From: Heidi Howerton
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 4:01 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Comments for City Council Meeting April 18, 2022 Dear Mayor Colin and Councilmembers:
Thank you for your time this evening.
My name is Heidi Howerton and I am a resident of Terra Linda, and a member of the Merrydale Promenade Citizens Advisory Group.
I am also a parent to three young children, and subsequently a frequent user of sidewalks and pedestrian paths. We live on Nova Albion near the intersection with Las Gallinas Avenue, where we use a 3.5 ft sidewalk immediately adjacent to parallel parking every morning and every afternoon to get to and from school.
This walk is crowded, hectic and you have to be on constant alert as you have small children walking right next to cars pulling in and out of parking spots.
When my oldest child was three and wanted to go to the Marin County Fair, I decided we should walk because we live so close. Using the freeway overpass seemed like the only way to go. It was terrifying and very hot.
From good experiences I have had as a pedestrian, I've learned that a few small changes can make a huge difference;
-Wider sidewalks
-Trees (for shade and cooling)
-Buffers between road and sidewalk
These three changes alone make a huge difference in the user experience and I urge you to consider the No Parking Alternative for the safety and enjoyment of both children and fellow parents and caregivers.
Regards,
Heidi Howerton