HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Second Street and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 04/21/2025
Disposition: Resolution 15403
Agenda Item: 6.b
Meeting Date: April 21, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Public Works
Prepared by: Grey Melgard, Associate Civil Engineer
April Miller, Public Works Director
City Manager Approval: __________
TOPIC: SECOND STREET AND FOURTH STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SECOND
AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
CSW/STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL DESIGN
SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SECOND STREET AND FOURTH STREET
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$66,000, INCREASING THE TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT UNDER THE
AGREEMENT OF $294,482.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the
second amendment to the professional services agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group,
Inc. for additional engineering design and construction support services associated with the Second and
Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project, in the amount not-to-exceed $66,000, increasing the
total not-to-exceed amount under the agreement of $294,482.
BACKGROUND:
This Project proposes new design configurations at the Second Street/Fourth Street/Miracle Mile
intersection, which will improve traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle access in the area.
On June 20th, 2022, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a Professional Services
Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group (CSW/Stuber-Stroeh) for engineering design
services in an amount not-to-exceed $131,582.
On May 6th, 2024, the City Council awarded a first amendment to CSW/Stuber-Stroeh for additional
engineering design services in an amount not to exceed $96,900. This amendment increased the total
not-to-exceed amount to $227,582.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS:
Additional design and construction support services are needed for the Project to successfully deliver
complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) package ahead of the Project being released for
construction bids.
Due to the complexity of the Project with the grant funding, staff recommends an amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc., to ensure a sufficient
funding to work through the entirety of the construction duration.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
City staff maintains a Project website that provides information and updates on the Project’s progress.
Staff are currently working with the CSW/Struber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc. to update the
“Frequently Asked Questions” section of the website to address questions received from the Community
related to the Project. The Project has been presented at several community meetings in recent months,
and it has recently concluded a public comment collection period. Staff are working to compile comments
and questions from this period ahead of further design advancements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc. has estimated that $66,000 is needed to provide additional
design and construction support services as previously described. This would increase the total contract
amount to $294,482.
Funding to support the recommended contract amendment is provided for within the approved FY 2024-
25 capital budget through appropriations totaling $4.7 million within the Gas Tax Fund (Fund 206) for the
Project.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the resolution as presented.
2. Do not adopt the resolution and provide further direction to staff.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the
second amendment to the professional services agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group,
Inc. for additional engineering design and construction support services associated with the Second and
Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project, in the amount not to exceed $66,000, increasing the
total not-to-exceed amount under the agreement of $294,482.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution – Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh
Engineering Group, Inc.
2. Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering
Group, Inc.
RESOLUTION NO. 15403
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH CSW/STUBER-STROEH ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. FOR
ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SECOND STREET AND
FOURTH STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT , IN THE ADDITIONAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $66,000, FOR A REVISED TOTAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT OF
$294,482
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Council Resolution No. 15097, the City of San Rafael
entered into a Professional Services Agreement dated July 14, 2022, with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh
Engineering Group, Inc. (“CSW/Stuber-Stroeh”), for engineering design services associated with
the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project (the “Project”; “Second
Street/Fourth Street/Miracle Mile Intersection Improvements”) in an amount not-to-exceed
$131,582; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael awarded a first amendment dated May 6, 2024, to the
Professional Services Agreement for additional engineering design services from CSW/Stuber-
Stroeh in an amount not-to-exceed $96,900; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael requires additional engineering design and
construction support services from CSW/Stuber-Stroeh to deliver the design phase of the
Project; and
WHEREAS, staff received a proposal from CSW/Stuber-Stroeh for said services in a total
amount not to exceed $66,000; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the proposal and found it to be complete and within
industry standards; and
WHEREAS, the current FY 2024-25 budget approved by the City Council on June 17,
2024 includes appropriations totaling $4.7 million within the Gas Tax Fund (#206) for the Project
(Project No. 11409).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RESOLVES
as follows:
1. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a Second Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc.
for design and construction support services in the amount of $66,000 for a total
contract amount of $294,482, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I, LINDSAY LARA, 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 City Council of said
City on Monday the 21st day of April 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Bushey & Hill
____________________
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
From: Alastair Mottram
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 10:31 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new
design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you,
Al Mottram
April 18, 2025
San Rafael City Council
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
RE: Public Comment on April 21, 2025 San Rafael City Council Meeting Agenda Item 6b
Dear San Rafael City Council,
WTB-TAM supports staff’s recommendations for Agenda Item 6b. Furthermore, WTB-TAM supports the overall direction
of the City’s evolving design for the 2nd and 4th Street Intersection Project. This is a complicated project that has been
through many iterations, but we feel that the City is taking the right steps to balance the safety and needs of all modal
users, including motorists, transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Since our organization focuses on bicyclist and pedestrian mobility and safety, our primary reasons for supporting the
most recent design are related to improvements to bicyclist and pedestrian safety, connectivity, and comfort. The
redesigned and relocated crosswalks are a major improvement over the existing crosswalks with their oblique angles
that put pedestrians in the street for more time. The new designed crosswalks follow the shorted path possible, with the
highest visibility to motorists, and in more of a straight line than the existing meandering path of travel.
The redesigned 4th Street to Miracle Mile right turn slip lane is also a major improvement over the existing slip lane. The
redesigned slip lane has several traffic calming features built into it. Vehicle speeds will be lower, by design. Motorists
will be discouraged from using the lane as a “cut-through” lane and it will be used primarily for local business access.
We understand that several residents on Marquard Avenue and nearby streets are upset because of the planned
removal of the left turn lane and signal from westbound 2nd Street to Marquard Avenue. It is understandable that they
do not want to lose the convenience of the left turn signal. However, all decisions require tradeoffs. In this case, WTB-
TAM believes that the benefits from closing the left turn lane outweigh the inconvenience to the nearby residents.
Marquard Avenue and nearby streets are accessible by alternate routes. From an operational standpoint, the benefits of
closing the left turn lane are twofold. For motorists, removing the lane reduces the number of phases in the traffic signal
cycle, thus shortening the amount of time spent at red lights. For bicyclists and pedestrians traveling east or west along
the Cross – Marin Bikeway, closing the left turn lane removes an unexpected hazard and provides the Cross – Marin
Bikeway with greater protection at a key location where the Class III route on West End Avenue transitions to the new
two-way Class IV cycle track on 2nd Street. We believe the number of bicyclists using the Cross – Marin Bikeway through
this intersection is greater than the number of residents inconvenienced by removing the left turn signal.
WTB-TAM’s suggestions are minor and concern striping and signage. Concerns the bicyclist eastbound path of travel
along 4th Street, we recommend extending the skip-striping through the merge of the right turn slip lane from
westbound 2nd Street onto eastbound 4th Street (see Figure 1). We also recommend installing a sign on this slip lane
advising motorists to YIELD TO BIKES (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: WTB-TAM suggestions on latest design
Finally, we recommend installing a sign on westbound 4th Street in advance of the lane split advising motorists that the
right lane is for LOCAL ACCESS ONLY (see Figure 1). The sign also could list the names of the businesses – Urban Remedy,
Ziggy’s Pet Grooming, Ken’s Carpets.
We urge the Council to approve staff’s recommendations and commend the City for advancing the design to this level.
We know that there are still opportunities for minor design changes, some of which we have recommended above. But
we feel that the overall direction of the design is correct and will result in a safer, more operationally efficient
intersection.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick Seidler, WTB-TAM President Matthew Hartzell, WTB-TAM Director of Planning
CC:
Cristine Alilovich, City Manager
April Miller, Public Works Director
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Nawbary
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 11:02 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer for all
road users, especially those walking or biking.
It's vitally important that the new design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and
a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles.
Please approve the funding to complete the design. It is only a matter of time before a person walking or
biking here loses their life or is critically injured
Thank you,
Sent from my iPhone
Outlook
Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
From Andrew Crawford
Date Fri 4/18/2025 2:41 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection
in the West End to be safer for all road users, especially those
walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new design include
a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. Please approve the funding to
complete the design which would allow for a much safer experience for
all users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians).
Thank you,
4/18/25, 2:43 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAMkAGE4NDc2ZDVlLWQxMTYtNDBiOC04NTI0LTRjYTQzNTJlMTJkMQBGAAAAAAAyY1qsYIBjQ6ajfUyz…1/1
Outlook
Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
From Dave Rhoads
Date Fri 4/18/2025 11:12 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April
Miller <april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear City Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer for all
road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new design include a safer
and more direct crosswalk across 2nd Street and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. I
frequently walk and ride through this important intersection with my young family. Please approve the
funding to complete the design.
Thank you!!
Dave
Dave Rhoads
Co-Chair, Walk/Bike San Rafael, A Marin County Bicycle Coalition Local Team
P: 702-630-2423
W: www.walkbikesanrafael.org
4/18/25, 12:26 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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Outlook
Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
From Katy Vanoni
Date Fri 4/18/2025 11:09 AM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer for all
road users, especially those walking or biking. It is much healthier and many people are committed to
use their cars less, so let's help them.
This is the perfect spot for that.
It's vitally important that the new design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street
and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. Please approve the funding to complete the
design.
Thank you for paying attention.
Best Regards,
Katy
4/18/25, 12:25 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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Outlook
We need a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
From Mark Fairman
Date Fri 4/18/2025 12:43 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
As a (very) local resident (I live behind Ace Hardware), I use the intersection at 2nd/4th daily
(walking/biking/driving), and I strongly support the effort to redesign this intersection in the West End
to be safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking.
It's vitally important that the new design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street
and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. I want to feel confident that my children will
be safe when walking and riding in their neighborhood.
Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you,
Mark Fairman
4/18/25, 1:49 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAMkAGE4NDc2ZDVlLWQxMTYtNDBiOC04NTI0LTRjYTQzNTJlMTJkMQBGAAAAAAAyY1qsYIBjQ6ajfUyz…1/1
Outlook
Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
From Odin
Date Fri 4/18/2025 1:26 PM
To Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati <maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill
<eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer for all
road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new design include a safer
and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles.
Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you,
Odin Palen
4/18/25, 1:36 PM Mail - Lindsay Lara - Outlook
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From: angela janine kelly
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 6:58 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new
design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you,
Angela Kelly
From: Dave Rhoads
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 5:05 PM
To: Mayor Kate <kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Grey
Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April
Miller <april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Re: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Hi Mayor Kate,
Thanks for the reply and the links. We are very aware of the FAQs and project updates. I’ve
received April’s update email (thank you April!).
On the agenda for Monday’s council meeting is funding for the completion of design.
We are writing in support of adopting the resolution to complete design —and specifically
to ensure that the safe crosswalk across Second Street in the current proposed design is
maintained through final design and through construction.
All the best,
Dave
On Fri, Apr 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org> wrote:
Hi Mr. Rhoads - We have received a few emails similar to yours so I'm sharing the same
response with all. The City wants to ensure that accurate information is available to the
community so I've pasted below a recent email from DPW Director Miller. There are
embedded links that provide facts and next steps on this project and I encourage you to
take a moment to click through them.
Hello,
Thank you for receiving updates for the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements (“Project”)
in San Rafael.
The Project’s Frequently Asked Questions section of the website has been updated to include responses
to questions that were received by City Staff regarding the Project:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/
Second and Fourth Street
Intersection Improvements
Fourth Street, also known as the
“Miracle Mile” connects San Rafael to San Anselmo and all points west in Marin County. Through central San Rafael, Fourth Street is a retail shopping street but west of the downtown core, Fourth Street becomes a six-lane separated arterial street serving all of the commuters from West Marin who use the route to access Highway 101 as well as tourist traffic ... www.cityofsanrafael.org
Responses to questions regarding the traffic analysis conducted by Kimley-Horn can also be found on
the website: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/documents/responses-to-questions-posed-at-feb-21-
2025-community-meeting/
Kimley-Horn Responses for 2nd and 4th Street Signal &
Intersection Modification - San Rafael
This content is for decoration only skip decoration.. Close window. Search Site Search
www.cityofsanrafael.org
Thanks for taking the time to share your input on this project and I hope you find the above
links with the traffic studies and information helpful.
Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
From: Dave Rhoads
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 11:12 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok
<Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April Miller <april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear City Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new
design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd Street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. I frequently walk and ride through this important
intersection with my young family. Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you!!
Dave
Dave Rhoads
Co-Chair, Walk/Bike San Rafael, A Marin County Bicycle Coalition Local Team
P: 702-630-2423
W: www.walkbikesanrafael.org
From: Evan Meagher
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:35 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject:
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I am writing to you to convey my strong support for the redesign of the 2nd/4th Streets
intersection in the West End.
After many design iterations over the past four years, the project as planned will
improve safety for all road users, especially those on foot or bicycle. It's vitally important
that the new design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd Street and a
mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. The current design is the best
solution to many conflicting priorities.
Please approve the funding to complete the design and prepare for construction.
Thank you,
Evan Meagher, San Rafael resident
From: Lauren Withey
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 9:30 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd and 4th Street intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
As a San Rafael resident, I strongly support the effort to redesign the 2nd and 4th Street
intersection in the West End to be safer for all road users, especially those walking or
biking. As anyone who has navigated this area on bike or foot would appreciate, an
improved design must include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and
means of slowing of westbound vehicles on 4th Street.
I hope you will approve the funding to complete the design and continue making strides to
better connect our San Rafael neighborhoods for all residents.
Thank you for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Lauren Withey
From: Michael Yoham
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 7:24 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April Miller
<april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: West End 2nd/4th Street Redesign
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. There have been many
design iterations over the past four years - it's vitally important that the new design include
a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to slow
westbound 4th Street vehicles.
The current design is the best solution to many conflicting priorities. Please approve the
funding to complete the design and prepare for construction.
Thank you,
Mike Yoham
Sent from my iPhone
From: Sarah Jones
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2025 8:29 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I regularly bike between San Rafael and San Anselmo. The existing intersection is
inconvenient and unsafe for bikers and pedestrians.
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new
design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. Please approve the funding to complete the design.
Thank you,
Sarah Jones
H Street
From: Joe Mulligan
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 10:13 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April Miller
<april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>;
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Hello Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be
safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. It's vitally important that the new
design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles.
I do understand that there is opposition from local residents to the closing of the left turn
onto Marquard Ave. Currently the conflict with cars turning left at the intersection of the
2nd St multi-use pathway to West End Ave is very dangerous to cyclists. That intersection
of the 2nd St pathway to West End Ave is a major thoroughfare with a steady high volume of
cyclists traveling to West Marin from SF and the East Bay.
We're glad you're considering the safety of cyclists in your plan. Please approve the funding
to complete the design.
Thank you,
Joe Mulligan
April 21, 2025
Mayor Kate Colin and City Council Members
City of San Rafael
1400 Fifth Ave
San Rafael, CA via: city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org
RE: Agenda item #6b. Second and Fourth Street Interseciton Improvements Project
Closing off the westbound left turn lane from Second to Marquard blocks the main access to our
neighborhood creating unnecessary hardship for residents. Alternate routes are less safe and prone to
more congestion with more difficult access. I strongly oppose the closing of the westbound left turn
lane from Second St to Marquard, for the following reasons:
1. Access, Access, Access…….
It’s all about access! Kimley Horn (KH) is looking at traffic volumes and not access issues, compiling
data from the city’s camera footage, not indicating whether they made an “on-site” inspection. With an
“on-site” inspection you gain insight not obtained from crunching numbers alone. For example, you
will see that the house at 11 Marquard cannot be accessed from West Street because their driveway is
angled toward the other direction and can only be accessed from the opposite approach.
In addition, KH does not address access issues for residents living above Marquard where homes on
Fremont, Upper Fremont and Trost have only one access, from Marquard. Rerouting traffic to West
Street makes it more difficult to access homes on Fremont and above because of the sharp steep turn
from West to Marquard and the extremely sharp turn from Marquard to Fremont Road, where
Marquard is only ~12’ wide, and Fremont is only ~8.5” wide (see attached photos). Smaller vehicles
can barely make this turn, with most vehicles requiring a 3-pt turn and larger vehicles, like delivery
trucks and construction vehicles, unable to make the turn at all. Note that the minimum width
requirement for a public street today is 25’ (SRMC 15.07.030).
Marquard widens from ~17’ at Second Street to ~27’ as you drive uphill then narrows to ~12’ wide
before ending at West Street (measurements exclude street parking). In contrast, West Street is steeper
and narrower, at ~20’ wide, with only ~11’ available for 2-way traffic, after subtacting 9’ for street
parking on one side (SRMC 14.18.100). West Street cannot accommodate 2-way traffic as well as
Marquard. This can be particularly problematic at the intersection of Second and West Street where
cars traveling in opposite directions can form a bottleneck, causing traffic to back up into the pedestrian
crosswalk and bike path.
Larger vehicles, such as construction or tree trimming equipment, need the wide swing of the left turn
lane on Second St to access Marquard which is only 17’ wide at the intersection. Driving up Marquard
from Second Street is also the best option for accessing homes up the hill, with a more gradual incline,
better capacity to maneuver 2-way traffic and an easier connection to Fremont Road for those needing
to access homes higher up on the hill.
In the KH Memorandum dated February 21, 2025, they weigh the pros and cons of closing the
westbound left turn lane at Second Street and conclude that delay is reduced for all peak travel time, by
about 5-8 seconds. This small number is not perfect and probably has a mathematical variance
associated with the calculation, rendering it insignificant. The report goes on to say “Some delay at the
2nd Street and West Street intersection and the 4th Street and Greenfield Avenue intersection may be
experienced…”. However, they don’t calculate those delays or address congestion on these alternate
routes or consider access to homes above Marquard, except to say “the changes to travel time due to
these reroutes are minimal” and “will take an additional one to two minutes.”
They also don’t address whether some vehicles may not be able to access Marquard from West End
Avenue or vice versa, saying only that “Cons” include delays at the two rerouted intersections which
“may” increase along with “reduced access to Marquard”. If vehicles, such as larger construction
equipment, are not able to make the 90 degree turn from West End Ave to Marquard, which is only 17’
wide where it intersects Second, then what other option do they have?
KH has not designed the traffic signal plan yet so we don’t know whether the new signalization on
Marquard at Second/West End will cause delays, forcing smaller vehicles to opt to drive down West
Street instead, resulting in an increased volume of traffic traveling down West St and with only 11’
width to accommodate 2-way traffic, could block traffic trying to come up West Street.
To drive past Marquard to the intersection at Greenfield and Fourth Street and then backtrack to
Marquard adds ~1/2 mile to the trip with no calculation from KH about real delays caused by increased
waiting for the left turn signal to change and increased congestion at Greenfield/Fourth and
Greenfield/West End Ave caused by diverting an additional 200 vehicles to this intersection on a daily
basis, many of which will probably be large delivery vehicles. No analysis by KH about how many of
these vehicles will decide to drive over the “mountable curb” as a better option to reach their
destination.
By rerouting 100 vehicles to the 2nd/West St intersection, you are creating less safe and more difficult
access for residents living uphill as well as increasing possibility of damage to adjacent properties.
When 2 or more vehicles going in opposite directions meet, someone must back-up on a steep narrow
street until enough room can be had for vehicles to pass. I’ve had to replace my handrail twice due to
vehicles backing up/maneuvering at this intersection. But no road improvements are being made to
accommodate the additional traffic to make it safer.
I agree with Rafat Raie, the City’s prior traffic engineer, who said at a BPAC meeting in December
2022, that “because of the location, this intersection needs to accommodate all vehicles, pedestrians,
and bicycles.” After Rafat’s assessment, the westbound left turn lane on Second Street was restored on
the plans, until now.
I know the City has a vision to create a modern intersection design but I’m concerned that, in the
process, the City is turning it’s back on the importance of neighborhood access. The Marquard/Second
Street intersection is the most important access point for our neighborhood and should be maintained.
2. Accident History
As part of the OBAG 3 grant application, April Miller completed the “Complete Streets Checklist”
which includes accident history for this intersection. She reported 13 collisions in the last 5 years
including two that involved motor vehicles and bicyclists. Neither collision involved a vehicle turning
left from Second St. There were no accidents involving pedestrians.
The westbound left turn lane from Second Street provides wide and clear visibility of surrounding
movements with adequate stopping distance to avoid collisions. I am aware of accidents along this
stretch of roadway but mostly caused by vehicles traveling too fast along the Miracle Mile.
3. Mountable Curb:
Do you anticipate allowing exceptions for vehicles other than emergency vehicles from driving over
the “mountable curb” that cannot navigate access any other way, such as PGE equipment, tree
trimming equipment, COMCAST, etc? How do you plan to manage that? Do you plan to “charge” for
a permit to access Marquard via the “mountable curb” whose cost will ultimately be passed onto
residents needing to provide access for services?
I predict non-emergency vehicles will continue to drive over the “mountable curb” regardless of
signage and create an unsafe condition.
4. Lack of Traffic Signal at 2nd/West St:
According to your staff report, dated April 21, 2025, Kimley Horn will provide detailed traffic signal
designs for two intersection locations: 1) 4th and 2nd Street, and 2) 4th and West Crescent Dr. There is
no mention in your report of assessing or designing the traffic signalization of the 2nd and West Street
intersection where you plan to reroute 100 cars from crossing the bike path and pedestrian crossing at a
“signalized” intersection (2nd/Marquard) to an “unsignalized” intersection (2nd/West St).
In the FAQs, in answer to the question about additional signaling at 2nd and West Street, staff answers
that this is separate from the project. I received a similar answer from staff that this was outside the
project boundaries but looking at the original application filed by Public Works for the OBAG 3 grant,
the 2nd and West Street intersection is clearly within the “project limit” as shown on the attached
diagram. So, signaling at this intersection should be included in project design and costs. In addition,
the City has $4.7 million in Gas Tax Funds that can be used for this project, per staff report.
5. Utility Box blocking visibility:
The tall utility box on the northwest corner of Marquard/2nd Street blocks visibility of oncoming
cyclists traveling east on West End Ave and should be moved. Bicyclists do not stop at the stop sign on
West End Avenue unless they turn to cross the intersection to Fourth Street. Moving the bicycle
crossing to the east side of the intersection forces bicycles across Marquard with greater risk of
bicycle/vehicle contact. The tall utility box at this corners adds to that risk.
Public Works staff mentioned it would be very expensive to move the box and they may be able to have
it shortened. Shortening the box would not be enough. I drive a subcompact sedan and my line of
sight is at ~45”. The height of the box is ~82”. Lowering the height of the box would not improve
visibility from my viewpoint unless it was lowered by greater than half it’s current height. But it’s not
only the height of the box but also the width, being too close to the intersection, that blocks visibility. I
have previously met with Public Works Staff on-site as well as recently communicated via email about
this issue.
6. Pedestrian Safety:
I have lived on Fremont Road for 40+ years and one thing I like about living in this neighborhood is
how walkable it is. However, as a pedestrian, I avoid crossing this large intersection, from Marquard to
Fourth Street because I feel unsafe standing on the median between fast moving traffic. Moving the
median to the other side of the street doesn’t make me feel any safer because I would still be standing
in the middle of the same fast moving traffic. All that’s needed is for one vehicle to slam into the
median and jump the curb. There needs to be a better design for pedestrian safety.
7. Future Community Meeting:
Exhibit A-2, Task 2 says Kimley-Horn will attend two (2) community meetings to answer questions.
The first meeting was 2/27/25 and the second meeting is yet to be scheduled. When do you expect this
second meeting to take place? Can you provide better notification for this meeting to include all
residents affected by this project, including property owners and occupants living on West Street,
Marquard, Fremont, Upper Fremont, Trost, West End Ave and Sentinel Court. Residents I spoke with
on West End Ave and Sentinel Court don’t seem to have been notified about the first meeting. Also,
please use larger font for the notification. The small postcard mailed for the 2/27/25 meeting contained
some very small print.
Thank you for consideration of my comments.
Sincerely,
Victoria DeWitt
San Rafael, CA
att: Drawing of 2nd & Marquard
Diagram of OBAG-3 Project Limit
photos: Marquard at Second
West at Second
Marquard / Fremont Road intersection
Car making 3-pt turn from Marquard to Fremont
West End Avenue
April 21, 2025
Mayor Kate Colin and City Council members
City of San Rafael
1400 Fifth Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901
via email: city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org
Comments for CITY COUNCIL Meeting for Monday, April 21, 2025 - Agenda Item 6.b. -
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvement Project Comments
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements
(An earlier version of this document was also sent to Grey Melgard Associate Civil Engineer,
San Rafael Department of Public Works on February 26th, 2025. It has subsequently been
updated with new information as it has become available, and noted as such.)
Removing the left-hand turn lane at Marquard does not improve pedestrian or cyclist
safety.
The turn lane is not being eliminated—it is simply being shifted 50 yards east to West Street,
where left turns will still cross the same bike lane and pedestrian crossing. However, unlike at
Marquard, this new location will lack a traffic signal, making the situation less safe, not more.
Cars will continue to turn left across the bike lane and pedestrian path, but now without the
controlled protection of a signal. This change does not solve the underlying safety concerns; it
merely relocates them while introducing new risks.
1 - A traffic analysis for the Second and Fourth Street Intersection was conducted (per 2nd and
4th Street: Signals Alternative Memorandum, section 5.0).
● This section says: “Traffic models were developed for the traffic analysis of the
existing and proposed intersection operating conditions. These traffic models were
used to evaluate intersection conditions during “peak” periods”.
○ 3/28/25: Traffic study was prepared by Kimley Horn and dated February
21, 2025. Peak Hours were indicated as 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM.
○ 3/28/25: Analysis does not account for the 3:00–4:00 PM time frame
when school pickups cause significant congestion across San Rafael, but
particularly on 2nd St.
○ 3/28/25: Mariposa Bilingual School for Children is a business at the
corner of this intersection and accounts for a large amount of traffic
during the 3-4PM time frame.
● Has data been collected on the number of pedestrians and bicyclists that use
this intersection? If so, what are those results?
● Is it possible to see all the traffic analysis field data that was collected, rather
than just the peak morning, midday and evening summary tables?
2 - In the 2nd and 4th Street: Signals Alternative Memorandum, section 4.0 after Figure 2, the
document discusses access for Marquard Ave:
“It is expected that the majority of the vehicles that need to access Marquard Avenue that
are driving along 2nd Street will make a left turn earlier at the intersection of 2nd
Street and West Street.”
There are several issues with this.
● It is not just vehicles that need to access Marquard Ave, but also vehicles that
need to access streets above Marquard, which includes 35+ households.
● There is no traffic light at 2nd and West Street. Removing the left turn lane at
Marquard forces more traffic to turn onto West Street, eliminating the safety of a
signal-controlled left turn. This change will result in vehicles turning left across
two lanes of traffic while pedestrians and bicyclists are also crossing here w/o a
signal, creating a dangerous situation and a ch.
● This closure will cause tremendous congestion in the tiny neighborhood around
West St, where the streets are so narrow that two vehicles can not pass side by
side - one vehicle has to back up until they can move over in order to let another
vehicle pass. The memorandum states:
“The changes to travel time due to these reroutes are minimal. It is expected that the
accessing facilities on Marquard Avenue from the West Street intersection or the
Greenfield Avenue intersection will take an additional one to two minutes.”
○ What this analysis does not take into account however, is the impact on
the travel time once the vehicles turn onto West St. At this point they will
often be subject to having to stop and reverse in order to let another
vehicle pass or vice versa. Depending on the skill of the drivers, this can
add many more additional minutes than just one or two. Marquard Ave is
large enough, and structured differently enough, that this does not pose
the same issue as on West St.
3 - The route below (turning from 2nd St onto West St.) is the default Google Maps route if you
are trying to access any properties on Fremont Rd, Trost Rd, and Upper Fremont Drive.
However, this is not the best route. As you can see there is a very sharp turn at Marquard Ave
and Fremont Rd:
Most vehicles need to make a three point turn in order to turn at Marquard and Fremont, and
larger vehicles can not make this turn at all. Some try however, and then the road will often be
blocked, sometimes for hours. When this happens, no one can pass, including emergency
vehicles.
Below is the preferred route to access any properties on Fremont Rd, Trost Rd, and Upper
Fremont Drive - especially for larger vehicles such as as delivery trucks:
4 - Some residents are concerned about no longer being able to receive packages because of
this change. They do not think delivery drivers will know to go all the way down to Greenfield to
make a u-turn to then come down West End Ave., especially when Google maps defaults them
to West St, which they may be unable to navigate.
5 - Residents are concerned that the proposed mountable curb barrier will not effectively
prevent drivers from crossing the median. Given frequent violations of the existing mountable
curb, we believe this measure will be ineffective, especially since the intersection is a key
access point for the West End Ave and Greenfield neighborhoods as well, and those drivers
are used to this route.
6 - 3/28/25: Another option for accessing the hillside routes diverts traffic farther west to the
Greenfield/Second St. intersection, requiring vehicles to make a U-turn from Greenfield onto
West End Ave before backtracking to Marquard.
This detour adds approximately half a mile to the trip and directs traffic onto a street without a
dedicated bike lane. Some residents are concerned that if larger vehicles, such as delivery
trucks and construction equipment, take this route, safety issues will increase as they share
the road with cyclists.
Additionally, this change could worsen congestion at the Greenfield/Second St./West End
intersection, where vehicles waiting for the light may block access to West End Ave for those
making the U-turn.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Maren DeGraff
From: Justin Phillips
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 12:49 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April Miller
<april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Item 6B: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer
for all road users, especially those walking or biking. There have been many design iterations
over the past four years - it's vitally important that the new design include a safer and more
direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. The
current design is the best solution to many conflicting priorities. Please approve the funding to
complete the design and prepare for construction.
On a personal note, I’ve almost been hit by cars running reds while walking with my 5 year old.
-Justin
From: Jana Zanetto
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 12:51 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Joanna Kwok <Joanna.Kwok@cityofsanrafael.org>; April Miller
<april.miller@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Intersection redesign for 4th/2nd Streets
Dear Council members and City Staff,
I am writing to strongly support redesigning the 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West
End to be safer for all road users, especially those walking or biking. There have been
many design iterations over the past four years - it's vitally important that the new
design include a safer, more direct crosswalk across 2nd street and a mechanism to
slow westbound 4th Street vehicles. The current design is the best solution to many
conflicting priorities. I urge you to approve the funding to complete the design and
prepare for construction.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
Jana Zanetto
Lincoln Hill, San Rafael
From: Marley Brezzo
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 12:36 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: 2nd and 4th intersection improvements - against closure of the left turn onto Marquard
Hello,
My name is Marley Brezzo, I live on Upper Fremont Dr above the intersection being
redesigned. If the left turn lane from Second onto Marquard avenue is closed, myself and
my neighbors all lose critical access for the care and maintenance of our properties.
Large vehicles, especially those with trailers, are unable to navigate to our property by way
of West St as suggested as an alternative route. Driving to Greenfield to then drive back
along West End Ave is also a problematic path as the narrowness of Marquard does not
allow for adequate space for making a right turn onto it when a car is occupying the road in
the opposite direction.
In the time I have lived here we have had to resurface our driveway and parking areas,
rebuild failing retaining walls needing long peers to make their way up the road, require the
delivery of debris bins for brush clearing and have regular needs for arborists to make their
way up the road with their larger trucks with trailers.
Many of these maintenance needs are annual and particularly our hillside, which in
adherence to the Hillside Property Guidlines requiring a large percentage of our property to
be wild, needs heavy brush clearing and tree trimming in order to follow the
recommendations set by the Marin Fire Departments in mitigating wildland fires.
All of these services will be greatly impacted, not just by the added obstacle of losing the
left turn lane, but by contractors being unwilling to take our work due to managing the
added effort to access our property.
I also would like to know that the community feedback that was collected earlier this year
by the city engineers is accessible and being reviewed by this council as many members of
my community participated in that. It would be a failure for that feedback not to be
reviewed at each body who reviews this project. Whether that be this council, BPAC, the
mayor's office or in aiding the city engineers themselves. I find myself having to repeat my
feedback over and over again, concerned that the previous feedback may have only been
available to the party initially gathering it.
Further review and adjustments are required before finalizing the design of this
intersection as its current state will fundamentally impede the ability of my community to
maintain and manage our properties.
Thank you,
Marley Brezzo
From: susan montana
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 2:00 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Agenda item #6b Second and Fourth Street intersection improvement project
I am a 15-year resident of (3 houses from the intersection of Marquard & West End). I
am strongly opposed to the proposed closure of the left turn lane from Second to Marquard/West End
Ave.
The proposed closure of the left turn lane will significantly compromise pedestrian safety, and impair
access to the neighborhood. The proposed alternate access will absolutely result in increased
congestion, and hardship for residents. Safe access to Fremont & Upper Fremont will be seriously
compromised if this occurs.
The close proximity of my house to the intersection has allowed me the "opportunity" to witness
numerous (daily) situations in which bicyclists ignore the stop signs and have near misses with
automobiles. Maintaining the left turn lane onto Marquard is necessary for the above stated reasons,
however more effective time/energy needs to be spent on re-routing the pedestrian crosswalks in order to
better assure pedestrian safety.
Susan Montana
From: Tim Bowen <tim@play-well.org>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 11:32 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Agenda Item #6b Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvement Project
I have lived on Fremont Road in San Rafael for 32 years and am an avid bicyclist and
reluctant driver. I am opposed to the closing of the left turn lane from westbound Third
Street to Marquard Avenue. The current configuration of the intersection appears to work
well.
--
Tim Bowen
President
415.299.3009
tim@play-well.org
From: Anne Bowen
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 2:31 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Agenda item #6b Second and Fourth Street intersection improvement project
TO: San Rafael City Council
FROM: Anne Bowen
San Rafael, CA 94901
SUBJECT: Proposed Closure of Left Hand Turn Lane from 2nd ST. to Marquard Ave.
Closing off the westbound left turn lane from Second to Marquard blocks the main access
to
our neighborhood creating unnecessary hardship for residents. Alternate routes are less
safe
and prone to more congestion with more difficult access. I strongly oppose the closing of
the
westbound left turn lane from Second St to Marquard.
From: LR
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 3:07 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Agenda item #6b Second and Fourth Street intersection improvement project
I am writing to plead with the San Rafael city council to please not close the left turn lane
from Second to Marquard/West End Ave! All of us residents, delivery people, maintenance workers
and parents using the preschool need to be able to access our homes, school and workplaces
using that left turn lane! Bicycles can safely cross without preventing everyone else’s access.
Please look out for the interests of the people who LIVE in the West End, over those of the
occasional cyclist headed to San Anselmo.
Thank you!
Liz Ryan
April 21, 2025
San Rafael City Council
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Re: Item 6.b - 2nd Street and 4th Street Intersection Improvements Project
Mayor Kate and Members of the City Council,
I am writing on behalf of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition to support staffʼs
recommendation to advance the design of the proposed improvements to the 2nd
Street/4th Street intersection.
Improvements to this intersection are badly needed, as the existing configuration is both
confusing and challenging for the many people who use it while walking or biking. City
staff have done extensive outreach to the public and to the cityʼs Bicycle Pedestrian
Advisory Committee, and have developed a design that addresses many of the
shortcomings of the present configuration. The project puts the finishing touches on the
cityʼs new two-way protected bikeway on 2nd Street, improving bicycle access between
the West End and Gerstle Park.
While some residents of the neighborhood to the immediate south of the intersection will
be somewhat inconvenienced by the proposed reconfiguration, resulting in the need to
drive a block longer to access their homes, this project will serve tens of thousands of
users of all modes on a daily basis, and the safety of those users should be paramount.
I thank city staff for their hard work on this project and I look forward to seeing this
project take another important step toward implementation.
Sincerely,
Warren J. Wells, AICP
Policy & Planning Director
Marin County Bicycle Coalition
From: Chuck
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Item: 6B- Second and Fourth streets improvement project;
We are stating our positions on the above improvement project which affects Marquard
Avenue and other traveled streets adjacent and above it.
We do not want to see the left turn to Marquard Avenue from Third street eliminated
because it will cause major hardships for all the households using that turn. We have
owned 24 Marquard Avenue for 49 years and have appreciated this access up
Marquard Avenue and believe eliminating this turn is ridiculous and will cause more
problems if it is done.
This project is a real problem with very little thought from the City going into it.
It makes no sense.
Charles F. Powers lll
Amy S. Powers
From: Jena Mixon
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 7:53 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Thank you!
Hi,
I have been riding my children to San Anselmo for preschool on a cargo bike for the past 4
years and I am so happy that you are addressing the danger at the intersection of 4th and
second streets in San Rafael. That route has been too dangerous for me to take with my
precious children so I have been taking a longer route up racquet club drive and popping
out behind United market but recently they closed that route off and even blocked the
access behind the parking lot with a new “park” that is nothing more than a fence and
some woodchips that prevents people from safely passing.
I was hoping that would get fixed also but at least the main route will be fixed. Thank you so
much. I am very excited to be able to ride that way again soon.
Best regards,
Jena Mayer
Maywood Way San Rafael
From: Susan Nawbary
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 11:41 PM
To: Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Distrib- City Clerk <City.Clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz
<rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey <Maribeth.Bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>; Grey
Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Re: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Thank you to our elected officials for supporting a safer 2nd/4th despite opposition to the
closure of Marquard!
After 10 yrs of cycling from San Rafael to San Anselmo on 4th, I’m thrilled at the huge
improvements our city continues to make!
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 18, 2025, at 4:59 PM, Mayor Kate <Kate.Colin@cityofsanrafael.org> wrote:
Hi Susan - We have received a few emails similar to yours so I'm sharing the same
response with all. The City wants to ensure that accurate information is available to the
community so I've pasted below a recent email from DPW Director Miller. There are
embedded links that provide facts and next steps on this project and I encourage you to
take a moment to click through them.
Hello,
Thank you for receiving updates for the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements (“Project”)
in San Rafael.
The Project’s Frequently Asked Questions section of the website has been updated to include responses
to questions that were received by City Staff regarding the Project:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/second-and-fourth-street-intersection-improvements/
Second and Fourth Street
Intersection Improvements
Fourth Street, also known as the
“Miracle Mile” connects San Rafael to
San Anselmo and all points west in
Marin County. Through central San
Rafael, Fourth Street is a retail
shopping street but west of the
downtown core, Fourth Street
becomes a six-lane separated arterial
street serving all of the commuters
from West Marin who use the route to
access Highway 101 as well as tourist
traffic ...
www.cityofsanrafael.org
Responses to questions regarding the traffic analysis conducted by Kimley-Horn can also be found on
the website: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/documents/responses-to-questions-posed-at-feb-
21-2025-community-meeting/
Kimley-Horn Responses for 2nd and 4th Street Signal &
Intersection Modification - San Rafael
This content is for decoration only skip decoration.. Close window. Search Site Search
www.cityofsanrafael.org
Thanks for taking the time to share your input on this project and I hope you find the above
links with the traffic studies and information helpful.
Warmly,
Kate
Kate Colin (she/her/hers)
Mayor, City of San Rafael
<Outlook-ewm111qd.png>
From: Susan Nawbary
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2025 11:02 AM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Please support a safer 2nd/4th Street Intersection
Dear Councilmembers and City Staff,
I strongly support the effort to redesign 2nd/4th Streets intersection in the West End to be safer for
all road users, especially those walking or biking.
It's vitally important that the new design include a safer and more direct crosswalk across 2nd
street and a mechanism to slow westbound 4th Street vehicles.
Please approve the funding to complete the design. It is only a matter of time before a person
walking or biking here loses their life or is critically injured
Thank you,
Sent from my iPhone
From: Tracy Minicucci
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maika Llorens Gulati
<maika@cityofsanrafael.org>; Eli Hill <eli.hill@cityofsanrafael.org>; Mayor Kate
<kate.colin@cityofsanrafael.org>; Rachel Kertz <rachel.kertz@cityofsanrafael.org>; Maribeth Bushey
<maribeth.bushey@cityofsanrafael.org>
Cc: Grey Melgard <Grey.Melgard@cityofsanrafael.org>
Subject: Support for Improvements to 2nd st and 4th St Intersection
Hello I support the proposed redesign of the intersection. Thank you,
Tracy Minicucci
Sent from Gmail Mobile