for different projects will come from various levels of the community and the government, and
from different sectors of the economy. Separately, individuals, businesses and government are limited in
what they can achieve. By sharing our resources and creating partnerships throughout the community we
will guide the patterns of change in North San Rafael.
Our Vision contains several projects which are new for San Rafael. The promenade, library and
neighborhood beautification depend on new funding. Fortunately, there are a variety of sources to
pursue. Through cooperation and partnerships we can find the resources to make a difference in our
future. It's the investments we make today that will bring us the results we envision for tomorrow.
While all the actions identified in Section IV, Vision Concepts, Goals and Actions are important, the
Implementation Strategy establishes broader priorities for achieving the Vision. These priorities are
based on community support and a sense of urgency, manageability, cost effectiveness, feasibility, and
positive impact on a goal.
45
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Form an implementation committee to serve as `guardians' of the
Organize the community to vision.
work together on 2. Form volunteer action teams such as the library booster club.
Vision projects
3. Promote local volunteerism, such as Boy Scouts helping with
landscape maintenance.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Explore financing options, including a possible assessment or
Identify ways to finance the other taxing district, or a bond measure.
improvements in Vision North 2 Pursue federal and state grants, as well as grants from non-profit
San Rafael. agencies for capital projects such as traffic calming, entryway,
landscaping and promenade improvements.
3. Use traffic mitigation fees to make traffic improvements.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Identify methods for maintaining our public infrastructure.
Maintain community 2. Determine adequate levels of service for maintenance.
improvements.
3. Seek agreement on maintenance responsibilities
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Ensure that development standards are consistent with Vision
Look for innovative approaches North San Rafael, including standards for environmental
and allow for flexibility in protection, traffic, floor area ratio, density, bonuses and other
implementing the Vision. incentives, design requirements for architectural excellence, and
parking.
2. Create a transportation system which acknowledges a balance
between our current and future land use patterns and protection
of our open space.
3. As new development occurs, address transportation issues,
including walkways, bikeways and, where feasible, bus service.
4. The total amount of development in North San Rafael will not
cause city traffic to exceed level of service D.
.e
IMPLEMENTATION
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Simplify ways for the community to learn about local
Inform the community about our governmental activities affecting our community and the
Vision, and implementation resources available to make things happen.
projects. 2. Provide information to the community about issues, events and
places to go on an ongoing, regular basis.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Consider flexibility in floor area ratios in order to respond to
Amend the General Plan, zoning changing business needs.
ordinance and other regulations 2 Marin Ranch Airport. Amend the General Plan land use
consistent with the Vision. designation to Parks/Open Space, and amend the General Plan
policies to be consistent with the covenant.*
* The intent of the Steering Committee's General Plan recommendation
is to recognize the unique and valuable recreational and environmental
characteristics of the Marin Ranch Airport site. The San Rafael General
Plan Parks/Open Space land use designation's allowed uses are
"Dedicated parks, secured open space, and areas identified as having
visual or other natural resource significance that should be protected
through the development review process." In addition, the Steering
Committee notes that the following uses are listed in the Declaration of
Restrictions (covenant) for Marin Ranch Airport, and recommends that
they be allowed as activities on the site:
• Existing uses consisting of an airport and related uses.
• Public utility uses as approved by the appropriate government
agencies, including flood control, sanitary sewer, gas and electric,
and public safety facilities.
• Airport and airport related uses.
• Roadways.
• Open space.
• Private and public recreational uses.
47
1. Coordinate implementation both at the staff and at the policy
Coordinate with other
level, with the County, State and federal agencies, as well as
organizations, and create
with civic and non-profit organizations.
partnerships to undertake
2 Work with the City's Traffic Coordinating Committee to begin
implementation projects.
a traffic calming program, beginning with a pilot program for
Las Gallinas.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Simplify ways for the community to learn about local
Inform the community about our governmental activities affecting our community and the
Vision, and implementation resources available to make things happen.
projects. 2. Provide information to the community about issues, events and
places to go on an ongoing, regular basis.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Consider flexibility in floor area ratios in order to respond to
Amend the General Plan, zoning changing business needs.
ordinance and other regulations 2 Marin Ranch Airport. Amend the General Plan land use
consistent with the Vision. designation to Parks/Open Space, and amend the General Plan
policies to be consistent with the covenant.*
* The intent of the Steering Committee's General Plan recommendation
is to recognize the unique and valuable recreational and environmental
characteristics of the Marin Ranch Airport site. The San Rafael General
Plan Parks/Open Space land use designation's allowed uses are
"Dedicated parks, secured open space, and areas identified as having
visual or other natural resource significance that should be protected
through the development review process." In addition, the Steering
Committee notes that the following uses are listed in the Declaration of
Restrictions (covenant) for Marin Ranch Airport, and recommends that
they be allowed as activities on the site:
• Existing uses consisting of an airport and related uses.
• Public utility uses as approved by the appropriate government
agencies, including flood control, sanitary sewer, gas and electric,
and public safety facilities.
• Airport and airport related uses.
• Roadways.
• Open space.
• Private and public recreational uses.
47
3. Site at 4300 Redwood Highway along the north fork of Las
Gallinas Creek (Fairchild site). Allow office, light industrial,
business -serving retail and service, and restaurant uses, and:
• Prohibit big box retail.
• Provide creek restoration and widening to handle flooding
and improve habitat.
• Assure quality building design.
• Provide a pedestrian and bicycle path along the creek with
connections to the bike path along the railroad.
4. Site on the east side of the hill off of Channing Way (Del Gatti
property). Change the General Plan land use designation to
clustered low density housing.
5. Site near N. San Pedro Road and Los Ranchitos (PG&E
property). Change the General Plan land use designation to
ensure a mix of housing, neighborhood recreational and
environmental protection areas that enhance the community, and
seek ways to assure that the character of the development offers a
strong sense of community and identity for the site and the
neighborhood. This would include the following issues, among
any other potential environmental impacts:
• Improvements to local drainage and flooding potential.
• Architectural excellence.
• Provision of a readily accessible, active neighborhood park or
green with sports area with a size appropriate to
neighborhood.
• Traffic impacts and access.
• Potentially hazardous soils conditions.
• Housing that blends with and enhances neighboring homes.
• A variety of housing types responding to community housing
needs.
• A preference of clustering of housing in order to maximize
environmental and recreational uses.
• Environmental restoration and enhancement if feasible.
• Potential school impacts.
• Safe bicycle and pedestrian connections.
• Good connections to the Civic Center and Northgate Mall.
6. McInnis Parkway. Do not extend to Smith Ranch Road, and
create a turnaround area at the existing terminus of the
parkway.
M.
Participants
Bruce Abbott
Hermine' Boyadjian
Jim Davies
Kris Geller
Colleen Johnson
Janet Abbott
Robert Boyce
Marilyn E. Davis
Ron Giambastiani
Debra Johnson
Harry Abernathy
Sandy Boyd
Phil Decker
Caroline Goff
Greg Johnson
Linda Abernathy
Michael Brant
Reta Diekman
Harriet Goldman
Walt Johnson
Kathy Adams
Anne Laird Branton
Bono Dell'Era
Jose Gonzalez
Margaret Johnston
Irene Ager
Joseph Breen
Dave Dell'Era
Victoria Gonzalez
CJB Joki
Steve Ager
Therese Brenton
Letty Dell Bra
Debbie Goodman
Amy Jones
Pat Alberti
Gerd Breuer
Ron Derenzo
Jim Goodwin
Kathryn Jordan
Clark Allen
Cecelia Bridges
Clyde Van DeVeere
Debbie Gordon
Gil Judson
Diane Allen
Betty Bright
Bob DeYoung
Michael Gordon
Tinker Judson
Kim Allen
Lee Bright
Ken Dickinson
Alice C. Goss
Lenore Junket
The Allen Family
Barbara Brownson
Judy DiGiorgio
Eva Gottheiner
Nicholas Junker
Charlotte Amans
Bonnie Brown
Mary Dinday
Rosaline Gould
Ali Kagawa
Mary Amodio
Sharon Brown
Matt Dinday
L. Graber
Barbara Kam
Kathleen Andrianos
Yvonne Brown
Mike Dobbs
Ken Grady
Nabi Karim
Gregory Andrew
Ron Broyles
Robert Doering
Parker Grant
Roz Katz
Al Angelini
Judy Bruce
Justin Dollar
Gail Grasso
Dil Kazzaz
Lydia Angelini
Tom Bruton
Shaun Donahue
Norm Gravdahl
Jina Kazzaz
Georgia Annwell
Regina Buchanan
Micaela Doyle
Barbara Green
Sheilan Kazzaz
Tony Apodaca
Priscilla Bull
Roger Dubs
Caitlin Green
Shwan Kazzaz
Wendy Appel
Paula Bonney
Rafael Duenas
Dave Green
Barbara Kearnan
JoAnne Arakaki
Ruth Bunnell
P. Dugan
Melissa Green
John Kenney
Ruth Arnold
Lynn Burke
Joy Dahlgren
Valerie Green
Damon Kerby
Gracie Artemis
Mary Jane Burke
Nancy Dunghello
Deborah Gregor
Kevin Kerle
Brenda Atchison
Debby Burger
Peter Dyson
George Gregor
Mrs. Kerns
Ligin Atkinson
Tom Burger
Warren Edgar
Ann Gregory
Laura Kershaw
Rich Atkinson
Jane Calbreath
Peter Edridge
Don Gregory
Nick Kershaw
Ken Augustine
Joe Caramucci
John Eells
Francisco Grevara
Wendy Kettering
Arturo Baca
Diane Carbone
John Ehler
Cathy Grey
Sally Kibbee
Mary Baca
Cathy Carmedelle
Carolyn Eitel
Dick Grey
Dorothy Kiesman
Tamara Backston
Dale Carrigan
Mike Elgie
Carol Griffin
Alison Kiessling
Barbara Bailard
Sherri Carrigan
Donna Eng
Charlotte Gwinn
Margaret Kiessling
Dan Balan
Ed Carr
Jerry Engel
Miriam Habenicht
Kadi Kiiss
Sharon Bale
Terry Carr
Holly Erlandson
Roy Habenicht
Bill King
Eric Bancroft
Carolyn Carrere
Inge Erlandson
Arlene Halligan
Helene King
Barbara Barnes
Ranny Carter
Tom Ervin
Jon Hale
Jennie King
Cap Barthel
Gail Caruso
Max Eyman
Mary Hanley
Kathe King
Kathy Barrass
Rich Castagna
Sophie Eyman
Jan Harvey
Donna Kirby
Stan Barrass
Janelle Cavanagh
Ellen Faden
Kim Harrigan
Alex Kirchman
Linda Bartera
Marilyn Chavez
Greg Fama
Vera Hartunian
Jeff Kirchmann
Georgia Barth
Tenley Chavez
Joelle Fama
Leslie Harrington
Sande Kiriluk
Cap Barthel
Sane Chase
Earl Farnsworth
Dennis Hassler
Roger Kirk
Suzanne Barthel
Alan Cherrigan
Lenore Farnsworth
Linda Haurnann
Joanne Klain
Dale Bartley
Dart Cherk
Amy Faulkner
Bianca Havel
David Klein
Wayka Bartolacello
Esther Cherk
Bud Ferry
Carole Hayashino
Sandra Klein
Ann Batman
John Chiappolini
Marilyn Ferry
Sarah Haynes
Jerry Allen Kler
Daria Bauer
W. Chipman
Barbara Fewell
Louise Heineman
David Kohle
Thais Zayas Bazan
Shirley Cicero
Tim Fewell
Lorraine Heitchue
Clarence Koop
Darby Beetham
Sue Ciolino
Alfred Fields
David Heldt
Kathy Kopp
Dan Beittel
Paul Cleeremans
Jacqueline Fields
Aleida Helle
Rusty Kostick
Sue Beittel
Rick Coburn
Jane Firpo
Barbara Heller
Clarans Kranse
Chelsea Bellows
Patricia Cochran
Pam Fisher
Marg Henderson
Helen Krause
A. Benert
Sam Cogswell
Sue Fischer
Barbara S. Heron
John Kress
Charles Bennett
Paul Cohen
Doris Fleenor
Lissa Herschleb
Jacqueline Kristensen
Cheryl Berger
Carol Colbert
Dick Fleming
Dave Hill
Theo Kuhhnann
Kip Berger
Patricia Cole
Joanne Fleming
Gerry Hill
Richard Kuhn
Melissa Bemadore
Peggy Cohvas
Brian Flynn
Steve Hill
Vicki Kung
Bill Betty
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Claudia Forde
Brian Hinman
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Susan Berryessa
Vera Cook
Kevin Forde
Alice I. Hobson
Frank Laevron
Bill Best
Dan Copans
Jim Forsell
Jen Hong
Noah LaFayette
Mitzi Best
Lauren Copans
Susan Fox
Ashley Howe
Thomas Lai
Helen P. Blakenlee
Lorri Coppola
Ernie Franzini
Marin Hudobind
Clara Lamers
Evan Blickenstaff
Osbriel Correa
Julie Frank
Mary Hughes
Lawrence Lang
Ed Bloom
Chris Cmiker
Jim Frassetto
Heide Hupfeld
Kathy Larson
Jay Bloom
Jerry Craner
Michael Freeman
Gail Hutson
Bill Laughter
Marilyn Boatright
Gloria Creamer
Kelly Funk
Vonne Irish
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Dick Bobb
Joe Creamer
Terry Funk
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Frank Boehm
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Alvin Gabler
Kati Ivancic
MaryJo Lauster
Mary Ellen Bollen
Julia Daerm
Alexey Gairdarahy
Susan Ivancic
Joyce Lavey
Walter Bollen
Greg Daggett
Karen Gallagher
Marilyn Jacobs
Diana Lawson
Lindsay Bombardier
Marlyn Daggett
Guido Gallo
C.J. Jacobson
Howard Lazar
Nina Bombardier
Patty Dailey
Nancy Gardner-Gmeiner
Jeff Jackson
Patricia Lazar
Bob Bonebrake
Lori Dang
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Deborah Learner
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Doug Ledeboer
John Bowman
Diane K. Davies
Ralph Gatto
H.L. Jespersen
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iG
Karen LeMay
Burnett
Carolyn Lenert
Joseph
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Ralph
Henri K. Lese
Ralph
Chris Lev
Sandy
Linda Levey
Cyr Mi
Deborah Levin
Katheri
Norman Levin
Ella M
Dan Levine
Peter
Joyce Levine
Marilyn
Mark Levine
Dennis
Trudy Licht
Jason
Melanie Limacher
Jay Mo
Rob Limacher
Jim M
Janet Lipsey
Patricia
J Littman
May S.
S Littman
Phil Murp
Jaclyn Loberg
Hilary
Sandy Lollini
Jon Na
Steven Lonneman
Frank
Maria S. Lerch
Beverly
Stephanie Lovette
Len Ni
Rhys Ludlow
Philip
M J Lutzeier
Kay No
Victoria Lynch
Frances
Bruce MacDonald
Tom O
James Machado
Dick O'
Nancy Mack
Erminic
Jeanne MacLeary
Sean O'
Andrea MacLeod
Margar
Shirley MacPherson
Kathy
Lea Madison
D. Org
Goldie Magee
Vivian
Euhte Mamet
Jim Orr
Billy Mannion
Pat O'S
Tricia Mannion
Bettie
Pavlo Manovi
Stan Of
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Semik
Victor Manovi
Dick O
Francine Marmic
Wayne
Evan Marks
Betty P
Pip Marks
Virgin
Inge Marrino
Dan Pa
Joe Martino
Marlene
Don Martin
Linda P
Hannelore Martin
Ram Pat
Mikeal A. Martin
Sue Pa
Pete Martin
Jay Pax
Cecelia Martz
Pete Pe
Dick Matthews
Joan Pe
Val Matthews
Lynne
Lee May
Karen
Carlene McCart
Tony Pn
GeorgiaMcCarty
James
Michael McCrea
Colema
Jeanette McCusker
Pearl P
Bob McDonald
Mike P
Kate McDonald
Ben F.
Maureen McGeehan
Cookie
Nancy McGinley
Fred Pf
Kate McGuire
Lynn P
Mike McGuire
Linda P
Scott McKown
Hugo P
Karen McNeill
Janet O
Mary Mead
Ron P
Virgin Mead
Mark P
North San Rafael
*Autodesk
e J. Meismer
Merola
Merola
Meroint
Messinger
Mil
nae Miller
ay Minneman
Montgomery
Mori
Moritz
Moms
rse
Mir
Munson
Muroga
by
Namnath
math Nelson
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Nunez
Ob
Brien
O'Brien
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Okom
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Ott
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Paasch
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Virginia Page
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Palatella
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ange
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Pentis
Perrino
errino
Perryman
n Persily
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eterson
Petrin
Pettee
eifer
feifer
heraroles
hillips
Phillips
hillips
iatti
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Organizations
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50
Segerquist
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Keiko Wright
Alisa Wyad
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JeffZane
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Hilda Zoyas
City of San Rafael Volunteer Center
Congregation Rodef Shalom
Dixie Elementary School
*Dixie School Board
Environmental Forum
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Commission
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Club
*Mont Marin Homeowners Association
*North San Rafael Coalition of Residents
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*Northgate Mall
Quail Hill Homeowners Association
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Terra Linda Valley Property Owners
*R.U.F.F.S.
St. Isabella's Elementary School
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*Vallecito SLT
Vallecito Elementary School
Valley Baptist Church
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Volunteer Center of Marin
*Y.M.C.A.
* North San Rafael Partner Groups
August 26, 1997
Page 51
Jeffrey Stutsman
From: Jeffrey Stutsman
sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 6:53 AM
To: 'Viktoriya Wise'
Subject: RE: Freitas and Las Gallinas Intersection Improvement Project
Viktoriya,
Thank you for the input on the Freitas and Las Gallinas intersection Improvement Project. We appreciate the feedback
on the public outreach, as this "intercept" type of outreach we did at Startbucks was the first time we did this and it
seemed to be a hit with the residents. Since Leslie departure we have not talked about any type of follow up with
additional public outreach about what items were implemented into the design. Based on the input we implemented
what we could based on the constraints of the intersection. These are some of the items incorporated into the design:
a. remove of the oleanders and replace with native, drought tolerant planting
b. Kept the "free" right turn onto Las Gallinas Avenue at the north side of the intersection
c. Although we are unable to install a crosswalk on the east side of Las Gallinas because it does not meet the
warrants, we are designing our improvements and wiring electrical for the intersection so in the future when
traffic warrants it; it can be easily installed.
d. Construction of wider lane widths. (minimum 12 foot lanes)
e. Reduce the cross slope of the road and length the left turn lane onto Las Gallinas Avenue.
f. The new signal and equipment will improve the timing for the signal
g. The islands will be removed
h. New bike lanes with bike detection
Below are the answers to your questions:
1. By eliminating the pork chop islands we are able to increase pedestrian safety because it give a pedestrian a
protected place to wait before crossing, but it also reduces the overall crossing distance for a pedestrian.
2. Yes, the intersection will have pedestrian push buttons (PPB). The way the signal is programed, the push buttons
are necessary. The pedestrian push button, when pressed puts a call into the signal and the timing changes
based on those parameters. Without the push buttons a pedestrian would have to wait the full cycle until the
signal changes for that leg of the intersection.
3. Based on the future forecasting of the traffic model, the eastbound left turn lane was extended to
accommodate the additional future forecasted traffic. Landscaping will be removed but new native, drought
tolerant landscaping will be installed.
4. Improvements at Los Gamos Street include decreasing the radius's of both corners which will reduce the overall
pedestrian crossing distance. New ADA curb ramps and crosswalk will be installed. These improvements will
reduced the pedestrian crossing distance by approximately 40 feet.
5. Unfortunately the median island on the north side of the intersection cannot be widened any more than is
shown. Even though there is ample right of way on the north side of the intersection, the receiving lanes on
both the north side and the south side of the intersection must line up with the corresponding lane on the other
side of the intersection, so a driver has a straight path through the intersection. On the South side of the
intersection the right of way is constraining the layout and it cannot be shifted at all. The lanes on the North side
of the intersection were widened slightly into the sidewalk on the west side to accommodate twelve foot lanes.
Thanks and let me know if you have any other questions,
Jeff Stutsman, P.E.
Assistant Civil Engineer
City of San Rafael, Dept. of Public Works
Phone: (415) 485-3342
Fax: (415) 485-3334
Jeffrev.stutsman@citvofsanrafael.org
From: Viktoriya Wise fmailto:viktoriva.mass@gmail.comI
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2016 7:29 AM
To: Jeffrey stutsman
Cc: Dean Allison
Subject: Freltas and Las Gallinas Intersection Improvement Project
Jeffrey,
Thank you for the notice in the mail oil Friday about the MND public review hearing on 317/16.
A number of months ago, Leslie along with her colleagues came out to the neighborhood to solicit input on the
design of the intersection. I have to say, I was so happy to have public works come out and discuss the project
in front of Starbucks and am pleased to see that you have posted the feedback you received on your website. At
that time, Leslie was not sure what the process would be moving forward when I asked her if she would return
to the neighborhood to explain how the solicited feedback was or was not incorporated into the project. While
Leslie did not know the next steps in connecting with the community, she did say that she would reach out once
the consultants did some work and discuss the design with the community again. I am wondering if this is still
going to happen since the MND is now published and we're in the official CEQA comment period.
I have to commend Public Works staff for coming out and soliciting feedback on the project. It is important,
however, that if you do that, there is some sort of follow tip as to which if any of the suggestions were
incorporated into the design. I took a look at the MND on line and it is very difficult to read and understand the
plans. Figures 6-10 have an incredible amount of information on them and frankly, without spending a
significant amount of time I can't figure out exactly what is being done. The bullet project description on page
2 helps somewhat but it still would have been nice to have a figure showing the proposed changes. I wanted to
take a few minutes to reiterate some of the comments I made during the community open house as I am unclear
if they have been addressed or not and if not, why (e.g., geometry won't allow it, not enough funding, etc.) and
to acid a few more as it was not clear to me that the project limits extended all the way to Los Gamos. Kindly
consider the following:
1. The intersection experiences relatively high volumes of vehicular traffic but also, has a relatively high
volume of pedestrian traffic as it connects many Terra Linda neighborhoods with the Northgate One
shopping center and beyond. Given the relatively high pedestrian volumes for a suburban neighborhood
and the adjacent land uses that serve vulnerable populations such as schools and elderly care facilities,
the intersection design should prioritize pedestrian safety first and foremost. To that end, I am happy to
see elimination of the pork -chop; however, more could be done.
2. Will the pedestrian signal continue to be actuated? I understand why this might be necessary but as I
mentioned to Leslie, it often presents a safety problem on the west leg of the crosswalk. You see, the
signal length here is quite long and many people do not wait for the Walk signal to turn on or they just
don't press the button. When they cross the west crosswalk (which by the way is the only way to cross
MTV Parkway since the east crosswalk is closed) in the northbound direction (away from the shopping
center and into the neighborhood), they have a green light on the traffic signal for cars but the hand is
red, Drivers making NBL from Las Gallinas onto MTF see the red hand and think that pedestrians do
not have the right of way and pedestrians think they do because while the hand is red, the light itself is
green. This often causes conflicts in addition to (lie fact that it is just hard to see vehicles over your right
shoulder. Is there any way to remedy this? We've had closes misses here and it's unnerving crossing
this section of MTF.
3. Why does the EBR pocket on MTF need to be extended? I understand that we need to fix the EBL and
WBL pockets to allow simultaneous movements and to eliminate queues but why adjust the EBR
pocket, particularly if it means taking out landscaping?
4. Please consider not just ADA improvements but also an actual crosswalk across Los Gamos. I realize
this might be difficult because Los Gamos on the west side does not even have a sidewalk. I just want to
point out that this is a popular route from Oleander Park to Northgate One that my daughter and I take
relatively often and crossing the street is relatively unsafe as there is no marked crosswalk and the cars
turning from MTF to Los Gamos take the corner really fast.
S. The median on Las Galinas (just north of the subject intersection) could really be improved, It is small
and sad; while I understand that it can't be like the median on the rest of Las Galinas, can't we make it a
bit better since we're already investing millions into this intersection? There seems to be sufficient right
of way to do that and it will help'signal' to the drivers that they are entering a residential area and should
slow down (see my comment below abut speed on Las Gallinas at Oleander).
6. Finally, on the whole, I generally support this project and really appreciate that you are trying to fix the
intersection and provide for a bicycle connections.
Thank you for your consideration and please let me know your thoughts on the above.
P.S. While not the subject of this project, I do want to draw your attention to the intersection of Las Galinas
and Oleander since it is in such close proximity, This T -stop intersection currently has good crosswalks and
relatively good visibility. However, cars constantly speed on Las Galinas here and it is not unusual for thein not
to yield to pedestrians and to take the NBR from Las Galinas to Oleander at an incredibly high speed. Speed
enforcement by SRPD aside, are there any small engineering improvements that can be made here to address
pedestrian safety and comfort issues? I want to point out that this is a connection between the'H'
neighborhoods to the west and Oleander park that many of us take with our kids via the small path so it would
be very much appreciated if some improvements were made (e.g., signage, brighter or repainted zebra
crosswalk, or maybe even a painted bulbout at the southeast corner of this intersection). Thanks for your
consideration.
Viktoriya Wise
March 10, 2016
GALLINAS WATERSHED COUNCIL
PO Box 4284, San Rafael, CA 94913
RF: Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Manuel T. Freitas
Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue Intersection Improvements Project
Dear San Rafael Department of Public Works:
The Gallinas Watershed Council seeks the restoration of Gallinas Creek, currently
entrapped in a concrete channel, where the creek was entombed during the
construction of Terra Linda in the 1960's. We have communicated this desire for
restoration and completed a Hydrological Study of the area in 2004
(httD: //www.Lyallinaswatershed.orrr/gallinas-creek-hydrology-report.html).
Gallinas Creels historically supported steelhead as far upstream as St. Isabellas, until
it was channelized, a practice no Ionger recognized as BMP for current conditions of
aesthetics, climate change, water management (Phase 2 stormwater requirements)
or environmental and human needs.
We are concerned that with this proposal, more of the creek will be paved or
covered over by more concrete. While we understand traffic and safety concerns, it
is unacceptable that no improvements to the creek and this corridor are being
planned at the same time or as mitigation for this continued abuse of our highly
altered creek. We have asked DPW and the City Council to consider the full corridor
as a whole watershed piece, in hopes that restoration projects will be implemented
as funding is found and as old infrastructure requires upgrading. We are still
hopeful this is the case. To further cement in hard changes continues past bad
management practices and may preclude or inhibit future restoration efforts. This
project appears to put a car -centric circulation improvement in place at this one
intersection, over any long-term corridor plan, which has not been developed,
malting this a piece -meal project, in violation of CFQA.
In addition, the oversized development of the Mark Day School and the proposed
Four Points Sheraton housing projects are being given a helping hand by current
residents' tax dollars yet the developers are not contributing to the community or
our desire to restore the creek and create a livable, walkable greenbelt park in any
substantial way. In other words, this "improvement" project is pre -assisting a
development come in without any community benefit for their impacts. The city is
assisting a future project(s) without the demand that these projects contribute back
in a substantial way to the quality of life in the Terra Linda area. This is contrary to
Gallinas Watershed Council is a f seal pr oject of MarinLink, a 501(c)(3) nonprojlL
MarinLhik's federal tax ID nurrpber is 20-0879422.
www.gallinaswatershed.org gallinasvalley@gmail.com (415) 578-2580
San Rafael's General Plan (page 64), which states that "San Rafael's Neighborhood
policies are not intended to maintain the status quo, but to foster those actions that
will make the neighborhoods more attractive and livable places."
Under pg. 44, Item X Land Use and Planning point c) "conflict with any... natural
community conservation plan," to be "less than significant impacts," ignores one
important community -generated restoration plan that suggests moving all traffic
lanes to one side of the valley in order to free the creek from its central cement
channel and take advantage of Freitas Parkway pocket parks and walkways to
create an integrated, walkable greenbelt park planted with native plants and trees.
It is unacceptable to disregard this community desire by claiming that what is being
done will not make this bad environmental situation worse. Claiming "no impact"
while simultaneously creating a situation which worsens opportunities for future
restoration is not an acceptable analysis or stance. The San Rafael Vision committee
specifically generated plans for a Promenade, a leafy, beautiful and safe walkway
from the Scotty's Market area to the mall and then to the Civic Center. A greenbelt
park along the creek fulfills this community inspired vision; a vision that was
adopted by San Rafael in 1997. The community is still waiting for this Promenade.
The statement "No special status wildlife species have the potential to occur within
the project site" (Page 31) again disregards the potential to restore this section of
the creek and connect it in a biologically intelligent way with both open space
headlands and downstream marshes. While the urban project site may be separated
from the San Francisco bay, the waters of the creek are not separate.
This section of the creek is clearly under tidal influence and directly connects to
sensitive and protected marsh wetlands downstream. This daily tidal influx has
been discounted in addressing impacts to Waters of the US. It is worth noting that
Sea Level Rise has not been accounted for in the current FEMA maps and our
contact with FEMA confirms that these maps contain numerous inconsistencies and
errors due to the "lack of fine granularity" with which they were generated.
Based on the Fehr and Peers study, this intersection is at worst LOS C, only for a few
times each day. This project appears to be anticipating future growth and car traffic,
rather than reacting to a real danger or need at this intersection. This project in
essence deprives the city from requiring mitigation and financial support from
future developments by pre -paving the way for them. This is not wise city
government and amounts to a gift of public funds to private development.
We expect the city of San Rafael to incorporate better comprehensive environmental
planning in order to enhance and restore Gallinas Creek. While we understand that
this project fits into the letter of an EIR Mitigated Negative Declaration, it fails to
promote a better creekscape, urban environment aesthetics or wildlife habitat
which could make this project a win-win for the city and the community. This is also
contrary to the SR General Plan (page 285) that states that "Protection, restoration
E
or enhancement of damaged habitats is important for the continued health of San
Rafael's natural environment." And from page 293, "Require creek enhancement
and associated riparian habitat restoration/creation for projects adjacent to
creeks..." [emphasis ours].
We respectfully ask that the city undertake a serious look at the full upstream
stretch of Gallinas and Santa Margarita creeks within the city's jurisdiction for
implementing their restoration, daylighting where possible, along with the
development of a walkable, bikeable, beautiful greenbelt park to take the place of
the current concrete channel. To do any less is a disservice to our community, our
environment and our participation as citizens and taxpayers.
Sincerely,
Judy Schriebman, Secretary
Gallinas Watershed Council
Cc: Gary Phillips, San Rafael Mayor
Jim Schutz, San Rafael City Manager
Paul Jensen, San Rafael CDA
John Gamblin, SR Gallinas Creek Committee member
Damon Connolly, District 1 Supervisor
Liz Lewis, Marin County Watershed Program Principle Planner
3
FREITAS AND LAS GALLINAS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Comment and Response Matrix
Name
Organization
..
safety because it gives a pedestrian a protected place to wait before crossing;
2. Will the pedestrian signal continue
it also reduces the overall crossing distance for a pedestrian.
to be actuated?
Carolyn S. Lenert
North San Rafael
2/6/2016
6:19 PM
Yes
Please take into consideration of pre-
The City has reviewed the existing conceptual plans for the North San Rafael
Los Gamos.
Coalition of Residents
5. Consider improving the median on
3. Based on the future forecasting of the traffic model, the eastbound left turn
Las Gallinas.
existing plans for the North San Rafael
Promenade and these improvements are aligned with goals stated in the
Landscaping will be removed but new native, drought tolerant landscaping will
be installed.
4. Improvements at Los Gamos include decreasing the radii of both corners
Promenade and affirmatively indicate
December 2002 North San Rafael Vision Promenade Conceptual Plan as this
ramps and crosswalk will be installed. These improvements will reduce the
pedestrian crossing distance by approximately 40 feet.
that the proposed improvements are
project will improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity along this section of
cannot be widened any more than is shown. Even though there is ample right
of way on the north side, the receiving lanes on both the north and south
sides of the intersection must line up with the corresponding lane on the other
not incompatible with the Promenade
the proposed promenade including the installation of Class II bicycle lanes
intersection. On the south side, the right of way is constraining the layout and
it cannot be shifted at all. The lanes on the north side of the intersection will
conceptual plan.
through the intersection.
Viktoriya Wise Resident 2/15/2016 7:29 AM
Gallinas Watershed
Schriebman I Council 1 3/11/2016 1 11:13 AM
No 1. Design should priorize pedestrian
1. By eliminating the porkchop islands, we are able to increase pedestrian
safety.
safety because it gives a pedestrian a protected place to wait before crossing;
2. Will the pedestrian signal continue
it also reduces the overall crossing distance for a pedestrian.
to be actuated?
2. Yes, the intersection will have pedestrian push buttons (PPB). The way the
3. Why does the east -bound right turn
signal is programmed, the PPBs are necessary. The PPB, when pressed, puts a
pocket need to be extended?
call into the signal and the timing changes based on those parameters.
4. Consider an actual crosswalk across
Without the PPBs, a pedestrian would have to wait the full cycle until the
Los Gamos.
signal changes for that leg of the intersection.
5. Consider improving the median on
3. Based on the future forecasting of the traffic model, the eastbound left turn
Las Gallinas.
lane was extended to accommodate the additional future forecasted traffic.
Landscaping will be removed but new native, drought tolerant landscaping will
be installed.
4. Improvements at Los Gamos include decreasing the radii of both corners
which will reduce the overall pedestrian crossing distance. New ADA curb
ramps and crosswalk will be installed. These improvements will reduce the
pedestrian crossing distance by approximately 40 feet.
5. Unfortunately the median island on the north side of the intersection
cannot be widened any more than is shown. Even though there is ample right
of way on the north side, the receiving lanes on both the north and south
sides of the intersection must line up with the corresponding lane on the other
side of the intersection, so that a driver has a straight path through the
intersection. On the south side, the right of way is constraining the layout and
it cannot be shifted at all. The lanes on the north side of the intersection will
be widened slightly into the sidewalk on the west side to accommodate twelve -
foot lanes.
Requests that the City undertake an
investigation of the full upstream
stretch of the Gallinas and Santa
Margarita Creeks for creek restoration
No and development of a greenbelt park. No
necessary as comments are based on the merits of the