Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan by wrtdesign

Miller Avenue

Streetscape Plan

City of Mill Valley Adopted July 2011

Historic Image of Mill Valley

Mill Valley, CA Courtesy of the Lucretia Little History Room at the Mill Valley Public Library

Table of Contents

1. Introduction . .........................................1 Overview............................................................... 3 Project Goals ....................................................... 4 Overall Concept..................................................... 5 Project Background................................................ 6 A Community Based Plan....................................... 8

2. Multi-modal Transportation ..................9 A. Mobility................................................... 10 Overview............................................................. 10 Key Recommendations......................................... 10 Existing Conditions.............................................. 12 Existing Traffic Analysis......................................... 14 Proposed Types of Improvements ........................ 16 Enlargement Plan by Room ................................. 18 B. Parking Management............................... 28 Overview............................................................. 28 Key Recommendations......................................... 29 Existing Parking Conditions.................................. 30 Proposed Parking Regulations.............................. 30

3. Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture..............33

B. Existing Tree Analysis & Preservation...... 58 Tree & Forestry Recommendations........................ 59 Vision of Sustainable Landscape........................... 59 C. History..................................................... 60 Highlight History ................................................. 60 Historic Maps & Photos........................................ 62

4. Implementation ...................................65 A. Infrastructure........................................... 66 Overview ............................................................ 66 Key Recommendations ........................................ 66 B. Implementation....................................... 74 Overview ............................................................ 74 Priorities ............................................................. 74 Phasing of Construction ...................................... 74 Design Elements ................................................. 75 Materials ............................................................ 78 Next Steps .......................................................... 80

Acknowledgements . ...............................81

A. Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture...................... 34 Overview ............................................................ 34 Key Recommendations ........................................ 34 Passage .............................................................. 37 Parkway ............................................................. 41 Main Street . ....................................................... 45 Gateway . ........................................................... 51 Marsh . ............................................................... 55 |i

Miller Avenue Brings Forth Mill Valley by Chuck Oldenburg, Homestead Valley Resident and Mill Valley Historian Throckmorton’s Rancho Sausalito had a locked gate on Miller at Locust. To picnic at the Old Mill you had to have a permit and present it at The Homestead to get a key. Access to the Blithedale Hotel and nearby houses was via the county road, now East Blithedale. Coaches met trains at Collins Summit Station originally and at Alto Station after 1884. It was the single track branch railroad built in 1889 that made Mill Valley. It went up Miller parallel to the right bank of Corte Madera del Presidio Creek with only one stop. Millwood Station, originally at Miller and Willow Street, was about half way between the main line junction and Eastland, where an auction in 1890 was held to sell properties for development. The result was a community which in 1900 became the town of Mill Valley. At first, locomotives burned wood and belched black smoke. In 1903, a third electric rail powered the trains. In 1906, the Millwood station was moved one block down to Locust, and a new stop was created at Park Avenue—both served residents of the new Tamalpais Park subdivision on the left bank of the creek via a network of paths.

ii |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

By 1910, there were many elegant houses on Miller Avenue, some fronting on the railroad (now inbound Miller) and others fronting on the dirt road (now outbound Miller). Trains passed by every 15 minutes during most of the day—a 50 minute commute to San Francisco via the Sausalito ferry. The unpaved dirt road—often either dusty or muddy—had two way traffic of horse-drawn vehicles. The 1920s saw rapid growth of automobile traffic on a paved Miller. In 1956, removal of the railroad tracks led to an inbound and an outbound Miller, extending to Almonte and eliminating the county road through the Tam High campus. Growth of the commercial area near Locust required more parking. More than one scheme was tried. ` Will Miller’s history repeat itself in 2030? More public transit? Return of the rail? Smaller vehicles? Re-electrification—charging posts? The only certainty is no locked gate.

1. Introduction

1. Introduction Thoughtful discussion and guidance by way of the City Council and Miller Avenue Design Advisory Committee (2009-2011) has led to this comprehensive Streetscape Plan for Miller Avenue. This document represents the commitment and dedication of City staff, consultants, committee members and the Mill Valley community. The City wishes to thank all of those individuals involved throughout the process.

The Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan is a community-based plan that incorporates the character and ideals of Mill Valley. The Streetscape Plan address Miller Avenue from Sunnyside Avenue to Almonte Avenue, approximately 2 miles in length.

flooding, traffic circulation and functionality, parking management, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. Specific concerns for those residents and merchants residing on and surrounding Miller Avenue are also addressed in this Plan.

This document will be used as the basis of preliminary engineering and construction bid documents that will allow the City of Mill Valley to begin construction, and the community to begin utilizing and enjoying new and improved streetscape amenitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; including road surfacing improvements; continuous bike lanes; improved visibility for motorists; ecological and landscape enhancements; and improvements to pedestrian sidewalks and crossings. These improvements also address many concerns identified by the community during the development of this Plan, including drainage and

This Plan continues the evolution of Miller Avenue and proposes to unite the Mill Valley community through a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Complete Streetsâ&#x20AC;? approach to the roadway design. Complete Streets are those that adequately provide safe access for all roadway users and the community alike, including bicycles, pedestrians, transit riders, and motorists.

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Miller Avenue Streetscape Illustrative

Overview of the Plan

Glossary of Commonly Used Terms

Miller Avenue is a central corridor serving the circulation, commerce, recreation, and experiential needs of residents and visitors of Mill Valley. The avenue is also importantly recognized as an essential source of community character – embodying the unique and idiosyncratic features of this town nestled into the natural beauty of Mount Tamalpais. As such, this Plan seeks to balance the need to make critical infrastructure, operational, and safety improvements with the preservation of the character that residents know and love. The planning process has highlighted historical conditions, surveyed community “sacred places”, identified minimal change options, and evaluated existing trees—all of which are incorporated into this Streetscape Plan. This comprehensive thinking about multiple objectives is reflected in the Plan.

Document chapters are organized into layers, whereby readers are informed about particular aspects of the corridor such as multi-modal improvements (Chapter 2), character: ecology and landscape & culture (Chapter 3), and implementation (Chapter 4). A final chapter addresses implementation, phasing, and priorities. This chapter also highlights design features that were discussed as part of this planning process. These design features are documented to assist the City in future decisionmaking as the Plan is further refined and implemented. “Preserve what we can, change what we must” – John Leonard, DAC Chair

Bike Buffer: A zone providing additional separation between the bike lane and the vehicle driving lane. DAC: Design Advisory Committee appointed by City Council to guide the project Green Street: A street that incorporates sustainable design features such as stormwater treatment. Inbound: Refers to the side of Miller that leads into town. Multi-modal: Refers to multiple modes of access such as walking, biking, driving, and taking transit Outbound: Refers to the side of Miller that leads out of town. SR2S: Safe Routes to Schools

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Introduction | 3

Project Goals Multi-modal Transportation • Maintain safe and efficient traffic flow on Miller Avenue. • Create a multi-modal corridor following the principles of a Complete Street [www.completestreets.org], and that support the Safe Routes to School program.

Ecology & Landscape

Cultural Features & Character

Infrastructure Improvements

• Preserve and enhance the urban forest and street trees through protection during construction, planting of appropriate species, subsurface soil treatments, proper planting techniques, and maintenance.

• Preserve the unique character of the corridor by highlighting the quality of each “room” and the transitions between them.

• Address basic repair to paving and sidewalks as required by law.

• Maintain views to Mount Tamalpais from the corridor with respect to the current nuanced pattern where it is revealed then obscured, then again revealed at a various points.

• Provide universal access and accessibility to meet State and Federal code.

• Treat pollutants where possible in stormwater runoff from streets in vegetated detention basins (rain gardens). Reduce the peak storm discharge into nearby creeks by strategies such as infiltration, collection under permeable paving, and detention in rain gardens.

• Encourage pedestrian access and safety in a manner that meets the needs of local residents as well as State and Federal code requirements. • Provide continuous bicycle lanes and pedestrian access for the entire Miller Avenue corridor.

• Provide new opportunities for gathering, strolling, and utilizing the street in a social manner. • Reflect history of the street. • Promote an environment that supports local businesses.

• Plant climate appropriate and native species that are appropriate for managed landscapes and maintenance practices.

• Encourage transit ridership by enhancing bus facilities. • Expand the service of transit to local and northern destinations including the Stage Coach line.

• Meet or exceed minimum safety requirements for street lighting. • Address hydrology and drainage through stormwater improvements. • Accommodate public utilities and sewer.

• Promote the health of the creek and its fishery by highlighting it as part of the Miller Avenue experience. Reduce pollutants through BMP measures.

• Meet emergency response and evacuation requirements.

• Provide storm drainage to areas not currently serviced.

• Upgrade lighting while reducing energy consumption through the use of LED and other emerging lighting technologies.

• Regulate parking in the Main Street area where customers need improved access to merchants.

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Rural Road Historic Features Intrigue - Discovery Large Trees / Forest Narrowness/Enclosure

Mountain Views Residential Scale Greenery - Diverse Canopy

Social Active Commerce

Passage

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Mainstreet Gateway

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4 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

5 min. walk

Village Inviting Transit Node

Green Open - Monumental Scale Distinctive - Signature Landscape

Picturesque Very Open - Expansive Natural Marsh Landscape

"Marsh" November 3, 2009

Overall Concept Miller Avenue is not a singular experience but rather a series of unique character zones that draw from their surroundings and basic function. The term “room” emerged during past planning exercises and has been thoroughly absorbed into the lexicon of Miller Avenue today. This approach seeks to first identify the essence of each room, then preserve and promote its unique character while addressing other functional needs of the corridor. Landscape character of adjacent natural areas and street tree plantings are distinct within each room and reinforced by this Plan. Further, the Plan promotes transitions between rooms as a means of distinguishing the corridor sequence. Natural and cultural features such as creeks and historic places occur at these transition points and are expressed in the recommended improvements. •

The Passage [Sunnyside to Millwood] is shaped by the dense forested canopy, rustic lumber yard buildings, and parallel creek as is common when roads pass through narrow canyons. The Passage leads to downtown at Sunnyside.

•

The Parkway [Millwood to Willow] features a diversity of trees and plantings both in the street medians and also as “borrowed landscape” in the adjacent front yards and hillsides. Visibility of Mount Tam becomes elusive as the road continues, suggesting arrival to the mountain. The inbound transition to the Passage is highlighted by the creek crossing at Millwood. Main Street [Willow to Reed/Valley Circle] is a lively local commerce hub and where shaded sidewalks for strolling, small gathering spaces, and display of public art are integrated to form a cohesive sense of place. Mount Tam remains ahead, framed by the tree lined street. A curve in the outbound direction gives interest to the sequence. The inbound room transition is marked at the crossing of Reed creek and the historic Steps at Willow, also the location of the historic Millwood Depot station. The Gateway [Reed/Valley Circle to Camino Alto] is defined by the center median landscape, large trees, and glimpses of Mount Tam. The inbound transition to Main Street occurs at the crossing of Reed creek at the Reed/Valley Circle intersection.

•

The Marsh [Camino Alto to Almonte] landscape is open, mostly treeless, a highly natural setting, and a place with sweeping views across the marsh and bay. The inbound transition to the Gateway is marked by the civic gateway at Camino Alto.

Overall, the Plan is based on the existing character and the majority of the exisitng layout and landscape will remain in a similar form as it does today with added improvements to address the mobility and infrastructure functions described elsewhere in the plan. Main Street is a special circumstance that the Plan has addressed. Here, the basic safety, functional, and street repair project components require restructuring the roadway differently than the current frontage road parking configuration, which creates a substantial change. However the new layout will better serve motorists, pedestrians, merchants, and transit riders— all integral users of this mini hub of local commerce. The plan guides use of replacement paving materials, planting, furnishings, and sidewalk features that reflect a design character in keeping with Main Street and Mill Valley.

Overall Concept Plan EVENTS

Highlighting existing creeks, natural areas, and historic features to express the character of the corridor in a sequence of rooms and events at transitions.

Marsh

STEPS/ LANES

Views

Neighborhoods Stream

Redwood/Riparian Forest

PASSAGE

PARKWAY

MAINSTREET

Cultural Themes Preserving and celebrating what’s unique to Mill Valley

CIVIC GATEWAY

REED CREEK

MILLWOOD CREEK CROSSING

DOWNTOWN GATEWAY

Arboretum

STEPS & MILLWOOD DEPOT PLAZA

Meadow

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MARSH

Multi-modal Themes Encouraging alternative means of transportation Introduction | 5

Project Background Roadway improvements along Miller Avenue have occurred incrementally over the past 50-60 years focusing on specific areas of the street. This Streetscape Plan is intended to function as a Master Plan allowing the City and community to understand the overall function of the street today, as well as in the future. This approach allows for incremental change, while also providing an overall understanding of long and short term streetscape improvements intended for the street—better informing surrounding merchants and neighbors, community members and the City (particularly for budgetary and project management purposes).

In 2003 the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) provided City Council with a series of documents outlining existing characteristics of the street. Out of this process, a series of distinctive “rooms” were identified to represent and describe the characteristics of the street. The “room” concept has continued throughout the planning process, and is the foundation used to build on existing character of the street—identified by many community members as an important feature to maintain with any improvements made to the street.

The Streetscape Plan builds upon previous planning and analytical work as well as community input.

In 2007 a series of community workshops were held to obtain feedback from the community on possible improvements along Miller Avenue. Many ideas and suggestions identified at these workshops remain as part of this overall Streetscape Plan.

Memorial Day Open House (June 03, 2010)

Workshop Open House (June 08, 2010)

6 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

In 2008, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update was completed and accepted by City Council. This document highlights safety and access improvements as two main elements for creating a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community, and lays a foundation for further developing the network by eliminate gaps and barriers in the existing bicycle and pedestrian system. Miller Avenue is identified as one of three top priority bikeway segments to complete within the City. Improving crosswalk and pedestrian visibility at the intersections of Locust, Valley Circle, Reed and Almonte are also identified as top pedestrian projects within the City. In 2009, the Streetscape Task Force provided a series of recommendations on functional components of the roadway including further investigating back-in

Open House / Workshop (November 15, 2010)

diagonal parking through a pilot test; consider 1-lane of traffic in each direction from Sunnyside to Millwood to allow for bicycle and sidewalk access (while maintaining enough roadway width to allow for 2-lanes of traffic during emergencies); institute other traffic measures prior to considering a light a the La Goma/Montford intersection; and consider providing a multi-use pathway connection from Camino Alto to Almonte. City Council accepted all recommendations made by the Task Force (2009 Task Force Report).

gathering places and landscaping. Based on a review of roadway options and potential impacts, City Council directed staff to move forward to further review two roadway options in this areaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Curbside parking and center median parking. As a result, the existing frontage roads would be eliminated to help accommodate multimodal functions of the street, including a 5-6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bike lane and wider sidewalks for pedestrians and landscaping.

In 2009 City Council also reviewed the roadway layout between Willow-Reed/Valley Circle to address the Task Force recommendation to modify the existing roadway configuration to adequately address parking, bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian

Introduction | 7

A Community Based Plan A Design Advisory Committee (DAC) was assembled in 2009 by City Council to assist the community and design team in finalizing a conceptual streetscape design. The DAC is comprised of one liaison each from City Council and Planning Commission, and five citizens appointed for their particular professional expertise and knowledge of the community. Input and dialogue with the community has been continuous since the establishment of the DAC, in various forms in an attempt to reach out and receive input from as many community members as possible. Community involvement activities include: Design Advisory Committee Meetings Fourteen DAC meetings were held between 2009-2011. This seven-member committee has been instrumental in the overall community process—from developing the Request for Proposal and selection of a design firm to providing direction and recommendations based on technical data, information and community input.

Workshop/ Open House(s) Open houses were hosted by the design team to gather input from the community at two points in the process.

Community members were asked to identify the features and designs that they “liked” and “disliked” as a representation of Mill Valley character.

An initial Open House was held during the first phase of the design process to explore initial ideas with the community based on project background and previous work.

Focus Groups Over the course of the project, focus group and coordination meetings were held with interested civic and stakeholder groups. These meetings provided an opportunity to share information about the project, gain feedback, and discuss specific information on critical topics of interest. These coordination meetings typically occurred prior to the public meetings to refine design options, and to engage a wider audience beyond those individuals that attend the DAC meetings.

The Open House was on Lytton Square during Memorial Day, which allowed the project team to capture thoughts, ideas and feedback from a large diverse mix of community members outside of those that regularly attend public meetings. A Public workshop was then hosted in June 2010 to review and discuss design explorations. Attendees gathered in small groups to discuss the conceptual options, weighing tradeoffs and benefits. A final Open House was held toward the end of the second phase of the design process to refine the design of the street and incorporate Mill Valley’s character into the streetscape by way of streetscape furnishings, paving materials, and landscaping.

• Various Mill Valley Departments (Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, Library)

• Continuous Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

• Miller Avenue merchants and property owners

• Sustainable Mill Valley

• Chair of the Chamber of Commerce

• Mill Valley Neighborhood Associations

• TAM High Safety Committee

• Stream Keepers

• Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Transportation Alternatives for Marin

• Mill Valley Historic Society

• Safe Routes to School

Project Team Work Session

8 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Focus Group Meeting (May 06, 2010)

Memorial Day Open House (May 31, 2010)

• Marin + Golden Gate Transit • Transportation Authority of Marin

2. Multi-modal Transportation

A. Mobility

Overview

Key Recommendations

Miller Avenue has evolved much over time in response to new mobility demands. Comparing its origins as a commuter rail corridor to the major vehicular roadway of today illustrates this point. In recent times, the importance of pedestrian and bicycle access has been elevated in response to the lack of accommodation of those needs. Locally, Mill Valley has championed the Safe Routes to Schools program to give students safe passage through the city receiving grants to make improvements. This chapter of the plan presents a clear path forward to balance the needs of all modes (cars, busses, pedestrians, and bicyclists) safely following the principles of a “Complete Street”(www.completestreets.com). Strategies to manage parking in select areas are also described in this chapter.

1. Provide Mobility Options 1 A Complete Street is about options for access for all roadway users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and motorists. Where sidewalks and bike lanes don’t exist or are unpleasant, the car is often the only practical method. This condition exacerbates traffic congestion, pollution, and infrastructure repairs. This is true today for Miller Avenue.

2. Maintain Efficient Traffic Flow on Miller / Protect Neighborhoods 2 Residential neighborhoods adjacent to Miller Avenue should be protected by maintaining and directing traffic and parking on Miller Avenue rather than residential streets. Neighborhood street entries are designed to express the small scale residential community within.

The Plan recommends these specific improvements:

The plan recommends these specific improvements:

•

Provide continuous bicycle lanes (refer to bicycle access recommendations), and bicycle amenities such as parking along and across the corridor.

•

Create a pleasant and safe walking route along Miller Avenue to encourage use by residents, shoppers, and students. Upgrade sidewalks through removal of obstructions, repair of uneven surfaces, and widening where possible.

Appropriately narrowing the width of Willow, Locust, and La Goma at Miller to discourage drivers seeking a cut through route. Bulb-outs should be used to maintain on-street parking where possible on Miller and the side street.

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Maintain Miller Avenue as the preferred vehicle route by improving operations and calming traffic appropriately for safety.

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Improve connections to neighboring bike paths.

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Meet accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Code of Regulations Title 24 including minimum 48” clearance.

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Provide enhancement to transit stops including location, signage, shelters, lighting, bike storage, access, and other amenities. The plan modifies the location of several stops to provide better spacing and to improve other functions.

Overall Plan

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PASSAGE - Sunnyside to Millwood Refer to Page 18 for Details

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PARKWAY - Millwood to Willow Refer to Page 20-21 for Details

MAIN STREET - Willow to Reed/Valley Circle Refer to Page 22-23 for Details

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3. Manage Parking 3

•

Parking remains an essential function on Miller Avenue for customers, commuters, residents, and employees. The plan addresses both quantity of parking spaces and regulation of those spaces to balance parking demand. A section of this chapter further describes parking management.

4. Incorporate Bicycle Access 4 One of the highest ranked needs identified by community members and identified as a project goals to provide continuous bicycle lane along Miller Avenue. The plan accomplishes this goal. The plan recommends these specific improvements: • Install a 6’ wide bike lane on Miller Avenue in both directions in the Passage, Main Street, Gateway, and Marsh. The Parkway accommodates a narrower 5’ lane where width is constrained.

•

6. Meet Emergency Response Requirements 6

Provide a 2-3’ bike buffer as a zone between the travel lane and bicycle lane. This serves to reduce conflicts between bicyclists and vehicles passing such as busses and open doors of parked cars (See page 16 for illustration). Provide a left-turn bike lane to Camino Alto (Future), and connection to the regional trail near Almonte.

5. Promote Safe Routes to School

Public safety during emergencies has been evaluated by City public safety staff during the planning process. Study has focused on both egress for evacuation as well as access by emergency teams in response to an event. The plan recommends these specific improvements: Provide 20’ paved clearance for outbound evacuation in the Passage. The combined paving for the bicycle lane, buffer, travel lane, and paved shoulder meet this requirement.

Safe Routes to Schools programs are designed to decrease traffic and pollution and increase the health of children and the community, Safe Routes to Schools promotes walking and biking to school, using education and incentives to show how much fun it can be! The program address parents’ safety concerns by educating children and the public, partnering with traffic law enforcement, and developing plans to create safer streets. Marin County pioneered the national Safe Routes to Schools program that has spread across the U.S. The plan incorporates and expands the benefits of the current Safe Routes to Schools program.

Provide 18’ paved clearance in the inbound direction for emergency responders to move around a disabled vehicle. The combined paving for the bicycle lane, buffer, travel lane, and paved shoulder meet this requirement. Maintain adequate turning radii at intersections to accommodate the City’s standard fire engine.

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MARSH - Camino Alto to Almonte Refer to Page 26-27 for Details

Multi-modal Transportation | 11

Existing Conditions Current conditions along Miller Avenue require updating improvements are needed to provide adequate and safe access for all Roadway users as part of the complete streets concept. A full Transportation Existing Conditions Report is available on the City website for additional data of information.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Pedestrian access is limited by narrow sidewalks, obstructions, poorly marked crosswalks, and driveway interruptions. These conditions discourage normal use and may prevent use by the disabled. Safety concerns are reported at several intersections including Evergreen, La Goma, and Millwood.

BICYCLE ACCESS Bicycle lanes are not continuous and where they do exist are narrow. Lanes in the inbound Parkway are nearly unusable due to the steep slope of the pavement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a result of too many layers of asphalt.

TRANSIT FACILITIES A robust transit service is not matched by the amenities currently provided to commuters. Shelters are not in keeping with community character and in several locations obstruct sidewalks. Future demand is projected to increase locally and in the northern direction. As a result, bus shelters and amenities should be planned for the inbound direction as well. Many stops are non-standard and spaced inefficiently.

VEHICLE ACCESS Traffic volumes are well below the road capacity however commute period congestion is common in the Main Street area where turning movements, pedestrian crossings, and parking cars require slowing down. Conflicts also occur at the La Goma/Camino Alto/Evergreen intersection. Vehicle speeds are reported to often exceed the posted speed limit further out in the Gateway and Marsh areas . Parking regulations vary widely with little enforcement.

Pedestrian Access 12 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Bicycle Access

Transit Facilities

Intersections

Parking Multi-modal Transportation | 13

Existing Traffic Analysis Miller Avenue Traffic Volumes

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ale

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e Grov

Fern

Walnut

...

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2002 Miller Ave Traffic Volumes

...

Hillside

aV ist a

2002 Miller Ave Traffic Volumes

1,000 Feet

Source: Bing Maps (aerial); City of Mill Valley; Marin County

Peak Hour Turning Movements / Am (Pm)

Reed / Valley Circle

48 510 94

LA GOMA ST

620 (554) 586 (452)

37 84 44

Camino Alto

83 123 253

68 54 189

RD AVE

571 (634)

441 (306) 571 (634) Miller

54 655 230

MILLER AVE

(2009)

441 (306)

Miller 620 (554) 586 (452)

19 448 170

400 +

110 Gomez

37 (9 0 (0) 24 (6 Reed

62 (8 0 (0) 49 (2

761 (1,042) 4 (129) 14 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan Miller 25 (53) 834 (802)

Camino Alto 319 (303)

58 (3)

358 (480)

688 (861) 114 (187) Miller

Valley 1 (6) 0 (0) 0 (2)

12 (23)

La Goma / Montford

52 546 70 Evergreen

0 - 49

Camino Alto 319 (303)

Locust

MILLER AVE

761 (1,042) 4 (129) 50 - 99 100 - 399 Miller

PM Peak Hour Turning Movements

37 (99) 0 (0) 24 (6) Reed

Camino Alto

58 (3)

Miller Avenue at La Goma Street

Valley 1 (6) 0 (0) 0 (2)

Reed

Camino Alto 319 (303)

70 (94)

62 (82) 0 (0) 15 (15) Evergreen

580 (536)

37 (99) 0 (0) 24 (6) Reed

62 (82) 0 (0) 49 (25) Evergreen

17 (8) 52 (48) 778 (714) 546 (510) 45 (50)

La Goma PM

AM Peak Hour Turning Movements 448 (655) 688 (861) 441 (306) 58 (3) 0 - 49 571 (634) 170 (230) 50 - 99 761 (1,042) 114 (187) 4 (129) 100 - 399 Miller Miller Miller Miller 400 + 620 (554) 25 (53) (2009) 25 (53) 17 (8) 36 59 76 586 (452) 834 (802) 834 (802) 778 (714) 7 (23) 7 (23) 45 (50)

253 (189) 123 (54) 83 (68) Montford

(44) 2929(44) 580 (536)

12 (23)

358 (480)

MillerMiller

688 (861) 114 (187) Miller

Parking 7 (17) 2 (4) 5 (9)

460 (580)

12 (23)

19 (54) Miller Avenue at La Goma Street Valley 1 (6) 0 (0) 0 (2)

(580)

La Goma 76 (44) 59 (84) 36

460 80 (77)

Parking (37) 7 (17) 2 (4) 5 (9)

Locust Locust 33 (33) 33 (33)

47 (33)

80 (77)

12AM La Goma

Evergreen

358 (480)

Locust

Public Transit & Transit Figure X-X: MillerRoute Ave Study - TransitRidership

Elm

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GGT Route 4

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Class 3 Proposed by the Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan, 2008 Update

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Leo Limits Mill Valley City

Source: Bing Maps (aerial); City of Mill Valley; Marin County

Existing Bicycle & Pedestrian Access Analysis Ca rm

Shoreline

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Bicycle lanes are discontinuous on Miller at present. Sidewalk widths are described as varied in width and often undersized by the graph below.

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...

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The diagram describes average daily 2010 ridership levels at each stop (Left circle represents Route 4; Right circle represents Route 17). Highest used stops include Sunnyside, Reed, Camino Alto and Almonte. Boardings are highest in the outbound direction. However, Camino Alto inbound has almost as many boardings as outbound Almonte.

rre

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Camino Alto - - Inbound

... Matilda

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Miller

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ale Ave

E Blithed

ithed

Valley Cir Evergreen Ave

Almon te Blvd

Alm

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Miller Ln

Montford Ave

Ethel Ave

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Miller Ave

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eA ve Su nn ysi d

Mil

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Mil

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0’

Sidewalk Width (in feet)

Throckmorton Ave

Willow St

nA ve to or m ck Th ro

ler

rnard St

Miller

Miller Ave

Ave

ay ez W

st St

Presid

Ave Miller

Miller

Gom

e io Av

Locust Ave

ood Millw

e St Grov

Hill St

Forre

rockmorton Ave

La Goma St

ale Av e

Park Ave

W Bl

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

400’

(by the Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan, 2008 Update)

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

Inbound Inbound

200’

Bike PathProposedProposed Bike Path Existing Existing Path Path

Outbound

Sidewidth Width Graph

100’

Outbound

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

Bike Lane Classification

Multi-modal Transportation | 15

Proposed Types of Improvements PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

BICYCLE ACCESS

TRANSIT FACILITIES

Enhanced paving in the street with color and texture creates a sense of shared space between pedestrians and vehicles. Special paving is proposed where center median parking exists to highlight the zone of expected pedestrian crossings. Crosswalks at neighborhood entries such as Willow, Locust, and La Goma are proposed to be enhanced and raised to convey a sense of entry and calm traffic. Mid-block crossings such as are proposed in the Parkway and Main Street, can include raised platforms to improve visibility and bollards to create a protected zone.

Miller Avenue should serve as a direct and safe access route for bicyclists. Identified priority bicycle riders include commuters, students, and recreationalists. The plan provides continuous bike lanes with additional buffers where possible. Bike left-turn lanes are designated at Camino Alto and Almonte. Provisions to conveniently park and lock bicycles at key destinations such as transit stops and retail stores are critical to encourage ridership.

Enhancements to transit include the repositioning of three stops to better locate and provide amenities such as shelters, seating, and bike parking. Upgrades to bus shelters include new lighted and covered structures that convey an appropriate sense of community character. Shelters may also accommodate covered bicycle parking for commuters. Examples described by the plan for consideration include artistic expressions and a crafted wood structure inspired by the historic Locust Street train stations.

Mid-block crossings such as exist and are proposed in the Parkway, Gateway, and Marsh can include raised platforms to improve visibility and bollards to create a protected zone.

Miller Avenue should be providing space to park and lock bicycles to meet the needs of commuters as well as retail users. Corner bulb-outs create space for convenient parking near stores.

Upgrades to bus shelters include new lighted and covered structures that are adequately accessible. Shelter shown is a custom crafted structure by an artist for a particular city.

Curb ramps can be defined by planting. Crosswalks may be colored or textured.

Bike buffers are striped zones to give extra separation to vehicles and bicyclists.

Some existing stops express a local vernacular and serve transit well

16 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Multi-modal Transportation | 17

Passage Sunnyside to Millwood

Preserve existing parking with gravel surface zone along street e Grov St.

Repair existing sidewalk as required

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

t. ood S

Pavement markings to highlight yield sign

Millw

Improve gravel parking zone along street Solid yellow line as first measure to slow traffic speeding at turn

Hill S

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

Preserve access and improve sight lines at lumber entry

t St.

Improve sight line with additional buffer

Sun

nys

ide

Ave .

Sidewalk connection to Sunnyside

s Forre

Sunnyside expanded bus stop and realigned crosswalk

Sidewalk connection to Presidio

Existing gravel parking Widen outbound Passage sidewalk

Expand existing gravel parking

Existing gravel parking

Mountable special paving to provide access at slower speeds

Legend Proposed Trees +

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

Existing Trees to Remain

Maintain existing parking

18 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Improve sight lines

Improve sight lines with additional buffer

100’

200’

Summary of Parking: Passage Passage Sunnyside - Millwood

Existing

New

Difference

Proposed Street Section

Existing Street Section (Inbound)

Multi-modal Transportation | 19

Parkway Millwood to Willow

6’ bike lane with 2’ painted bike buffer

Retain existing sidewalk and add accessibility at driveways

ood S

Millw

7’-9’ sidewalk to accommodate accessibility requirements without private property encroachment Lane transition for single lane through Passage

Una Way

Park Ave.

Increase parking (+5 spaces) and provide more generous spaces

Legend

Retain existing sidewalk and add accessibility at driveways

Proposed Trees +

Existing Trees to Remain

One lane transition on inbound side allows for increased parking (+3 spaces) in this area and more buffer behind parked cars

Enhance existing bus stops

Widen sidewalk and narrow lanes to preserve existing redwoods in sidewalk

20 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Summary of Parking: Parkway Parkway Retain existing sidewalk and add accessibility at driveways

Plaza and increased diagonal on-street parking spaces at historic platform location

New

Difference

Millwood - Park

Park - Willow

Proposed Street Section

Willow St.

Repositioned mid-block crossing with accessible parking

Existing

Existing Street Section

Retain existing sidewalk and add accessibility at driveways

100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

200â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Multi-modal Transportation | 21

Main Street

Willow to Reed/Valley Circle Locust

La Goma

Evergreen

12 460 (580) Miller

17 (8) 778 (714) 45 (50)

12 (23)

688 (861) 114 (187) Miller

62 (82) 0 (0) 15 (15) Evergreen

448 (655) 170 (230) Miller

253 (189) 123 (54) 83 (68) Montford

52 (48) 546 (510) 70 (94)

19 (54)

Parking 7 (17) 2 (4) 5 (9)

La Goma 76 (44) 59 (84) 36 (37)

Locust 33 (33)

47 (33)

29 (44) 580 (536)

80 (77)

Rear portion of lot may be improved, maintained, and managed by City with agreement of private owner Access to business across the creek must be maintained through parking area

Private Lot Area

6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bike lane with 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; painted bike buffer

Bike parking Bulb-out & improved crosswalk connection

Connection to steps, lanes & path Legend

Bulb-out & improved crosswalk connection

Existing Trees to Remain

Bulb-out & improved crosswalk connection

Widened Sidewalk

Transit shelter with bicycle parking

Shift alignment transition to this location

Widened Sidewalk

Seating and permeable paving at existing tree

Driveway used for truck delivery only

Public / Cafe seating and bike parking at existing trees Restrict parking between 7-9 AM at 2AM CLUB to facilitate right hand turn on to Miller Ave.

22 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

City Lot Area

Planting & seating

Proposed Trees +

Private Lot Area

Pedestrian median refuge

Left turn couplets

Camino Alto

Summary of Parking: Mainstreet

Miller

25 (53) 834 (802) 7 (23)

58 (3) 761 (1,042) 4 (129) Miller

37 (99) 0 (0) 24 (6) Reed

17 (8) 778 (714) 45 (50)

688 (861) 114 (187) Miller

62 (82) 0 (0) 49 (25) Evergreen

29 (44) 580 (536)

12 (23)

Bicycle connection to Sycamore neighborhood via SLP bridge Pave existing street parking

620 (554) 586 (452)

52 546 70

19 448 170

New

Difference

-7

Locust - La Goma Miller

83 123 253 +1

620 (554) (452) La586 Goma - Evergreen

Commuter Lot *

Evergreen - Reed/Valley Circle

Camino Alto 319 (303)

460 (580)

Valley 1 (6) 0 (0) 0 (2)

Parking 7 (17) 2 (4) 5 (9)

Locust 33 (33)

47 (33)

80 (77)

36 59 76

Existing

358 (480)

Mainstreet

MILLER AVE

(2009)

Willow - Locust

441 (306) 571 (634)

MONTFORD AVE

Reed

25 (53) 834 (802) 7 (23)

37 (99) 0 (0) 24 (6) eed

17 (8) 778 (714) 45 (50)

62 (82) 0 (0) 49 (25) vergreen

29 (44) 580 (536)

MILLER AVE

-11 +29 -35

* based on assumption that shared parking agreement can be executed w/ property owner of back parking area to gain 23 regulation spaces.

Mill Valley Miller Avenue StreetscapeProposed Plan Street Section

Circulation

Bulb-out and improved crooswalk

Pedestrian bridge and low stone wall at creek crossing

Existing Street Section Improve bus stop & bike parking

Pedestrian bridge with overlook and low stone wall at creek crossing

100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

200â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Multi-modal Transportation | 23

4 5 9

Gateway Reed/Valley Circle to Camino Alto Summary of Parking: Gateway

Gateway Reed/Valley Circle - Camino Alto

Existing

New

Difference

115

102

-13 Curb extension with additional barrier planting

Legend Proposed Trees +

Existing Trees to Remain

New pedestrian crosswalk

ay ez W

Gom

Valley Cir

Widen sidewalk

Test area for back-in diagonal parking Bike parking 6’ Bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

Reed St.

Potential for Tree Planters (1 Space Each)

Bus stop and bulb-out with improved transit shelter and covered bike parking

Gomez / Camino Alto / Miller intersection requires further study at the detailed design stage to consider non-permanent barriers, additional enforcement, left turn bike lane to Camino Alto, and other potential solutions to existing vehicle conflicts and lack of bicycle facilities. A round about may also be evaluated. Bus stop and bulbout with improved transit shelter and covered bike parking

24 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

100’

200’

Proposed Street Section

Existing Street Section

Multi-modal Transportation | 25

Marsh

Camino Alto to Almonte Blvd.

Camino Alto Camino Alto 319 (303)

358 (480)

441 (306) 571 (634) Miller

Extend SR2S sidewalk improvements to new proposed sidewalk

110 Gomez

620 (554) 586 (452)

8’ sidewalk continues safe routes to school, provides access to parking and creates connection to the regional trail

8’ Sidewalk creates connection to the regional trail

On-street parking (9 spaces)

Modify existing planting to provide bike lane

On-street parking (9 spaces)

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

SR2S: Reconfigure existing sidewalk and asphalt path to new 8’ multi-use path with landscaped buffer from roadway

6’ bike lane Restrict Daytime Parking to Improve U-Turn Operations Ca

Proposed Street Section (Shown near curve)

U-turns OK based on safety & turning radius Enhance corner with planting treatments

SR2S: Realign existing ladder crosswalk with new curb extension Beautification feature to direct pedestrians and to help prevent unsafe crossings

26 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Restrict daytime parking to improve U-turn operations

SR2S: Extend curb into Camino Alto to narrow turning radius Legend Proposed Trees +

Existing Trees to Remain

Existing Street Section (Shown near curve)

6’ bike lane 0

100’

200’

3’ bike buffer ends due to lack of available right-of-way

Sidewalk connecting to regional trail

Sidewalk for bus stop access

Marin County

Locate formalized connection to regional trail in area of least impact

City of Mill Valley

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted buffer

Widened median provides pedestrian refuge Paved parking area with planting enhancements (24 spaces)

6’ bike lane with 3’ painted bike buffer

Left turn for bicycle access to regional trail

Enhance transit hub with shelter and covered bike parking

Blvd onte

ill Valley City of M ounty Marin C

Alm

Incorporate and expand Almonte intersection SR2S improvements including pedestrian actuated overhead signals, bulb-outs, new bus stop marking, and sidewalk improvements.

Elimination of right turn lane improves bicycle safety and preserves vehicle access. Marsh landscape may be expanded.

Multi-modal Transportation | 27

B. Parking Management Overview

...

t Ca min oA lto C

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250

500 Feet

Homestead Blvd Source: Bing Maps (aerial); City of Mill Valley; Marin County

28 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Public Lot: Currently, the public off-street lot is intended for commuter use, but is in fact unregulated. As discussed above, this may not be the best use for this lot. The results of the windshield survey indicate that a variety of people use the lot, not just commuters, due to the lack of regulation.1 The survey estimated that there are likely 20 to 30 commuters parking in the lot, which is a manageable number to shift elsewhere. By regulating the lot to create a blend of 4-hour time limited spaces and employee-only designated spaces, these commuters will be encouraged to park elsewhere. Presently, there is a downtown employee parking permit program that could be extended to include the public lot on Miller Avenue. Extending the program to the public lot may result in modifications to the program based on its demand, popularity and merchant input as either a first-come-first-served basis or on a ratio-basis so the one business is not allotted a majority of spaces. On-Street Spaces: Parking survey data revealed that many on-street spaces in the Main Street, particularly between Evergreen and Reed, were full at peak hour and that several were occupied by commuter vehicles due to the lack of regulation.2 In order to prioritize use of these spaces by Main Street businesses, they should be designated as 2-hour time limited to compel commuters to park elsewhere. This combination of regulations will promote higher turnover in the prime on-street spaces for quick access by short-term shoppers and free up the off-street lot for longer-term shoppers and employees. This is particularly important in light of the loss of on-street spaces between Evergreen and Reed. Without these regulations in place, shopper parking would be constrained. Figure 1 illustrates the proposed parking regulations in Main Street. All time limits listed in this plan can be adjusted for unique circumstances, but it is recommended that time limits remain largely uniform to ensure ease of understanding by motorists.

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20 Minutes Minutes 20 30 Minutes Minutes 30

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Wildomar St

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How should parking be regulated to prioritize merchants?

a St Thali n Ct Crow

Mountain View Ave

Pre sid io A ve

Stakeholder feedback indicates that parking to serve merchants is the priority for Main Street, particularly for shoppers, but also employees. Many Main Street stakeholders believe that merchants and their shoppers contribute to Main Street vitality, whereas driving commuters do not contribute to its livelihood since many

Kite Hill Ln

ee Cr ...

of them occupy convenient spaces for much of the day without frequenting businesses.

...

In order to determine the most appropriate regulations for Main Street, it is useful to

Figure 6-1 relevant Miller Avenue Parking Regulations pose key questions to the area.

What should be the main purpose of parking in the Main Street? Who should it serve?

Mar lin A ve

The parking management strategy is based on a thorough analysis of parking conditions, a mail in survey, discussions with Main Street merchants and feedback, from community members. The plan focuses on the Main Street area where modified parking regulations can improve operations, better serve merchants, and encourage utilization of off-street spaces.

The process of reducing commuter demand in the Main Street can be aided by removing the bus stop at Montford/La Goma. Data from Golden Gate Transit shows that the Montford/La Goma stop experiences relatively low usage and has the second fewest boardings/alightings of all the Miller Avenue stops, which will result in less commuter shift. This proposed change is currently being reviewed by both Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit to guarantee that it will not interfere with

Key Recommendations their ridership goals. This stop removal will also result in a gain of three parking spaces in the inbound direction. Where will the commuters park on Miller? There are several opportunities along Miller to shift commuter parking. 1. The bus stop at Almonte is currently a dirt lot that, due to its ad-hoc configuration, is not maximizing the number of spaces it can hold. In addition, the lot experiences periodic flooding, which reduces its capacity down to less than 10 spaces. Paving the lot would result in a small net increase in parking spaces, resulting from a more orderly configuration. The capacity of the lot would likely increase from roughly 17 spaces currently to about 24 spaces after paving. There are additional unchanged spaces on the opposite side of the frontage street (+/-2) and against the marsh (+/19) on the north side of Almonte.

1. Regulate Main Street parking spaces to prioritize merchant parking needs Goals: Serve Main Street businesses through parking regulations that prioritize shoppers and employees and shift commuters to other locations on Miller Avenue.

Recommendations: Public Lot at Evergreen: (a) Set 4-hour time limits for a portion of the spaces in the lot for customers and designate the remainder of the lot as employee parking.3 As a starting point, allocate 50% of the spaces for employees and the remainder for customers. Make adjustments based on customer utilization.

2. The parking occupancy survey showed that there is significant parking availability in the Parkway near the bus stop at Park Street. In addition, the redesign of the median parking between Millwood and Park will result in a net gain of thirteen parking spaces. Commuters displaced from other parking locations can shift to these spaces. These spaces will remain unregulated for commuter use as well as for employees and residents.

On-street spaces: (b) Set 2-hour time limits for the currently unregulated on-street spaces in Main Street to serve customers.

3. There are public on-street parking spaces on Valley Circle that are currently

(d) Encourage commuters to park on other portions of Miller Avenue. Discussion:

underutilized and can be designated for commuter use to encourage transit riders to park and board at the Reed Street stop. 4. The inbound parking from Almonte to Miller will be formalized, possibly with a sidewalk that will allow commuters to access the bus stops at Almonte or Camino Alto. 5. Complete street design will encourage biking and walking to transit for those who are able to do so, reducing commuter demand to some extent. Secure bike parking will allow cyclists to leave their bike at transit stops and will further encourage mode shift.

(c) Remove the Montford/La Goma bus stop to increase parking supply and decrease commuter parking demand on this segment of Miller Avenue.4

2. Maximize the efficiency of off-street parking (Long Term strategy) Goals: Maximize the efficiency of parking by creating shared or publicly-available pools of spaces.

Recommendation: The City should work with the businesses community to broker shared parking agreements. Discussion: 1. Parking that serves multiple uses is often more efficient than parking reserved for individual uses. A majority of off-street parking on Miller Avenue is located in private, reserved lots, which causes certain lots to be completely full at certain hours while others are mostly empty. Drivers looking for spaces in full facilities are forced to â&#x20AC;&#x153;cruiseâ&#x20AC;? to find parking creating traffic while adjacent spaces sit vacant. The City can work with businesses whose patrons arrive at different hours to share parking facilities. For example, a restaurant primarily targeting a dinner audience would share parking well with a retail business operating during daytime hours. This maximizes resources, minimizes traffic and improves the parking experience for all drivers. 2. In addition, there is a possibility that the public off-street lot could be consolidated with adjacent private lots. If the private lot owners agree to do so, the lot can be redesigned to create more spaces and improve efficiency. Additional discussion and coordination efforts are needed with both the owner of the private lot at the rear of the public lot and the owner of the Marin Theater Company to gauge the feasibility of consolidation. Even in a shared scenario, spaces currently dedicated to those private businesses could remain reserved for their exclusive use if necessary. A larger consolidation of the lots would also allow for the removal of a curbcut on Miller Avenue which would create more on-street parking spaces.

Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t some displaced commuters choose to park away from Miller on residential streets? 1. In order to prevent commuters from parking in the residential streets adjacent to Miller Avenue, it is recommended that adjacent neighborhoods be given the opportunity to vote on creating residential permit districts, which create timelimited parking for visitors while providing priority parking for residents. Commuters attempting to park on these streets would be subject to fines or towing. Mill Valley already has residential permit districts in ten areas to prioritize resident needs.

Endnote: 1. Conducted as part of the parking specialized study (see Parking Specialized Study, Draft Report, page 3-30) 2. Conducted as part of the parking specialized study (see Parking Specialized Study, Appendix A) 3. Employee parking is assumed to be in effect from 5 am to 10 am after which time vacant spaces can be used by customers. 4. This recommendation is contingent upon agreement with Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit.

Multi-modal Transportation | 29

Existing Condition / Proposed Parking Regulations Miller Avenue Weekday Midday Parking Occupancy (12 pm - 2 pm) Miller Avenue Draft Existing Weekday Mid-day Parking Occupancy (12pm-2pm)

Oa kd ale

ain nt Mo u

ir yC

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41B (10)

231 (1) 330 (1)

422 (5 ) 42C (6)

430 (4)

230 (9) 331 (8) 43A (9)

732 (3)

Ave

741 (9)

44I (27)

642 (16)

641 (11)

640 (4) 842 (1) 841 (1)

344 (15)

245 (17)

346 (11)

150 (1) 151 (1)

5 (0) 152 (5) 152

153 (3)

348 (2)

155 (6)

)

454 (7

452 (19) 45B (5)

451 (7) 45A (9)

450 (32)

)

456 (0

)

154 (2)

455 (4

45E (15)

453 (12) 45C (7)

45C (7)

45D (11)

44N (6) 44J (6)

44K (12)

44L (13) 44M (9)

44O (21)

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On-Street 0 - 49% 50 - 74% 75 - 84% 85 - 100% Over 100% No Data

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158 (6)

157 (2)

156 (2)

545 (0)

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947 (6)

845 (7)

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247 (14)

347 (11)

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ll Ln

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Morning Sun Ave

Angle Parking

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den Lin

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Molino Ave

Molino Av e

146 (4)

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145 (4)

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144 (6)

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441 (1)

94F (4)

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40B (12)

843 (5)

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94G (15)

341 (1)

942 (10)

303 (1)

40D (3)

40A (39)

440 (6)

43D (6)

302 (7)

40C (26)

340 (7)

432 (3)

Una C

Una Way

202 (8)

14N (13)

141 (2)

43C (8)

304 (7)

30A (7)

14M (20)

15D (21)

15C (13)

Laverne Ln

402 (3)

401 (3)

102 (7)

203 (3)

101 (0 10A (17) ) 201 (8) 301 (14)

140 (8)

334 (1)

332 (5)

43B (13)

740 (3)

630 (2) 631 (2)

731 (13) 132 (1)

14L (15)

15B (19)

(1)

322 (5)

14K (68)

14J (38)

14I (13)

14H (7)

15A (4)

161 (0)

160 (4)

559 (1)

849

41A (5)

(21

221 (12)

320 (10)

133 (9)

13E (4)

14P (17)

944 (3)

219 (5)

14O (4)

443 (3)

218 (9)

317 (10)

711 (5)

Miller Ter Miller Ave

122 (3)

13B (4) 131 (2)

159 (2)

64F (11)

)

602 (2

)

216 (8)

11J (10)

13A (39) 130 (4)

73D (8)

844 (4) 945 (4)

315 (10)

11K (17)

74G (56)

730 (4)

632 (4) 214 (13)

11I (9) 11H (10)

11E (2) 11F (3)

63C (12)

15F (0)

941 (3)

213 (10)

312 (10)

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204

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205 (12)

211 (13)

11C (12)

11L (27)

11G (8)

611 (6)

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310 (21)

11D (5)

11B (21)

111 (5)

206 (8)

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710 (11)

110 (3)

610 (14)

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70A (9)

901 (0)

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Locust Ave

Hills ide Ave

elit

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Source: Bing Maps (aerial); City of Mill Valley; Marin County

Proposed Parking Regulations Parking Regulations

La Goma St.

Willow St. Park Ave.

Planning & Design

Evergreen Ave.

Montford Ave.

e Av nys id Sun

30 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

t. ood S

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Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Parking

Mill Valley

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30 minutes 2 hours Unregulated Loading zone Disabled Passenger zone Employee permit

Locust Ave.

30 minutes 2 hours Unregulated Loading zone Disabled Passenger zone Parking Regulations Employee permit

Whole Foods Miller Avenue

Streetscape

Miller Avenue Existing Parking Conditions

Images of parking highlight several unusual and non-standard conditions that may present unsafe or inefficient conditions. For example, vehicles parking on the sidewalk near Willow obstruct pedestrian and bicycle access. Transportation planners have observed high occupancy in some street areas adjacent to very low occupancy. Rebalancing the supply by improving utilization of private off street spaces and regulating on street spaces, will help overall. Some parking areas of Miller are well planted with the desirable effect of screening cars.

Alt

Whole Foods

Reed St.

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Valley Cir.

Safeway

Multi-modal Transportation | 31

32 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

3. Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture

A. Character: Ecology, Landscape, & Culture

Overview

Key Recommendations

The physical form of a town – its streets, sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, architecture, natural features, and stores – is an expression of its culture. Miller Avenue with its intersecting creeks, meandering route, mature trees, open space edges, and eclectic collection of building frontages, is cherished for the character exhibited. Local descriptions of the corridor often include “quirky” and “idiosyncratic”, references that imply a level of appreciation for features outside the norm. In exploring the cultural layer, the Plan first considers the history of the corridor. The legacy of the rail road is visible in how the street is laid out, responding for example to locations of old boarding platforms and the track routes themselves. Historic themes and features are preserved and enhanced in the Plan. Community meetings and surveys have also identified “sacred places” - places and features embodying the uniqueness of the town’s identity. These important inputs have encouraged limited change while also recognizing that new elements essential, to the streetscape, can be appropriately integrated into the look and feel of the existing town character. Landscape and ecological features such as creeks, also contribute important qualities to the setting. Finally, the plan champions the unique character of each “room” as the basis of preserving a way of life.

1. Preserve and Enhance Essential Character Elements

2. ENHANCE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION

Rooms and transitions offer a framework for preservation and to define the distinguishing character of the corridor. Other features are important to highlight and retain where possible. The challenge is to address public safety and design standards for accessibility and a multi-modal “complete” streets while also accommodating these items. The plan recommends these specific actions:

Miller Avenue is part of a greater ecological system encompassing urban habitat planting, natural vegetation, the creek, the watershed, and regional open space. The plan recognizes the contributions the street improvement project could make to bring environmental benefit to the system. This approach is appropriate to the factual and no frills character of Miller Avenue. As an example, the creek would not so much be revealed, as it is responded to, and the water that flows to it, treated in response to its function. The plan recommends these specific actions: •

Direct stormwater run-off where possible to vegetated treatment areas in medians and curb side planters and pervious pavement in parking lanes and lots.

•

Coordinate planting to reflect the natural context of forest (Passage), arboretum (Parkway), urban garden (Main Street), and natural shoreline (Marsh).

•

Encourage positive human habitat by creating a comfortable environment through planting, traffic calming and providing a walkable, bikable corridor.

study is required to ensure public safety and access needs are met. •

Create a unique landscape character in Main Street based on existing positive attributes of landscape, street form (curvature), and hierarchy.

•

Highlight the creek though enhanced treatments at pedestrian crossings and by bringing the character of the creek out to Miller at connecting streets and paths.

•

Incorporate the Steps Lanes & Paths (SLP) into the circulation network.

Willow St.

Park Ave.

PASSAGE - Sunnyside to Millwood

PARKWAY - Millwood to Willow

“Maintain Rural Character”

“Enhance the Arboretum”

34 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Evergreen Ave.

Montford Ave.

Sun

nys ide

Ave .

ood S

Millw

La Goma St.

Retain existing trees where possible and replace those lost with new trees in an appropriate quantity and planting pattern. Several existing trees interrupt curbs, sidewalks, and even driving lanes. The plan has best adjusted layout of these items to allow the tree to remain – creating in the process, new quirks. Further

Locust Ave.

Miller Avenue Streetscape Illustrative

•

MAIN STREET - Willow to Reed/Valley Circle Improve Mobility in the Village Setting

3. CREATE A SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE The street design should enhance the natural diversity of regional plants and wildlife while communicating an appropriate garden character. Species planted can create habitat for beneficial insects and birds. Considerations can extend from street plantings to aquatic resources adjacent to and downstream from the street. Light trespass is a potential impact to natural areas to be considered. The plan recommends these specific actions: •

Coordinate plant species and tree installation methods with the City Park Superintendent to maximize health and access to groundwater.

•

Plant native and climate appropriate (drought tolerant) species that attract beneficial insects.

•

Replace lawn with drought tolerant turf species that do not require frequent mowing.

•

Provide adequate space for street trees and select narrow forms where conflicts with passing vehicles may occur.

Install trees in adequate soil in a manner that allows access to groundwater.

4. Highlight History

•

Consider maintenance requirements and minimize the labor required to sustain the planting.

The plan encourages expression of historic features including the railroad, homes, and the Steps Lanes and Paths (SLP). Historic features and information is described later in this chapter.

•

Select plant material that responds to safety sight lines and visibility of merchant storefronts. Generally, street shrub planting should be low growing (under 30”) and street tree canopies raised to 8-10’. To achieve clearance under canopies, taller trees should be considered.

•

Conduct a study of habitat improvements to the creek and encourage removal of invasive vegetation. The plan seeks to improve habitat for anadramous fish in the creek. Reed Creek, including newly daylighted portions, should be improved by removing barriers and increasing shade.

•

Alt

Ree

d St

Alm o

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ay ez W

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GATEWAY - Reed/Valley Circle to Camino Alto “Promote Ecological Enhancements”

MARSH - Camino Alto to Almonte “Celebrate the Marsh Landscape”

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 35

36 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Passage: Sunnyside to Millwood â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maintain Rural Characterâ&#x20AC;?

Existing Room Character

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 37

Passage: Maintain Rural Character Sunnyside to Millwood

Refer to page 39 for enlargement Gravel parking area to maintain rustic character

Millw

Improve planted area and maintain trees

t. ood S

e Grov St.

Improve planted area

Hill S

ide

Ave .

t St.

s Forre

Sun

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Enhance existing creek by removing invasive species and replanting with native selections

New planting

Stone wall and native plantings highlight creek crossing

Special sidewalk paving at Steps, Lanes & Paths connection

Legend Proposed Trees

38 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Existing Trees to Remain

100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

200â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Landscape Design Goal

Green Street and Creek Enhancement Opportunity at Millwood Street OOD MILLW

Highlight the natural conditions of hillside and creek through the planting of native and compatible species. Discourage regular spacing and continuous planting of a single species except on the Presidio sidewalk in front of private homes.

Provide parking on Presidio Avenue on a gravel pad to allow stormwater treatment

Reroute sidewalk to preserve existing trees and create an accessible sidewalk

Passage Signature Existing Trees

Recommended New Trees

Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)*

Aesculus californica (California Buckeye)*

Acer rubrum â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Red Maple)

Alnus rhombifolia (White Alder)*

Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar)

Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)*

Populus fremontii S. (Fremont Cottonwood)*

Quercus kellogii (Black Oak)

Quercus argifolia (Coast Live Oak)*

Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)*

Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar)

Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)

Populus fremontii S. (Fremont Cottonwood)*

Umbellularia californica (California Bay Laurel)*

Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) Umbellularia californica (California Bay Laurel)* Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)*

* Native Species

VE DIO A

PRESI

MILLER AVE (INBOUND) Preserve existing trees

Express creek crossing with new stone wall, wooden pedestrian bridge, and expanded planting in bulb-out

New bike lane with buffer and enhanced planting

Mill Valley Cabinet Shop

ND)

BOU

UT E (O V A ER

MILL

Gravel areas to preserve existing parking

Decorative treatments at median paving over creek

Permeable paving at parking and expanded median planter where possible Creek enhancements such as native planting, bank stabilization, removal of invasive species

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 39

40 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Parkway: Millwood to Willow “Enhance the Arboretum”

Existing Room Character

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 41

Parkway: “Enhance the Arboretum” Millwood to Willow

Millwood Creek Crossing (Refer to page 39 for enlargement) Preserve existing trees where possible and enhance the arboretum-like quality with new plantings

Park Ave.

ood S

Millw

Expand median planting areas where possible for new tree clusters or “bosques”

Permeable paving and native planting near creek Enhance existing creek planting by removing invasive species and replanting with native selections

Legend Proposed Trees

Existing Trees to Remain

42 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Una Way

Widen existing planted median

Expand median planting areas where possible for new tree clusters or “bosques”

Preserve existing redwood trees Expand median planting areas where possible for new tree clusters or “bosques”

Landscape Design Goal Enhance the arboretum effect by planting a diverse and unique collection of trees. Species should represent climate compatible geographies, seasonal flourishes, and favor deciduous selections. Preserve existing trees where possible and provide new groupings of trees at enlarged median ends. Parkway

Maintain vegetation to preserve sight lines at crosswalk

Refer to page 48 for illustrative graphic Willow St.

Expand median planting areas where possible for new tree clusters or “bosques”

Signature Existing Trees

Recommended New Trees

Betula nigra (River Birch)

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

Cedar Sp.

Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)

Lagerstroemia Indica (Crape Myrtle)

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Snow Flurry’*

Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum)

Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Thorn)

Malus Spp. (Crabapple)

Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ (Beech)

Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (Purple Leaf Plum)

Fremontodendron ‘Pacific Sunset’ (Pacific Sunset Fremontia)

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)*

Garrya elliptica (Coast Silk-tassel) Maytenus boaria (Mayten Tree) Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum)

Olea europaea (Olive) Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache) Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’ (Purple Leaf Plum) Prunus yedoensis (Alcebano Flowering Cherry) Quercus coccinia (Scarlet Oak) Quercus robur ‘Fastigata’ English Oak Quercus rubra (Scarlet Oak) Quercus suber (Cork Oak) Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree)

Preserve existing trees where possible and enhance the arboretum-like quality with new plantings

Special sidewalk paving at steps, lanes & paths connection

100’

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova) * Native Species

200’

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 43

44 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Main Street: Willow to Reed/Valley Circle â&#x20AC;&#x153;Improve Mobility in the Village Settingâ&#x20AC;?

Existing Room Character

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 45

Main Street: Improve Mobility in the Village Setting Willow to Reed/Valley Circle

Landscape Design Goal Provide patterns of urban street trees that reinforce the distinct zones of this business district (major intersection, median, creek, neighborhood green street, etc). Street plans provide additional information about locations for new trees. Neighborhood green street connection to creek at Willow St., Locust Ave., and La Goma St. Design concept includes permeable paving, rain gardens, and new tree plantings. Refer to page 48 for illustrative graphic

Main Street Signature Existing Trees

Recommended New Trees

Ceratonia siliqua (Carob Tree)

Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)*

Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticlear’ (Flowering Pear)

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)*

Aesculus californica (California Buckeye)*

Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)

Alnus glutinosa (Black Alder)

Special sidewalk paving at steps, lanes & paths connection

Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam) Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' (Eastern Redbud) Gingko biloba (Gingko) Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Honey locust) Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle) Malus ‘Robinson’ (Robinson Crabapple) Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum) Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache) Platanus acerifolia 'Columbia' (London Plan Tree) Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticlear’ (Flowering Pear) Quercus argifolia (Coast Live Oak)* Quercus coccinia (Scarlet Oak) * Native Species

Connection to SLP Refer to page 48 for illustrative graphic

Legend Proposed Trees

46 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Existing Trees to Remain

Refer to page 49 for illustrative graphic Seating and permeable paving at existing Carob tree

Enhance the Public Realm in Main Street The quality of the walking, seating, and gathering should be enhanced to better support a customer friendly environment and express the culture of Mill Valley. Opportunities for casual outdoor seating during lunch are sorely needed. The plan recommends these specific improvements:

Planting area to treat parking lot stormwater near creek

•

The design realigns the curve to improve safety and provide a much widened sidewalk on the outbound side of the street. The curve locations and resulting median and sidewalk areas emphasize the central portions of Main Street from Montford to Evergreen.

•

Medians are highlighted with regular groupings of flowering or fall color trees interplanted with larger accent species create a verdant setting and rhythmic pattern. The unobstructed planted medians will become a defining feature of Main Street.

•

Provide opportunity for display of public art. This may be done as a rotating, temporary exhibit or as a permanent installation. Elements may become stand alone sculpture or integrated functional components of the street such as sidewalk paving, seating, low fencing, and light poles. Additional study and coordination the Mill Valley Art Commission is required.

•

Create small seating areas at corner bulb outs and explore long term strategies for a public square. The widened sidewalk on the outbound side provides opportunity for enhanced paving and sidewalk seating to encourage strolling, special events, and lunch outdoors.

•

Link to the existing creek from Miller Avenue through the public parking lot and street connections. Use special themed native planting and permeable paving to showcase the ecological resource. Additional coordination is required with property owners adjacent to the creek.

Permeable paving highlights access to creek

Valley Cir

Enhancement to Reed Creek includes planting and seating

Pedestrian bridge and low stone wall at creek crossing

Riparian planting

Provide double row of trees where possible to frame widened sidewalk

Enhanced sidewalk zone between Montford and Evergreen

Regular space trees to mark the rhythm of intersections and to highlight the central zone of main street

Manage vegetation to preserve sight lines at crosswalk Stormwater treatment in parking areas and curbside rain gardens Stormwater treatment area

Refer to page 53 for illustrative graphic •

Taller trees with higher • Smaller median tree to preserve canopy along street views to Mt. Tam Main Street Concept Diagrams to preserve visibility of • Low median shrub planting to storefronts keep sight lines open

•

Street light and hanging basket may allow wider tree spacing

Main Street Concept Diagrams Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 47

Cultural Expression - Enhancing the Public Realm in Main Street Historic Millwood Depot Corner at Willow Historic Millwood Depot corner enhancement with wooden sidewalk platform, parking, seating, planting and potential for stormwater treatment rain garden Add back-in diagonal parking

Enhanced connection to SLP with low stone wall at street and special paving

Above: Existing Condition Below: Map showing historic station location

48 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

All buildings shown are existing Bulb-out with accessible ramps, benches, planting and bike parking

Pedestrian improvements with well marked crosswalks and median refuge

Street lighting

Existing trees with seating deck and planting

Bench or reclaimed wooden seat

2AM

Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Raised crosswalk

Salon

La Goma Public Plaza Concept (2AM Club and Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

Permeable concrete paving at parking

Rain garden stormwater treatment

Shelter Bike Parking

Existing trees with seating and planting Enhanced paving at intersection crosswalks and bulbout

La Goma Bus Stop Concept (Jiffy Lube)

Bench or reclaimed wooden seat Planting around existing tree

Neighborhood Entry: Main Street intersections to adjacent neighborhoods should be developed with bulb-outs, raised crosswalks, and planting to calm traffic entering neighborhood side streets and provide comfortable seating. Bulb-outs can also accommodate rain gardens where stormwater is collected. Streets such as Willow, Locust, Evergreen, and La Goma may be developed as green streets, incorporating permeable paving in parking zones and planted stormwater treatment areas to ecologically and symbolically link Miller Avenue to the creek.

Neighborhood Entry

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 49

Cultural Expression - Enhancing the Public Realm in Main Street Evergreen Intersection

Outbound Miller Avenue from Locust St.

50 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Gateway: Reed / Valley Circle to Camino Alto Promote Ecological Enhancement

Existing Room Character

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 51

Gateway: Promote Ecological Enhancement

Planting and low stone walls to enhance civic gateway and guide pedestrians

Reed/Valley Circle to Camino Alto

Convert mowed lawn to drought tolerant meadow

Legend Proposed Trees

Existing Trees to Remain

Preserve existing culvert Convert mowed lawn to drought tolerant meadow

ay ez W

Gom

Valley Cir

Filter runoff in swale at new curb cut

Create a stormwater treatment zone above area of tidal influence

Enhance sidewalk condition with new street trees

Reed St.

Plant new trees to replace trees lost naturally over time

52 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Landscape Design Goal

Reed Creek Crossing at Reed St.

Preserve the open meadow appearance of the median by planting large signature trees over time as existing trees require replacement. Convert traditional lawn to taller growing (8-10â&#x20AC;?), drought tolerant, fescue or similar species meadow to reduce water use and maintenance costs. Create shaded sidewalks with continuous plantings of single species. Gateway Signature Existing Trees

Recommended New Trees

Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum)

Alnus rhombifolia (White Alder)*

Platanus acerifolia (London Plane)

Arbutus menziesii (Madrone)*

Populus nigra 'Italica'

Betula occidentalis (Streamside birch)*

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)*

Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar)

Schinus molle (California Pepper)

Cornus nuttallii (Pacific dogwood)* Populus nigra 'Italica' Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood)* Platanus acerifolia (London Plane)

Existing Condition at Reed Street

Reed Creek

Umbellularia californica (California Bay Laurel) * Native Species

Taller growing drought tolerant meadow grass species at UC Davis campus entry.

Existing lawn

Reed Creek Crossing Enhancement Opportunity at Reed & Valley Circle with Opportunity for a Small Gathering Area.

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 53

54 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Marsh: “Celebrate the Marsh Landscape” “Camino Alto to Almonte Blvd”

Existing Room Character

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 55

Marsh: Celebrate the Marsh Landscape Camino Alto to Almonte Blvd.

Provide planting at corner Native planting

Enhance natural planting at marsh

Enhance planting in coordination with adjacent landowners and in association with sidewalk extension.

Preserve existing marsh landscape

Preserve existing median and planting

Legend Proposed Trees

Existing Trees to Remain

56 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Enhance planting in coordination with adjacent landowners and in association with sidewalk extension.

Landscape Design Goal

Preserve existing marsh landscape

Maintain the vast open presence of the marsh by limiting tree planting to areas near urban sites such as schools and residential frontages. Avoid tree plantings in medians and shoulders adjacent to marsh areas. Marsh Signature Existing Trees

Recommended New Trees

Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine)

Aesculus californica (California Buckeye)* Alnus rhombifolia (White Alder)* Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)* Quercus kellogii (Black Oak)* Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple)*

* Native Species

City

County

Preserve existing median and planting

Maintain vegetation to preserve sight lines at crossing

Expand natural planting at marsh City

Blvd . onte Alm

Provide planting and stormwater treatment

County

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 57

B. Existing Tree Analysis & Preservation

clusters such as the Carobs at Joe’s Taco Lounge and in front of the Buddhist Temple have been identified for desired preservation by community members.

The verdant nature of Miller Avenue is due to its mature trees. The team and City arborist have evaluated existing trees and sought to minimize removal and impacts. The Plan does not modify or propose to remove most trees along the street, with exception of Main Street (from Willow to Reed / Valley Circle) due to roadway alignment modifications required in this area. Where unavoidable conflicts exist and trees must be removed, there are opportunities for replacement using techniques that ensure a healthy tree.

The graphic plan below provides information on the existing tree lifespan, species, and generally observed condition in Main Street. Illustrative plans of the roadway configuration in this chapter depicts new and existing trees for potential preservation.

10 11

17 181920

5 22

24 25

Summary of Existing Main Street Trees •

Short life span trees: 100+ years (Crop type trees such as pears)

•

Medium life span trees: 50-100 years (magnolias, honey locust, carobs)

•

Long life span trees: 25-50 years (redwoods)

•

Special trees (carobs and heritage trees)

12 13 14 15

La Goma St.

Locust St.

Willow St.

One useful measurement tool of trees planted in an urbanized area such as a street, is to review the lifecycle of the species – long, medium and short life span and where they are today in that spectrum, especially for main street. Condition and survivability of construction are also important factors for consideration. On Miller Avenue in Main Street for example, many short and medium life trees are well through their half way point and beginning to decline while several long life trees are doing well and will continue to grow for many decades. Many trees, magnolias in particular, are not thriving and have significantly damaged the surrounding paving. Several tree

33 34

28 29 30

60 61 62

37 38

40 41 4344 45 42

21 27

Existing pear trees are not long lived and are currently more than half way through their life span. Replacement with a similarly sized tree is possible within 5 years.

Carob trees are medium lived and while half way through their live span, they have been identified by many in the community as a special cluster to be preserved if possible.

39 65 66 67 68 69

52 46 47 48 49 5051

70 71 72 7374 75 76 77 78

89 90 91

81 82

83 84

85 86

Existing Tree Legend Long Life Span Tree (100+ years)

Main Street Existing Tree Longevity

Evergreen St.

Medium Life Span Tree (50-100 years) Short Life Span Tree (25-50 years)

58 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Miller Avenue Tree Evaluation

1"=40'

Tree & Forestry Recommendations

Vision of a Sustainable Landscape

The following guidelines are proposed to protect existing trees and create a healthy urban forest in the future: •

Street design and layout to avoid tree impacts including consideration of future conflicts such as sightlines, vehicle collision, and truck damage where trees are retained in new street layout.

•

Protect existing trees during construction using fencing and requiring hand digging near roots

•

Box up and relocate appropriate existing trees (high cost)

•

Replant same or greater quantity as currently exists

•

Select species suitable for street environments

•

Design tree planting method to maximize access to groundwater (self watering) and provide appropriate soil medium (limit pavement cracking).

•

Install several large container size specimen type trees to gain mature size at installation.

•

Repurpose removed trees for mulch, site furniture, and soil amendment.

Healthy urban forest consisting of appropriate species using special planting techniques.

Enhanced planting area with other character elements such as natural stone and wood

Climate appropriate plants that may be native and have value to birds and beneficial insects.

Examples of stormwater treatment planting areas incorpoirated into streetscapes

Landscape Recommendations •

Coordinate planting with the room character - from highly natural to more refined groupings that evoke a rustic quality.

•

Select climate appropriate speceis for drought tolerance. California and regionally native species should be used where appropriate to the growing conditions and maintenance limitations.

•

Enhance the “Marin Garden” aesthetic by using an appropriate mix of textures, hues, flower, and habit. Planting should evoke a seasonality in visual character and scent.

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 59

C. History Highlight History The plan encourages expression of historic features including the railroad, homes, and the Steps Lanes and Paths. The evolution of Miller Avenue from a creek, to commuter railroad, to road, to the multi-modal corridor of tomorrow, is a story also worth telling. The plan recommends these specific improvements: •

Install a series of markers noting railroad alignment, station points (mileage measured back to the Ferry Building), and boarding platforms and buildings.

•

Place markers should designate historic buildings, homes, events, and people that have shaped Mill Valley and the Miller Avenue corridor over time. Markers –i.e. mounted plaques, pavement engravings – should be appropriately scaled to be discovered by pedestrians as a self-guided walking, rather than advertise to passing cars. Additional study and coordination is required with the Historic Society.

•

Celebrate the historic Millwood Station at Willow with a sidewalk plaza that links to the Steps Lanes and Paths.

•

Incorporate the historic Steps Lanes & Paths into the streetscape.

Marin Lumber & Fuel Company Garder Villa

Doherty Co. Lumber Yard Buildings And Former Railroad Shed

La Goma St.

Locust Ave.

The Carrase House

Dollar Lumber Company Railroad Freight House

Overall Plan of Historic Features 60 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Evergreen Ave.

Sun

nys

Willow St.

Ave

Park Ave.

yside

Ave .

Millwood Depot

Sunn

e St.

Grov

Hill S

t St.

s Forre

ide

Locust Ave. Station

“Poplar Brae” House

Maple House

Almonte Depot Alt

Gom

LEGEND

a ez W

Blv

ont e

Historic Railroad Alignment Tamalpais High School

Alm

Corte Madera Del Presidio Creek Reed Creek Historic Feature or Place Steps, Lanes & Paths (SLP)

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 61

Historic Maps & Photos

62 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Historic maps describe an interesting past and often give clues to current conditions and quirks.

Right: Multiple track spurs in the Passage once connected to supply yards and warehouses in addition to the Mill Valley station depot. Left: Map showing the setback at historic depot once located at Willow intersection and SLP. Below: Survey station points along the railroad reference an origin in San Francisco where a commute home would begin.

Character: Ecology, Landscape & Culture | 63

64 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

4. Implementation

A. Infrastructure

Overview

Key Recommendations

Miller Avenue was developed incrementally, expanding and addressing engineering issues as service required. The result is varying degrees of condition by segment and by direction (inbound and outbound). Preliminary investigations were conducted for the existing infrastructure to inform design recommendations, costs, and to address critical needs. Asphalt paving, sidewalk concrete, accessible curb ramps, storm drainage, sewer pipes, and lighting are examples of infrastructure reviewed and addressed as part of this project. The investigations found that considerable street repairs and modernization work is needed to maintain usability and to meet important safety and accessibility codes. These deficiencies are proposed as part of the streetscape improvements to limit further deterioration, reduce future costs, and comply with current accessibility regulations.

1. Provide Basic Roadway Repair

2. Improve Drainage

The existing street pavement shows signs of failure – particularly in the travel lanes where large vehicles drive. Recent surveys found a range of pavement conditions from very poor to good. Millwood to Gomez was the lowest ranked section. Federal standards require the City of Mill Valley to maintain a minimum pavement condition in order to continue receiving funds. Steep cross slopes and buried gutters indicate remedial repairs are no longer possible as the roadway’s effective service life is exceeded. Innovative pavement rehabilitation techniques such as cold foam asphalt recycling and pulverization could be economically implemented if the area of work is of sufficient size.

Underground storm drainage pipes and collection points are adequate to convey storm runoff, however repairs and modifications will be required to adapt the system to a new street configuration. The project will also require grading of surfaces to better direct water away from the road, businesses, and sidewalks. Rain gardens ( 2A ) and other planted treatment areas are proposed to filter trash and pollutants from the runoff. Flooding ( 2B )typically results from high water in the creek not allowing storm water to discharge from drainage pipes – an issue of great concerns to the City and community. Future sea level rise predictions exacerbate the issue. Potential flood control and sea level rise adaptation strategies will be part of on-going investigations by the City in collaboration with County and regional agencies, and will be addressed as part of the appropriate phase of project implementation.

Locust Ave.

Willow St.

Park Ave.

ood S

Millw

Sun

nys ide

Ave .

La Goma St.

Miller Avenue Streetscape Illustrative

Montford Ave.

Evergreen Ave.

PASSAGE - Sunnyside to Millwood

66 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

PARKWAY - Millwood to Willow

MAIN STREET - Willow to Reed/Valley Circle

3. Upgrade Lighting

5. Repair Utilities

Street light upgrades are recommended to improve the motorists’ visibility of pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.

4. Meet Accessibility Needs

Modifications to utilities such as sewer, water, and gas located underground will be required to address needed repairs and to accommodate layout changes where they occur. Contact with utility companies should be commenced well in advance to the streetscape construction in order to avoid delays.

Typical problem conditions such as narrow sidewalk conditions (i.e. at the frozen yogurt shop in Main Street), steep driveway slopes on sidewalks, broken and uneven sidewalk concrete due to settlement and tree roots, and corner curb ramps that are too steep must be addressed to meet Americans with Disability Act and Title 24 requirements.

4 Ca

Alt

Blvd

ay ez W

Gom

Ree

d St

Alm o

nte

100’

200’

GATEWAY - Reed/Valley Circle to Camino Alto

MARSH - Camino Alto to Almonte

Infrastructure & Implementation | 67

Issues SITE ACCESSIBILITY

Many curb ramps do not meet current accessible standards as the slopes exceed maximum values.

Recommendations

Considerations

• Many of the existing curb ramps, driveways, and sidewalks do not • Provide at least 48” clear path with equal to or less than 2% cross • In locations where the accessible cannot be provided comply with current accessible requirements as defined by ADA and slope within current right of way, consider the acquisition California Code. of additional right of way. • The grade along the path of travel should be less than 5.0%. • Provide curb ramps with a grade less than 8.33% and be at least 48” • The City should also consider strategies to manage temporary items such as trash cans that obstruct wide, at least 48” level landing at the top of ramp, max 5% slop at the sidewalk. In places such as the Passage where the bottom of ramp sidewalks remain minimal in width, trash operation • Provide detectable warning devices at the interface between controls by the sanitation company or private property pedestrians and vehicles owner may be effective to address the condition. • The maximum vertical edge along a path of travel shall be less than ¼” • Modify the alignment with bulbout to allow sufficient area to provide accessible path at the limited right of way location

DRAINAGE AND HYDROLOGY

Most driveways along Miller Avenue exceed the 2% maximum cross slope in many locations, providing an accessible path of travel, without widening the sidewalk will require modifications on private property.

• During a confluence of high tide and significant rainfall, flooding • New storm drain inlets and underground piping should be installed to From Richardson Bay Tidal Flood Study frequently occurs along Miller Avenue near Tamalpais High School minimize overland flows across roadways and along gutters. • Install a tidal barrier wall • Due to the application of repeated asphalt overlays, the roadway • Adjustments to the roadway’s geometry such as the inclusion of • Upsize outlet pipes has been raised resulting in a steep slope back to the curb. This is bulb-outs will block drainage thereby requiring modifications to the • Install flap gates at outlet pipes to block tidal water particularly evident in the Passage area. drainage system. from entering the storm drain system. • Concrete gutters are damaged and have settled resulting in localized • Improvements should be designed to accommodate future flood inundation. control infrastructure such as reserving adequate area for subsurface • Install pump station to discharge storm water during high tides piping and providing surface finishes that can be easily removed and • Concrete gutters have been paved over in previous asphalt overlays • The report is a planning document and further study replaced. reducing the capacity to convey storm water. would be required to evaluate site specific hydraulics • Runoff is conveyed along the surface in swales and gutters for long • Permeable paving such as is proposed in select parking zones can and define the necessary infrastructure. However, allow water to infiltrate the ground. This technique can also reduce lengths. For example, there are no catch basins between Millwood as many of the proposed components are located peak flows during storm events by temporarily holding a quantity and Willow, resulting in significant water collecting in the lower outside of the Miller Avenue streetscape zone, they back from the drains and creek. areas. In significant storm events, the quantity of runoff may impede may not need to be installed simultaneously. the roadway. • The existing storm drain infrastructure along Miller Avenue is considered capable of conveying a 25-year rainfall event. However, due to tidal influence at the point of discharge the frequency of inundation increases.

Localized areas of ponding create pavement distress and hazards to pedestrians and motorists.

68 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Issues

Recommendations

Considerations

STORM WATER QUALITY • Run off from streets and parking lots enter the creek and bay • Where possible, storm water should be directed into bioretention • The proposed improvements may not require directly, carrying pollutants into sensitive ecosystems. (planted catchment areas where water collects for a short duration compliance with storm water quality requirements; before being filtered through permeable soil. These are also referred implementing features such as bioretention systems to as “rain gardens”. can be beneficial. By 2013, local jurisdictions will be required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to eliminate the discharge of trash to creeks. Implementing bioretention systems or similar techniques in new construction provide a cost effective and efficient method to capture trash.

PUBLIC UTILITIES • Aerial infrastructure is located on joint utility poles commencing • Undergrounding of the utility poles can be completed through a Rule • If credits are not available, the City can underground north of the lumber yard to the intersection of Willow in the median 20A program if the City of Mill Valley has sufficient credits available. the utilities, but pays the entire cost. At this time, the parking area. (This is not anticipated) City has prioritized areas other than Miller Avenue for undergrounding. • As most of the existing utility infrastructure along Miller Avenue • All utilities located beneath future street trees should be relocated to

Breaks in the curb create concentration of storm water runoff across the roadway.

is located along the existing curb lines, revisions to the roadway prevent conflict. • To determine the precise horizontal and vertical geometry, placement of trees, and addition of street lights will likely • Public utilities are required to relocate their infrastructure to locations of existing infrastructure, potholing is be in conflict. recommended. accommodate an improvement project if financed through public • The electrical and telephone duct structures are often buried shallow funds. This process should begin two years prior to commencing and occupy a significant width creating a conflict with street light streetscape construction. foundations and the placement of trees. • Improvements to the sanitary sewer main as previously recommended • The placement of trees near sewer and water pipes often cause should be completed. conflicts due to root intrusion. • Additional research with the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin is necessary to determine the status of their facilities. • Sanitary sewer laterals should be replaced from the main to the right of way to prevent future disruption to new asphalt pavement and streetscape elements.

The median concrete ditch is tidally influenced. The flat slope allows water to pond.

• Existing utility vaults and manholes installed in the sidewalk areas should be modified to be flush with the adjacent grade. • A Rule 20A program should be initiated with PG&E to underground overhead conductors.

Existing utility vaults are located in the roadway. Depending on final design, these vaults may occur in bicycle lanes and should be relocated to prevent a hazard. Some of the vaults are damaged as they are not traffic rated. Infrastructure & Implementation | 69

Issues

Recommendations

Considerations

ASPHALT PAVEMENT AND CONCRETE CONDITION • Principle pavement distresses founded along Miller Avenue • Rehabilitation by pavement pulverization crushes the asphalt in place • The proposed streetscape improvements will need includes alligator cracking, transverse cracking, and raveling. and mixes it with the existing base materials to the pulverized material to be coordinated with the roadway’s rehabilitation increasing its strength. A benefit is the existing materials can be restrategy. • The most critical distress is alligator cracking which indicates graded allowing for modification of the roadway’s geometry providing • Any relocation of the existing curbs and gutters a failure of the pavement’s structural section. It occurs due to a uniform cross slope. improper structural section (asphalt and aggregate base), excessive will be challenging as significant cross slopes exist traffic loading, or inadequate compaction of the aggregate base • All segments of Miller Avenue with a pavement condition index of that cannot be grinded without compromising the or sub grade. poor or lower should be removed and re-constructed. roadway’s structural integrity. • Along much of Miller Avenue, the severity is considered low to • Segments of Miller Avenue with a steep cross slope or 30% of failed medium. Once a crack forms, water penetrates the pavement and area present should also be removed and re-constructed. infiltrates into the sub grade further weakening the structural • The pavement’s structural section should be designed for a 20 section exacerbating deterioration. year design life based on an R value determined by geotechnical • Excessive loads that damage pavement are generally caused by investigation and a Traffic Index derived from record truck traffic. truck traffic - typically found in the inbound and outbound right • In segments with good pavement condition, existing striping should lanes be sandblasted, a slurry seal applied, and revised striping installed.

Typical pavement distress found along Miller Avenue includes alligator, transverse, and longitudinal cracking.

A steep cross slope is present near the gutter in the parkway due to numerous pavement overlays. The existing concrete gutter has been overlaid by asphalt. 70 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

• According to as-built plans, Miller Avenue began with a pavement • Narrowing of the roadway to widen sidewalks will create an adverse structural section consisting of 3 inches of asphalt over 6 inches of slope in the sidewalk area likely requiring reconstruction of the cement treated base atop a prepared sub grade. This section would roadway. likely be inadequate to support heavy loads as Miller Avenue is the • Given the current pavement condition, quantities of overlay present, City’s designated truck route. and potential for adjustments to the roadway geometry, rehabilitation • Through the years, additional asphalt overlays were applied to of asphalt by pavement pulverization should be considered. correct deterioration, however, as the damaged areas were not replaced, the extra asphalt provides limited additional capacity.

Issues

Recommendations

Considerations

ASPHALT PAVEMENT AND CONCRETE CONDITION (continued) • Significant areas of concrete sidewalk contain cracking, joint • All sidewalks exhibiting distress should be removed and replaced. dislocation. The damage appears to be created by existing trees • Exploration for providing accessible conforms to private properties and vehicles parking on the sidewalk. where applicable should be considered. • Repair the rock retaining wall near the westerly project limit. • All non-accessible compliant sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, and driveways should be replaced. • Driveways installed on sidewalks with a width of less than 8 feet will require an encroachment onto private property to address resulting sidewalk cross slopes.

Sidewalk cracking and up-heave creates a non accessible compliant path of travel.

• In many locations, as there is inadequate right of way to install compliant pedestrian ramps without an encroachment onto private property, bulb outs should be installed.

GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS • Bay Mud can prevent challenges during construction as excavation • The City should conduct a site specific geotechnical investigation upon and compaction is difficult - limited to the easterly segments. development of a preferred streetscape layout.

SOIL CONTAMINATION • The California State Water Resources Control Board’s GeoTracker • Properly classifying the level of contamination will be necessary to application identifies nine sites along Miller Avenue that are establish a cost for disposal. known to be contaminated. Six of the sites have been remediated • Site specific tests should be performed to determine the total level of and require no further action. The final three are currently being contamination assessed or to verify remediation was successful.

Differential settlement between the curb and sidewalk prevents drainage of the sidewalk.

• As improvements to Miller Avenue will likely result in excavation, disposal of excess soil will be necessary.

Damage present in the existing rock retaining wall should be corrected. An evaluation of the wall’s stability during construction will be necessary if improvements to the sidewalk or roadway are considered. Infrastructure & Implementation | 71

Issues SANITARY SEWER

Recommendations

Considerations

• Root intrusion, settled deposits, build-up on walls, sags, cracks, • Line 2,086 linear feet of existing pipeline with cured-in-place-pipe, • Further study would be required to evaluate if offsets, and water infiltration during the inspection along Miller fold-n-form, or similar technique. there is adequate depth available downstream to Avenue from Millwood Street to Evergreen Avenue. accommodate increasing the pipe’s slope. • Complete point repairs at 22 locations which includes removing about • The study indicates that there are sections of sewer pipeline that 10 feet of the existing pipeline and replacing with polyvinyl chloride • Depending on the extent of the final streetscape, have flat slopes which lead to settled deposits and potential (PVC) pipe at each location. future upgrades to the sanitary sewer could create surges during high flows. serious disruption to installed improvements. • Remove and replace about 353 linear feet of existing pipeline with PVC. • Remove and replace nine existing laterals. • Replace nine manholes • Replace eight manhole lids with bolt down units. • The report recommends removal and replacement of about 2500 linear feet of pipeline at a steeper slope to reduce the frequency of cleaning.

STREET LIGHTING • Existing street lighting along Miller Avenue is limited to intersection • Improve lighting in the sidewalk areas to increase pedestrian’s • As Miller Avenue has unique zones including varying safety lighting and lower level pedestrian fixtures at crosswalks visibility and sense of safety. roadway type and potential for pedestrian conflict, and in the median parking areas. varying quantities of lighting should be considered. • Provide intersection safety lighting. • The existing fixtures likely do not provide minimum lighting levels • Provide general roadway lighting especially in areas with median • All selected lighting fixtures should include properly in accordance with current design standards. designed cutoff elements to eliminate light pollution parking to improve driver’s visibility of pedestrians. to adjoining properties and the night sky. • Adequate lighting is beneficial as it provides drivers with visibility of pedestrians, bicyclists, parked cars, and other obstructions

72 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

• Select fixtures with high energy efficiency such as LED.

Issues

Recommendations

Considerations

STREET TREES • Existing street trees planted along Miller Avenue are constrained • Proposed improvements should include trees suitable for an urban • The City Arborist should be present during by asphalt pavement and concrete sidewalk. As they were likely environment planted in an appropriate manner. construction near existing trees to advise field crews not planted with the proper soil preparation, their root structures and direct immediate mitigation actions if needed. are heaving infrastructure creating distress. • During construction of improvements, roots will likely be disturbed which will affect the health and stability of the tree. • Disruption to tree roots during construction can be reduced by minimizing the depth of the required structural section by using pavement pulverization or cement treated bases. • All proposed new utilities requiring deep excavations should be routed to avoid street trees.

Sidewalk upheaval is likely due to tree roots.

Infrastructure & Implementation | 73

B. Implementation Overview

Near Term Project Priorities

This section describes a strategy for implementation of the Streetscape Plan improvements. Community comment throughout the planning process has helped identify general objectives to address and specific improvements that are urgently needed. In response, the plan incorporates those ideas and resolves the technical aspects at a conceptual design level. Significant funding is earmarked however total estimated costs exceed the available budget. Therefore, the Plan defines a phased approach to construction. These phases are based on factors that include priority, degree of project complexity (time of detailed design and construction), and cost. The Plan also identifies multiple near term projects that can proceed immediately to yield high value improvements along the entire corridor. At the time of adoption, Public Works is developing a detailed schedule and is pursuing additional grant funding. The chapter concludes with design Elements and Next Steps.

4. Continuity between phases. The improvements between rooms should form a safe transition for vehicle and bicycle lanes. In the long term the street character should be harmonius along its entire length without gaps in planting or sections without any improvement relative to other areas. 5. Community goals-- implementing key design features early in the process (i.e. continuous pedestrian/bicycle access) demonstrates the City and Community’s committment to the benefits of the project.

Phasing Table Potential Timing

Phase

Description

Utility Improvements Entire Corridor*; Marsh & Passage Pavement Repair and Restriping

2013

Gateway Streetscape; Marsh and Passage Remaining Elements

2014

Main Street Streetscape (Stage 1 - Curbside: Sidewalk, curb parking, outside lane)

2015

2. Disruption to the community, merchants, and residents. Constructing a streetscape

Main Street Streetscape (Stage 2 - Inside Lane and Median)

2016

in segments allows less overall disruption to businesses. Completion by block or

Parkway Streetscape

2017

Phasing of Construction Phasing considers the following: 1. Estimated cost of basic infrastructure and complete streetscape implementation for each project segment and available construction funds.

side of a street are exampes of a phased approach used in business districts. 3. Scale of Work- less complicated construction drawings can be completed and put to bid quickly while the more complicated documentation is being finalized. For example, the Passage and Marsh involve mostly restriping of the street and could proceed first.

A. Plant the “DAC Tree” in the Gateway Median B. Move forward on utility repairs and relocations that require lead time to coordinate and construct C. Restripe the Passage and transition zone of the Parkway to provide the new bike lane and buffer D. Implement pedestrian safety improvements at Montford /La Goma as defined by the Task Force and supported by the Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan. E. Execute an agreement with the property owner to the rear of the City Lot and construct improvements that gain public parking and protect the creek F. Test back-in angled parking at the wide area of outbound Gateway and facilitate public comment G. Retripe inbound Gateway to provide the new bike lane and buffer H. Construct SR2S improvements at Camino Alto and Almonte I. Restripe the Marsh area to provide the new bike lane and buffer

* Note: Utility improvements include identified repairs to water and sewer pipes. These may be done in advance to shorten the length of time the street undergoes major construction for streetscape work. The Plan does not assume undergrounding of existing overhead utilities due to cost. Should undergrounding be proposed, phasing would be timed with roadway repairs. I H E D

G F

C C

PASSAGE

PARKWAY

MAIN STREET

GATEWAY

MARSH

PHASE 1

PHASE 5

PHASE 3/4

PHASE 2

PHASE 1

74 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Design Elements Seating The materials and furnishings incorporated into the streetscape should reflect the design character of the community and provide value to the function of the street as a multi-modal corridor. Products should be selected for their durability and maintainability as part of a life cycle consideration. Products containing recycled material and those that can be recycled should be given higher consideration. During the planning process, the community reviewed and commented on desirable styles of elements. It is generally proposed that furnishings such as benches, lights, tree grates, and bollards are background, rather than generators of the community character. The exceptions are a few custom built features such as reclaimed wooden benches and bus shelters. Incorporation of sculpture and special interpretive markers should add a layer of discovery to the pedestrian realm. The images and descriptions provided are intended to convey a style appropriate to Miller Avenue. The final selection will be made as part of detailed design.

Tree Grate

Description

Attractive and durable wooden benches are proposed along Miller Avenue.

Tree grates are proposed along Miller Ave sidewalk trees to protect tree soil compaction over the root ball and to provide a walkable/accessible surface for pedestrians. Patterns should be decorative. Recycled content should be maximized.

Two seating types are proposed: 1. Basic wooden benches for seating that are standardly produced. 2. Custom crafted wood seats that are made from local reclaimed wood. The design may be simple and rustic, or sculptural and artistic.

Locations Tree grates are proposed at all street trees along Miller Avenue.

Locations Benches are proposed at plazas, sidewalks, and corner bulb-out areas. Most bench locations are designated for Main Street where seating is desired. Custom benches should be placed in special locations such as Main Street plazas, corner areas, and other special locations to be determined.

Trash Receptacle

Description Trash receptacles are proposed along Miller Avenue. Trash receptacles should be standardly produced. The receptacle should accommodate both recycle and landfill options.

Locations Trash receptacles should be located at regular spacing of one to two per block in the Main Street with priority given to corners and public seating areas near eating establishments. Other locations along Miller Avenue should be considered according to intensity of use and cost of maintenance operations.

Infrastructure & Implementation | 75

Bus Shelter

Bike Parking

Description

Bicycle parking is proposed along Miller Avenue to encourage use by commuters and for convenience trips. They are shown at locations such as transit stops, corner bulb-outs, and near retail destinations. Racks may be placed as a single station or in groups. Covered parking is shown at select transit stops.

Wayfinding signage is proposed to provide a visual guide directing bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicular users efficiently to their destination. Destination include public parking, offstreet business parking, downtown, and regional trails. Additional consultation with Miller Avenue merchants & chamber of commerce required before implementing this design concept.

Locations Multi bike parking are proposed to locate at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Main Streetâ&#x20AC;?. Multi racks and single rack are proposed to locate store fronts, bulb outs and widen sidewalks.

Bollard

Description Rustic wooden posts convey the character of a natural area and are inspired by regional shoreline parks and the remnants of piers in the Marsh.

Locations Wooden bollards are proposed to be used sparingly as appropriate at special planted locations along the roadway as a rustic element to function as visual divider between pedestrian and vehicular movements.

76 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Signage

Transit Shelter and Covered Bike Parking Concept

Description Custom designed bus shelters are proposed along the Miller Avenue. Design styles considered appropriate by the community include rustic wood framed shelters that may be inspired by the historic railroad station buildings and those created as art/sculptural using a mixture of materials. Shelters should provide cover from rain and wind, be lighted, include seating, and integrate covered bike parking where possible. Additional consultation with the local community required before implementing this design concept.

Locations Bus shelters are located at transit stops. Priority is given to the outbound direction. Shelter placement must be coordinated with transit agency clear zones and to not impede pedestrian circulation.

Locations Signage for parking areas are proposed for Main Street and Gateway areas. Bicycle and pedestrian signage is appropriate to guide visitors looking for downtown and seeking regional trail connections. Distances should be provided.

Lighting

Stone Wall

Historic Railroad Markers and/or Other Historic Landmark Signage

Description

Lighting improvements are needed to provide minimum vehicular and pedestrian safety illumination for Miller Avenue. Fixtures should contribute to the character of the setting. Selections should generally not create a bold statement and tightly unified appearance. Weather resistant wooden poles fitted with metal light fixtures are proposed. LED technology should be explored. Fixtures should be cut-off to prevent light pollution. The Main Street area may be treated with closer spacing and potentially a less rustic pole.

Stone walls are proposed at special locations such as creek crossing, plaza, etc

Historic railroad markers are proposed along Miller Ave. as an interpretive element.

Locations

Additional consultation with the Mill Valley Historic Society is recommended before proceeding with this design concept.

Stone walls are appropriate at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Passageâ&#x20AC;?, Creek Crossing at Millwood St., at the Civic Gateway, and at Camino Alto.

Locations Historic railroad markers are proposed to be located at 0.25 mile intervals along Miller Ave.

Locations Vehicular / Pedestrian scale lighting fixtures are proposed throughout the corridor. Lights should be located according to photometric study to provide minimum illumination taking into account existing and proposed trees.

(Steps, Lanes, Paths) Signage

Description SLP signage is currently located at the historic Steps, Lanes and Paths and should be expanded to new locations.

Locations Locations are identified on streetscape drawings.

Infrastructure & Implementation | 77

Materials Enhanced Concrete Paving

Special Paving at Steps Lanes & Paths (SLP)

Description Colored and textured concrete paving is proposed to enhance the public realm in the Main Street area. Texture may be applied by exposing aggregate through blasting or curing agents. Imprints such as tree leaves may add a decorative detail related to ecological and planting themes.

78 |Mill Valley Miller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Specialty materials such as colored and textured enhanced concrete paving, stamped concrete paving, interlocking unit paver are proposed at key crosswalks along Miller Ave. Enhanced crosswalk can improve visibility and comfort for pedestrians and slowing traffic. Decorative paving patterns or motifs can be placed at the junctions of four (three) streets, where paved crosswalks form a ‘square’.

Locations Enhanced crosswalks are located at Almonte Blvd. intersection, El Camino Alto intersection, crosswalks in “Main Street”, Millwood Street Intersection and Sunnyside Ave intersection.

Description

Permeable unit pavers are proposed at special stormwater treatment areas such as parking areas on green street blocks on Willow, Locust, and La Goma. Select areas of the center median parking including near the creek at Millwood and the center median parking of Main Street.

Special paving - with stone inserts or special designed graphics- is proposed to highlight and enhance where SLP’s intersect the Miller Avenue sidewalk.

Current existing SLP locations such as at Willow.

Unit Pavers

Locations

Description

Locations

Enhanced concrete paving is located at Main Street sidewalks, bulb-outs, and plazas. Enhanced paving is also considered for the mid-block parking zones if permeable alternates are not feasible.

Permeable concrete unit pavers are proposed as enhanced paving and to provide important stormwater treatment. Multi-colored and tumbled styles provide a desirable rustic texture.

Description

Additional consultation with the Parks & Recreation committee required before implementing this design concept.

Locations

Enhanced Crosswalk

Bulb-outs

Description Bulb-outs are proposed at some intersections along Miller Ave to improve pedestrian access. Allowance is needed for vehicle turning and sight-lines. Special paving may apply at selected bulbouts.

Locations Bulbouts are proposed to locate at intersections at “Main Street”, at El Camino Alto intersection and Millwood St. intersection.

Bike Buffer

Street Trees

Description

Bike buffers of 2-3 feet are striped zones to give extra separation to vehicles and bicyclists. Zone between lines may also be colored or textured in lieu of striping.

The Plan expands the planting of street trees in sidewalks and medians for shade and street character. Species (shown in the Ecological and Landscape chapter) are selected to express the room character as well as to be adaptable to street planting locations.

Locations Bike Buffers are located throughout the corridor. Exceptions occur in the Parkway and Marsh where the available width is insufficient.

Locations New and replacement trees are proposed in all room areas. The greatest quantity is proposed in Main Street where significant replacement is needed.

Bike Lane

Additional work will be conducted by Park Superintendent to select appropriate species based on the guidance provided in this Plan.

Description Continuous bike lanes of 6 feet are proposed along Miller Avenue to provide safe routes to school and to encourage non-motorized transportation. 5 foot widths are proposed in the Parkway where right of way widths are insufficient.

Locations Continuous bike lanes are proposed along Miller Avenue from Almonte to Sunnyside intersection.

Planting Materials

Description Understory planting should be selected to be climate appropriate and to reinforce the character of the room.

Locations Illustrative plans show locations of street understory plantings. Additional work will be conducted by Park Superintendent to select appropriate species based on the guidance provided in this Plan.

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Next Steps The Streetscape Plan summarizes the community’s streetscape planning and design goals for the Miller Avenue corridor. Based on the preliminary technical investigations, it defines the street layout at a preliminary schematic level. Future budgeting, pursuit of funding, detailed design, and engineering will be based on this Streetscape Plan. Further refinements will be made and technical details will be developed prior to construction. Such items include: •

Preliminary engineering (final schematic design of the street) and detailed cost estimate

•

Design features (lighting, signage, paving materials, landscaping) and selection of furnishings (bike racks, benches)

•

Back-in diagonal parking pilot program

•

Parking management policies and enforcement

•

Environmental review, as needed

•

Construction documentation (preparation of documents suitable for bid by contractors)

•

Private agreements (such as shared parking agreement with the land owner at the back of the Evergreen City Lot)

•

Easements/Right of Way Issues

•

Funding and financing opportunities (Tiger III, SR2 School)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Elected Officials

Consultant Team

Kenneth R. Wachtel, Mayor Garry Lion, Vice Mayor

WRT – Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

Andrew Berman, Council Member

James K. Stickley, ASLA, LEED AP, Principal

Shawn Marshall, Council Member

John R. Gibbs, ASLA, LEED AP, Project Manager

Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Council Member

Ji-in Son, ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect Andrew Haskin, Designer

City Staff Jim McCann, City Manager

Nelson Nygaard – Transportation and Parking

Mike Moore, Director Planning & Building

Bonnie Nelson, Principal

Danielle Staude, Senior Planner, Project Manager

Brian Canepa, Project Manager

Jill Barnes, Director of Public Works Greg Moore, Fire Chief

BKF – Infrastructure Engineering

Angel Bernal, Police Chief

Robert Stevens, Vice President

Rick Misuraca, Parks Superintendent Mr. Charles Oldenburg – Historian

Design Advisory Committee (DAC) John Leonard (Chair), Bike & Pedestrian Advocate Michael Dyett (Vice Chair), Urban Planner

Chuck Oldenburg, Homestead Valley Parisi Associates – Traffic Engineering David Parisi, PE

John Collins, Civil Engineer/Contractor Jim Ivarone, Miller Avenue Property Owner Cliff Lowe, Landscape Architect

Sponsoring Agency

John McCauley, Planning Commission Liaison Ken Wachtel/Stephanie Moulton-Peters (rotating), City Council Liaison

TAM – Transportation Authority of Marin

Special recognition is given to the many community participants whose guidance and input helped shape this Streetscape Plan, and ultimately, Mill Valley. Thank you.

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