Friends of Mill Valley

Dear Mill Valley Planning Commission,

Please count my voice as another NAY opposed to Chris Raker's expansion project for the 76Union station on East Blithedale.

The policeman teaching my Driver Safety course once informed us that the busiest intersection in all of Marin County was not 'the Hub,' it was the intersection of East Blithedale and Camino Alto in Mill Valley. Why would anyone willingly agree to a proposal which resulted in an increase in traffic at our busiest intersection in the entire county?

Please tell Mr. Raker that there are still several places on I-5 where a service station of that size and with those amenities would be most welcome.

Sincerely,
Eric Parks
40 Marin View Avenue

Mitch Wortzman,

Thank you so much for leading us in opposition to this project.

Dear Planning Commissioners,

During your time to ask the staff questions, would you please investigate the discrepancy between the Traffic Report for this project that rates the E. Blithedale/Camino Alto intersection at a 'D' LOS and the Memo of 2/4/08 from Danielle Staude to the City Council re: the status of the proposed update on the Circulation Element. In this report the intersection is rated an 'E' LOS for over an hour a day. You'll find some info below, and the full memo is available on the City's website.

Dear Planning Commission:

I am writing to register my serious concerns about the proposed renovation to the 76 Station at 630 E. Blithedale. I attended the Planning Commission meeting on June 9, 2008 and appreciate your having provided better public access by starting at 7:00 PM. I also commend you on postponing your decision until there is further clarification about the appropriateness of this project.

Rather than repeat earlier letters already received by you regarding construction at the corner of E. Blithedale and Camino Alto complaining of traffic congestion, noise levels, unsightliness, etc. I would like to suggest that however you rule you give consideration to two potentially dangerous situations that I think currently exist. I have lived on Ryan Ave. for 46 years, and have noticed repeatedly that handicapped pedestrians as well as those that are in good physical shape have difficulty crossing the street in the time allotted by the lights. I realize that moving traffic is important, but I also feel that not further maiming or perhaps even killing the aged or handicapped or even the physically fit who do not realize that when the lights change to green, traffic sometimes responds as if they are at the Indy 500 and the flag has just dropped.

There are several issues that have concerned my regarding this intersection for many years.

At one time, the traffic flow on Camino Alto north below E. Blitehdale had one right turn lane, then two for a period of time and then back to one again. The backup now extends to the middle school in the morning when school is in session and at times nearly to Miller Avenue. This must be addressed.

OF greater concern are the two means of egress from Mill Valley on both Camino Alto and Miller Ave/Almonte. The narrowing of traffic from two lanes to one and back to two are instant bottlenecks every day. If it should ever be necessary to evacuate we are done. This problem has been incurred when there have been high tides in the morning flooding Miller Avenue along Tam High.

Letter in Opposition to 630 E. Blithedale - Design Review, Conditional Use Permit, Negative Declaration

Dear Commissioners:

The Planning Commission discussion of the proposed service station/convenience store at 630 E. Blithedale held June 9, 2008 was terribly disappointing.

The Planning Commission revealed a surprising lack of understanding with regard to the Conditional Use Permit process; the boundaries of its purview, authority, responsibilities and obligations to the community; the fact that the Commission serves the community first and does not "work for" Staff, the City Manager or City Council; and lastly, the proper protocol and decorum required to conduct a balanced, unbiased and effective public meeting. Staff did little to guide the Commission and failed to correct blatant misstatements by the Chair or to properly address Commission inquiries.

Dear Planning Commissioners:

Thank you for delaying the decision regarding 630 E. Blithedale.

If you agree that your job is to represent the citizens of this community, within the ordinances that guide the City, I think you'll conclude that this project is unacceptable as proposed. While it might be a good business deal for the owners, to the residents you represent, it is neither essential nor desirable, the two conditions of a Conditional Use Permit. In fact, it seriously undermines the City's core values including maintaining Mill Valley's small town character, easing traffic congestion, and promoting health and safety.

We are strongly opposed to the expansion at 630 East Blithedale for the following reasons:

The expansion will only make worse traffic conditions at an already busy intersection, it will further degrade the nutritional value of the foods sold near our public schools and community center and it will be a blight on one of our two gateways to the city of Mill Valley

Respectfully,

Gregor and Michelle Syben
100 Circle Avenue

We are opposed on the grounds that:

1. This will only make worse the traffic at an already busy intersection
2. This will further degrade the nutritional value of the foods sold near our public schools and community center
3. This will be a blight on one of our two gateways to the city of Mill Valley

Respectfully,

Urban and Lisa Carmel
79 Ethel Avenue