Before you know what you want, you have to know what you don't want :
at 208 signatures
NO to the concrete slab : http://www.change.org/petitions/no-million-dollar-slab-for-evergreen-ave
at 20 signatures
YES to Living streets pilot project : http://www.change.org/petitions/forevergreen
Synopsis of the EVERGREEN AVENUE in Homestead Valley "SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS" Project
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Recent Email Flurry About Evergreen SR2S Project
On Jul 27, 2012, at 5:27 PM, Wendi Kallins wrote:
Hate the sidewalk, love the sidewalk, hate the process or love it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But this demonizing of the county is really ugly. This project was done for one reason – because the people building it believed it would improve the safety for children traveling to and from school. There was no hidden agenda here. No one got rich from it. The price tag was high because sidewalks are expensive. I’d appreciate if you would stop projecting out what you think is in other people’s minds.
(Wendi Kallins works for Safe Routes to Schools LINK)
I made several attempts contact her, but she would not respond to my emails, so I wrote a public response here.
On Jul 26, 2012, at 2:07 PM, Frank Lurz wrote:
On 7/26/12 12:45 PM, Wayne Dauphine II wrote:
> Frank, you should not get mad at Charles being
> passionate about the sidewalk.
I think you got your wires crossed. I'm not angry with either Mari or Charles. I was calling attention to the anger expressed by Constance Birke toward Charles — was pointing out that in the manner in which she pilloried him in her e-mail message, she was guilty of the very same thing for which she condemned him.
Moreover, I've been just as passionate about the sidewalk as they.
> Don't be angry Charles is an architect and he knows what he is talking about.
There's some serious misunderstanding here. I'm not angry Charles is an architect. How did you come to that notion? I suspect you were confusing Birke's words for mine.
> A lot of people are angry with him, but give him an A for
> effort. Give Mari an A for effort. They are positive voices
> within the community.
Regarding Mari, I couldn't agree more. Charles certainly seems to know what he's talking about, but sometimes his anger compromises the points he makes.
> At the end Kinsey, DPW, or MHS don't care. At the end of the day it
> is all about money.
I couldn't agree more.
> They don't care about opinions or feelings, they want money. They
> don't care about kids, it's all about money. They would justify building
> more sidewalks if safe routes gave them more money. They spent a
> million on a sidewalk which could have feed homeless people here in Marin.
I see you have a higher opinion of Kinsey, DPW, and MHS than I do.
Best.
Frank Lurz
On Jul 26, 2012, at 12:45 PM, Wayne Dauphine II wrote:
The truth of the matter is that all of you should stop fighting and attacking each other. Frank, you should not get mad at Charles being passionate about the sidewalk. Who else will be? Charles and Mari are speaking their mind about the sidewalk. Who else is taking a stand for what they believe in? Don't be angry Charles is an architect and he knows what he is talking about. A lot of people are angry with him, but give him an A for effort. Give Mari an A for effort. They are positive voices within the community. They speak when the Marin IJ or the Mill Valley patch print articles about the sidewalk that lack substance or can be used as kindling for fire. People are trying to censor Charles, Mari, Keith, etc. just like the MHS and DPW have done the residents of Evergreen Ave regarding the sidewalk.
At the end Kinsey, DPW, or MHS don't care. At the end of the day it is all about money. They don't care about opinions or feelings, they want money. They don't care about kids, it's all about money. They would justify building more sidewalks if safe routes gave them more money. They spent a million on a sidewalk which could have feed homeless people here in Marin. They brought in Ghilotti Brothers, this is not helping the disadvantaged of Marin. They need the help not MHS which charges their students 25k a year or Marin DPW which has a 14 million dollar surplus. None of this sidewalk building is GREEN or environmentally friendly. Who gets a plan done without going through a due process or environmental plan? MHS and DPW and Kinsey can buy a judge, can own a newspaper that is bias towards the truth. if people here in Marin stood for the truth none of this corruption would be going on. Kinsey and him comrades would not being working here.
SOME SAY THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO A STORY. THERE IS ONLY ONE SIDE AND THAT IS THE TRUTH. PEOPLE DEFEND THE SIDEWALK AND THEY LIKE IT, BUT THEY DON'T SEE WHAT WAS DONE TO THE COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO BUILD IT.
ARE YOU PEOPLE TRULY BLIND THAT THE SIDEWALK IS DIVIDING A COMMUNITY, OPEN YOUR EYES. PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER OVER SOME SIDEWALK THAT MHS AND DPW BUILT.
STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER AN LOOK AT THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. WHERE IS ROSALIND HAMAR?
IN THE END ALL THOSE INVOLVED WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD (MHS, KINSEY, DPW), JUST BECAUSE YOU GET AWAY WITH THE CORRUPTION NOW DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL TRULY GET AWAY WITH IT. WE WILL ALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR ACTIONS.
JESUS SAID IN: Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
MAY GOD FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE WRONGED ANYBODY. I JUST WANT THE TRUTH TO BE KNOWN AND HV RESIDENTS TO STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER OVER A FOOLISH CEMENT SLAB. FRANK LURZ AND CHARLES SANDS ARE NICE PEOPLE. GET TOGETHER AND DRINK A CUP OF COFFEE.
Wayne
(Wayne lives on Evergreen, South side, close to the school - he subscribes to the HEAR US Group and the Post, has a newborn son - he and his wife do not see the need for this sidewalk. )
On Jul 26, 2012, at 11:34 AM, Frank Lurz wrote:
On 7/26/12 10:39 AM, Constance Birkie wrote:
> I have had enough of this angry and hateful and baseless trash.
> Charlie Sands, you live on upper North Ferndale. Stay off of Evergreen.
> Stay off of Montford and away from the school. Go down La Vern. We
> don’t need you and your extra traffic speeding down our street.
Stay off Evergreen? Stay off Montford. Stay away? We don't need you . . . ?
Excuse me? You're criticizing others of angry, hateful trash?
What am I missing here?
Frank Lurz
"Sidewalks build community." (Steve Kinsey)
(Frank Lurz is a Homestead resident, lives on Todd Way, is a "senior citizen" who has walked every day on Evergreen - without a sidewalk for many years. )
On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:39 AM, Constance Birkie wrote:
Take me off the Email list. I have had enough of this angry and hateful and baseless trash.
The sidewalk is a safe and handsome improvement to Evergreen. Already walkers, dog walkers, baby strollers, groups of children, handicapped wheelers, are using the finished parts of it. It is a fine enhancement to the neighborhood regardless of the school. I like the school and appreciate the wonderful improvements they have made to that blighted site. I enjoy taking my grandchildren up to play in the school yard. During the school year, I like to see groups of children walking in the morning and afternoon. (Note that during the midday the foot traffic on Evergreen of residents and visitors/hikers is continual and heavy.) I also understand that nearly all parents of young children are driving them to school, and that since young children need safety car seats, many young families need SUVs. (Note the traffic around Old Mill, Park, and Edna Maguire Schools during arrival and departure times.)
More than 20 years ago I researched and wrote the grant from the State Department of Urban Streams Renewal to improve the drainage to the meadow and make it useful for the Community Center and School. I worked closely with the State Department of Fish and Game to make sure we were doing the right thing. The issue of harming the salmon in Reed Creek is totally fallacious. The new construction for the sidewalk has greatly improved several serious drainage problems of dump during heavy rainfall of exotics such as rubber and oil from the road directly into Reed Creek.
Charlie Sands, you live on upper North Ferndale. Stay off of Evergreen. Stay off of Montford and away from the school. Go down La Vern. We don’t need you and your extra traffic speeding down our street.
Constance Birkie, 254 Evergreen.
(Connie lives on Evergreen, North side, has had drainage problems in her driveway );
Hate the sidewalk, love the sidewalk, hate the process or love it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But this demonizing of the county is really ugly. This project was done for one reason – because the people building it believed it would improve the safety for children traveling to and from school. There was no hidden agenda here. No one got rich from it. The price tag was high because sidewalks are expensive. I’d appreciate if you would stop projecting out what you think is in other people’s minds.
(Wendi Kallins works for Safe Routes to Schools LINK)
I made several attempts contact her, but she would not respond to my emails, so I wrote a public response here.
On Jul 26, 2012, at 2:07 PM, Frank Lurz wrote:
On 7/26/12 12:45 PM, Wayne Dauphine II wrote:
> Frank, you should not get mad at Charles being
> passionate about the sidewalk.
I think you got your wires crossed. I'm not angry with either Mari or Charles. I was calling attention to the anger expressed by Constance Birke toward Charles — was pointing out that in the manner in which she pilloried him in her e-mail message, she was guilty of the very same thing for which she condemned him.
Moreover, I've been just as passionate about the sidewalk as they.
> Don't be angry Charles is an architect and he knows what he is talking about.
There's some serious misunderstanding here. I'm not angry Charles is an architect. How did you come to that notion? I suspect you were confusing Birke's words for mine.
> A lot of people are angry with him, but give him an A for
> effort. Give Mari an A for effort. They are positive voices
> within the community.
Regarding Mari, I couldn't agree more. Charles certainly seems to know what he's talking about, but sometimes his anger compromises the points he makes.
> At the end Kinsey, DPW, or MHS don't care. At the end of the day it
> is all about money.
I couldn't agree more.
> They don't care about opinions or feelings, they want money. They
> don't care about kids, it's all about money. They would justify building
> more sidewalks if safe routes gave them more money. They spent a
> million on a sidewalk which could have feed homeless people here in Marin.
I see you have a higher opinion of Kinsey, DPW, and MHS than I do.
Best.
Frank Lurz
On Jul 26, 2012, at 12:45 PM, Wayne Dauphine II wrote:
The truth of the matter is that all of you should stop fighting and attacking each other. Frank, you should not get mad at Charles being passionate about the sidewalk. Who else will be? Charles and Mari are speaking their mind about the sidewalk. Who else is taking a stand for what they believe in? Don't be angry Charles is an architect and he knows what he is talking about. A lot of people are angry with him, but give him an A for effort. Give Mari an A for effort. They are positive voices within the community. They speak when the Marin IJ or the Mill Valley patch print articles about the sidewalk that lack substance or can be used as kindling for fire. People are trying to censor Charles, Mari, Keith, etc. just like the MHS and DPW have done the residents of Evergreen Ave regarding the sidewalk.
At the end Kinsey, DPW, or MHS don't care. At the end of the day it is all about money. They don't care about opinions or feelings, they want money. They don't care about kids, it's all about money. They would justify building more sidewalks if safe routes gave them more money. They spent a million on a sidewalk which could have feed homeless people here in Marin. They brought in Ghilotti Brothers, this is not helping the disadvantaged of Marin. They need the help not MHS which charges their students 25k a year or Marin DPW which has a 14 million dollar surplus. None of this sidewalk building is GREEN or environmentally friendly. Who gets a plan done without going through a due process or environmental plan? MHS and DPW and Kinsey can buy a judge, can own a newspaper that is bias towards the truth. if people here in Marin stood for the truth none of this corruption would be going on. Kinsey and him comrades would not being working here.
SOME SAY THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO A STORY. THERE IS ONLY ONE SIDE AND THAT IS THE TRUTH. PEOPLE DEFEND THE SIDEWALK AND THEY LIKE IT, BUT THEY DON'T SEE WHAT WAS DONE TO THE COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO BUILD IT.
ARE YOU PEOPLE TRULY BLIND THAT THE SIDEWALK IS DIVIDING A COMMUNITY, OPEN YOUR EYES. PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER OVER SOME SIDEWALK THAT MHS AND DPW BUILT.
STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER AN LOOK AT THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. WHERE IS ROSALIND HAMAR?
IN THE END ALL THOSE INVOLVED WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD (MHS, KINSEY, DPW), JUST BECAUSE YOU GET AWAY WITH THE CORRUPTION NOW DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL TRULY GET AWAY WITH IT. WE WILL ALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR ACTIONS.
JESUS SAID IN: Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
MAY GOD FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE WRONGED ANYBODY. I JUST WANT THE TRUTH TO BE KNOWN AND HV RESIDENTS TO STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER OVER A FOOLISH CEMENT SLAB. FRANK LURZ AND CHARLES SANDS ARE NICE PEOPLE. GET TOGETHER AND DRINK A CUP OF COFFEE.
Wayne
(Wayne lives on Evergreen, South side, close to the school - he subscribes to the HEAR US Group and the Post, has a newborn son - he and his wife do not see the need for this sidewalk. )
On Jul 26, 2012, at 11:34 AM, Frank Lurz wrote:
On 7/26/12 10:39 AM, Constance Birkie wrote:
> I have had enough of this angry and hateful and baseless trash.
> Charlie Sands, you live on upper North Ferndale. Stay off of Evergreen.
> Stay off of Montford and away from the school. Go down La Vern. We
> don’t need you and your extra traffic speeding down our street.
Stay off Evergreen? Stay off Montford. Stay away? We don't need you . . . ?
Excuse me? You're criticizing others of angry, hateful trash?
What am I missing here?
Frank Lurz
"Sidewalks build community." (Steve Kinsey)
(Frank Lurz is a Homestead resident, lives on Todd Way, is a "senior citizen" who has walked every day on Evergreen - without a sidewalk for many years. )
On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:39 AM, Constance Birkie wrote:
Take me off the Email list. I have had enough of this angry and hateful and baseless trash.
The sidewalk is a safe and handsome improvement to Evergreen. Already walkers, dog walkers, baby strollers, groups of children, handicapped wheelers, are using the finished parts of it. It is a fine enhancement to the neighborhood regardless of the school. I like the school and appreciate the wonderful improvements they have made to that blighted site. I enjoy taking my grandchildren up to play in the school yard. During the school year, I like to see groups of children walking in the morning and afternoon. (Note that during the midday the foot traffic on Evergreen of residents and visitors/hikers is continual and heavy.) I also understand that nearly all parents of young children are driving them to school, and that since young children need safety car seats, many young families need SUVs. (Note the traffic around Old Mill, Park, and Edna Maguire Schools during arrival and departure times.)
More than 20 years ago I researched and wrote the grant from the State Department of Urban Streams Renewal to improve the drainage to the meadow and make it useful for the Community Center and School. I worked closely with the State Department of Fish and Game to make sure we were doing the right thing. The issue of harming the salmon in Reed Creek is totally fallacious. The new construction for the sidewalk has greatly improved several serious drainage problems of dump during heavy rainfall of exotics such as rubber and oil from the road directly into Reed Creek.
Charlie Sands, you live on upper North Ferndale. Stay off of Evergreen. Stay off of Montford and away from the school. Go down La Vern. We don’t need you and your extra traffic speeding down our street.
Constance Birkie, 254 Evergreen.
(Connie lives on Evergreen, North side, has had drainage problems in her driveway );
Thursday, July 26, 2012
What is "Wonderful" About THIS Sidewalk?
I received this email yesterday. My reply follows after it.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Hannelore Barnes
Date: July 25, 2012 12:27:48 PM PDT
To: HV 94941 <hv94941@gmail.com>
Cc: 71 people
Subject: Request to be removed from 94941 email list serve
Mari,
Please remove my address from your email list.
While I am pleased to see problem areas like the Ethel corner and the Volunteer Park areas being addressed, revisions are to be expected and have in no way changed my opinion that the sidewalk is a wonderful thing for the neighborhood. With the exception of 5 people, everyone I personally know in HV is elated to see it installed and working its way up the street. And the proof is how many people, especially non MHS people, are using it who I have never seen walking on Evergreen before it was installed.
I think you would far better serve your community by focusing your energy on the Miller Streetscape project now and the effects it will have on all ingress and egress points to HV from Miller.
Thank you, Hanne
____
My response :
I wanted to respond immediately, but instead, chose to give it some thought and write you this open letter instead, because I didn't want to abuse the email list.
That is why I started the blog - to stop the spam.
I agree with you that this whole sidewalk issue is a "wonderful thing for the neighborhood."
Here's why:
It has made me realize just how difficult it is to get anything done in government and what the DPW has to deal with on a daily basis.
I understand why people try to circumvent proper process.
I don't agree with it, but I understand it.
I am very grateful that we all have this opportunity to learn.
Here is why I object to the actual concrete sidewalk :
I understand that some change is needed in Homestead, but I don't believe the needed change is forcing that slab onto property owners who don't want it, especially if it will hurt sensitive creek habitat and cause problems flooding problems for our neighbors near the creek and further downstream.
The change needed in Homestead is the way our community is represented to the County.
I believe that there is a better solution for Evergreen, which is why I flew to Portland to learn about green streets and the community built process.
"With the exception of 5 people, everyone I personally know in HV is elated to see it installed and working its way up the street."
Who have you been been talking to?
I can't find anyone (except for 5 people) in this neighborhood who is "elated" about THIS sidewalk. If anything - they are elated about drainage improvements and getting the road paved. It appears to me that the folks who supported the "idea" of a sidewalk before it was built - had no idea what was in store.
Please allow me to restate that never once has anyone who has opposed this project protested anyone's desires to have a safe route to travel along Evergreen. - Sure, some people will use THIS sidewalk after it's done - but is its beneft worth the expense and harm to others?
Is it so wrong to expect that County will be able to serve our community by fixing drainage and paving the road - or if needed, providing an at grade path that fits our neighborhood?
Truth of the matter is, anyone who has been vocal in opposing THIS particular sidewalk - has been trying to clean up the mess created by a lack of communication from that school you love so much - and the lack of communication to the community from the HVCA. There is a lot more going on at the Community Center than potlucks and pool parties! I don't mean to vilify anyone - but people need to admit their mistakes - not continue to lobby against their neighbors for their own convenience!
Isn't it time you and your school - and the very vocal MINORITY of people who still support this concrete slab - stop trying to force it on the people who have stated repeatedly that they do not want it? Don't you think it's time you minded your own business and let the DPW finish their PROCESS?
The growing opposition, as evidenced by the 208 petition signatures will continue to protest is:
a) the lack of fair process that excluded community input which resulted in an inappropriate design and
b) the use of Safe Routes to Schools funding awarded to an application that contained false and misleading information.
What we see as a result of this lack of process is - construction of a raised, impervious concrete sidewalk with curbs and gutters that does not fit this neighborhood, will dump more polluted water into a creek that contains endangered species - and is causing the DPW engineering department a great amount of staff time and expense as they try to jam it onto a street that has never needed a concrete sidewalk before funding became available for a sidewalk.
"And the proof is how many people, especially non MHS people, are using it who I have never seen walking on Evergreen before it was installed."
We get back to the original reason for objection - the fact that if it IS used, it will not really serve its intended purpose: a Safe Routes to Schools.
Therefore, WHY use Safe Routes to Schools funding?
I understand that some folks like "the idea" of a sidewalk.
What exactly do you like about it?
That there is more room to walk on the side of the road?
That it is separated from traffic?
Where did you think we needed a sidewalk?
On the curve?
All the way to the school?
On the South side?
On the North side?
Honestly, I'm not trying to be difficult here - I just want to know.
Is it ethical - or even a good business decision at this point - to continue to force an impervious concrete slab along along the entire street and alter the character of the neighborhood - inflict flooding problems upon people - using funding acquired on false pretenses??
In the end, the funds spent to try to cram this concrete sidewalk and deal with the aftermath - flooding, civil action lawsuits against the County and the school, Clean Water Act violations, may exceed the funds received.
Honesty - I can't figure it out - What is "wonderful" about THIS sidewalk? Comment on HEAR US (LINK)
Begin forwarded message:
From: Hannelore Barnes
Date: July 25, 2012 12:27:48 PM PDT
To: HV 94941 <hv94941@gmail.com>
Cc: 71 people
Subject: Request to be removed from 94941 email list serve
Mari,
Please remove my address from your email list.
While I am pleased to see problem areas like the Ethel corner and the Volunteer Park areas being addressed, revisions are to be expected and have in no way changed my opinion that the sidewalk is a wonderful thing for the neighborhood. With the exception of 5 people, everyone I personally know in HV is elated to see it installed and working its way up the street. And the proof is how many people, especially non MHS people, are using it who I have never seen walking on Evergreen before it was installed.
I think you would far better serve your community by focusing your energy on the Miller Streetscape project now and the effects it will have on all ingress and egress points to HV from Miller.
Thank you, Hanne
____
My response :
I wanted to respond immediately, but instead, chose to give it some thought and write you this open letter instead, because I didn't want to abuse the email list.
That is why I started the blog - to stop the spam.
I agree with you that this whole sidewalk issue is a "wonderful thing for the neighborhood."
Here's why:
It has made me realize just how difficult it is to get anything done in government and what the DPW has to deal with on a daily basis.
I understand why people try to circumvent proper process.
I don't agree with it, but I understand it.
I am very grateful that we all have this opportunity to learn.
Here is why I object to the actual concrete sidewalk :
I understand that some change is needed in Homestead, but I don't believe the needed change is forcing that slab onto property owners who don't want it, especially if it will hurt sensitive creek habitat and cause problems flooding problems for our neighbors near the creek and further downstream.
The change needed in Homestead is the way our community is represented to the County.
I believe that there is a better solution for Evergreen, which is why I flew to Portland to learn about green streets and the community built process.
"With the exception of 5 people, everyone I personally know in HV is elated to see it installed and working its way up the street."
Who have you been been talking to?
I can't find anyone (except for 5 people) in this neighborhood who is "elated" about THIS sidewalk. If anything - they are elated about drainage improvements and getting the road paved. It appears to me that the folks who supported the "idea" of a sidewalk before it was built - had no idea what was in store.
Please allow me to restate that never once has anyone who has opposed this project protested anyone's desires to have a safe route to travel along Evergreen. - Sure, some people will use THIS sidewalk after it's done - but is its beneft worth the expense and harm to others?
Is it so wrong to expect that County will be able to serve our community by fixing drainage and paving the road - or if needed, providing an at grade path that fits our neighborhood?
Truth of the matter is, anyone who has been vocal in opposing THIS particular sidewalk - has been trying to clean up the mess created by a lack of communication from that school you love so much - and the lack of communication to the community from the HVCA. There is a lot more going on at the Community Center than potlucks and pool parties! I don't mean to vilify anyone - but people need to admit their mistakes - not continue to lobby against their neighbors for their own convenience!
Isn't it time you and your school - and the very vocal MINORITY of people who still support this concrete slab - stop trying to force it on the people who have stated repeatedly that they do not want it? Don't you think it's time you minded your own business and let the DPW finish their PROCESS?
The growing opposition, as evidenced by the 208 petition signatures will continue to protest is:
a) the lack of fair process that excluded community input which resulted in an inappropriate design and
b) the use of Safe Routes to Schools funding awarded to an application that contained false and misleading information.
What we see as a result of this lack of process is - construction of a raised, impervious concrete sidewalk with curbs and gutters that does not fit this neighborhood, will dump more polluted water into a creek that contains endangered species - and is causing the DPW engineering department a great amount of staff time and expense as they try to jam it onto a street that has never needed a concrete sidewalk before funding became available for a sidewalk.
"And the proof is how many people, especially non MHS people, are using it who I have never seen walking on Evergreen before it was installed."
We get back to the original reason for objection - the fact that if it IS used, it will not really serve its intended purpose: a Safe Routes to Schools.
Therefore, WHY use Safe Routes to Schools funding?
I understand that some folks like "the idea" of a sidewalk.
What exactly do you like about it?
That there is more room to walk on the side of the road?
That it is separated from traffic?
Where did you think we needed a sidewalk?
On the curve?
All the way to the school?
On the South side?
On the North side?
Honestly, I'm not trying to be difficult here - I just want to know.
Is it ethical - or even a good business decision at this point - to continue to force an impervious concrete slab along along the entire street and alter the character of the neighborhood - inflict flooding problems upon people - using funding acquired on false pretenses??
In the end, the funds spent to try to cram this concrete sidewalk and deal with the aftermath - flooding, civil action lawsuits against the County and the school, Clean Water Act violations, may exceed the funds received.
Honesty - I can't figure it out - What is "wonderful" about THIS sidewalk? Comment on HEAR US (LINK)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Evergreen Construction Process Continues
County takes up concrete at 101 Evergreen, while more concrete gets poured at the other end of the street. Saw cutting was happening at Scott and Evergreen. Saw a bunch of guys consulting about the Evergreen corner.
According to the HEAR US survey, only a small minority of property owners on the South side supported this project - and quite a few have expressed their displeasure with the lack of process - most feel they are having this sidewalk forced upon their frontage. "We never asked for this."
I doubt most people really knew what was in store. This definitely is an opportunity to learn. I do my best to remain positive and believe that some good will come out of all this chaos. DPW Engineering staff continues to take the heat, while some property owners continue to look for solutions, some point fingers at each other and express disappointment and anger for the neighbors who lobbied against them or stayed silent. Most people seem to just be finding out about it.
The other day, I came across an elderly couple, who live on the hill. They were trying out the sidewalk. "How do you like it?" I asked. I got an earful about how unhappy they were that so much money was used for something that was so unnecessary, and that it was being built for Marin Horizon School. "Our kids never needed a concrete sidewalk - they walked on the path."
Have to admit, I was a bit taken aback, because I expected them to be happy about it. As a matter of fact, I found a copy of the Homestead Headlines in the Evergreen SR2S file, which had a story about Homestead Village in it - and Mr. Kinsey told me in March that he viewed the SR2S grant as a funding mechanism - and said he wanted the sidewalk for seniors.
Overheard in Homestead - An Evergreen property owner on the curve giving praise to Frank Lurz's Letter to the Editor in the IJ :
___
'Poetic justice'
Cuts in funding for Safe Routes to School? Now, there's poetic justice for you!
Despite
a flood of objections from Evergreen Avenue residents in Mill Valley,
Safe Routes and the county stamped their feet, held their breath and
insisted on blowing over a million dollars of other peoples' money for a
half-mile stretch of sidewalk that was never needed.Cyclists are now forced closer to traffic and the sidewalk, squeezed between property lines and parked cars, is so narrow no one uses it; pedestrians and power chair users are still traveling in the street.
Kids going to Marin Horizon School, Inc., the sidewalk's sole beneficiary, won't use it either. They simply refuse to walk that far.
That money should have been used where it was genuinely needed, but political connections, egos, intransigence and stupidity won the day.
What an unconscionable waste!
Frank Lurz, Mill Valley
___
Related Info :
Marin IJ story
http://www.marinij.com/fairfax/ci_21071859/federal-cuts-bike-school-program-could-result-fewer
Marin Readers Forum :
Related Info :
Marin IJ story
http://www.marinij.com/fairfax/ci_21071859/federal-cuts-bike-school-program-could-result-fewer
Marin Readers Forum :
http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_21123974/marin-readers-forum-july-21
Monday, July 23, 2012
Petition Comment of the Day : ACTION PLEASE. "Logic and justice needs to prevail - something has to change."
Here is just ONE comment from the petition against the slab (emphasis added) : "My house looks like it is sinking due to the "raised" sidewalk. I was one of the few properties on the street that had a flat sidewalk when the project started and I feel misled throughout the entire process. This is not an improvement and, in my opinion, the design does not work. I believe that the corner handicap ramp design was a lack of communication between departments and a pipe was installed too high and now the entire grade has been adjusted to reflect this. I am now in the process of trying to patch the plan vs. start with a good plan for the entrance to my house. The sidewalk has been poured 12" above the level of my entrance gate, county is stating 10", plan states 7". My house is located at the lowest point of the valley. I believe the current plan will be detrimental and cause more flooding to my property and has an unsafe entrance step to my house, it is not an improvement. According to the FEMA map, I live on a Special Hazard Flood Area Zone AE, a flood plain with a flood way directly in the middle of my property. The ditch along Ethel leading into Reed Creek is along my property line now has more sources of water flowing into it. This is of tremendous concern for me and for my neighbors along Ethel... We were informed in every meeting that it is against the law to make matters worse, the plan needs to improve or maintain the landscape of what was. I value our community and the amazing surroundings in which we live. I believe that the livability of our community, environment and neighborhood has been greatly disrupted. ACTION PLEASE. Logic and justice needs to prevail - something has to change."
All change is not bad - but there is no excuse for irresponsible and illegal development.
FACT : Homestead residents were denied our rights to a fair and democratic process.
WHY? Well, for one, MHS and HVCA corrupted the DPW process. Whether or not you think it was intentional deception depends upon who you ask. Anyway - that is beside the point for now.
So, what is the point I'm trying to make?
I dare anyone to take a walk down Evergreen in Homestead, and look at the mess that is being inflicted upon what used to be a beautiful, GREEN street. Evergreen has worked for the majority of the people who live here, 24/7 - with few complaints (the main complaint being the occasional speeding car.) The majority of homeowners who are dealing with all this inconvenience asked that THIS raised concrete sidewalk, with curbs and gutters, NOT be built all along Evergreen Avenue.
This is not just about a "sidewalk," or Homestead vs. MHS - it is about taking a stand for fairness and honesty and what is right.
What is right?
Well, first of all, Marin County should not take one dime from the state Safe Routes to Schools fund for this project. That funding should go back to Safe Routes to Schools - for driver and pedestrian education, crossing guards, whatever - ANYTHING but this slab.
Why?
1) Because the money was awarded to an application that contained FALSE claims of need and community support - and the slab is environmentally irresponsible.
2) When you EDUCATE someone, they take that education with them for the rest of their life. So, giving the $900,000 - which has been set aside for this project - BACK to Safe Routes education programs - will save more lives than this horrible IMPERVIOUS concrete slab that is being forced upon Evergreen Avenue (a street in a semi rural neighborhood that runs along a blue line creek - which contains federally protected, endangered Steel head!)
To admit mistakes were made in this process and "we'll do better next time" is not enough - County has an obligation to do what is right by these property owners - NOW.
Additionally - Why risk the reputation of a County employee (Mr. Tackaberry) who signed off on that SR2S application, when he probably had no idea what was true and what was false in it ?
Why not FREE the Marin County DPW engineering department from forcing something we do not need or want all along Evergreen - i.e., a concrete sidewalk with curbs and gutters - and empower them to be more creative in what should be a "shoulder repair/drainage improvement" project?
That funding was intended to provide a "safer route to schools" - not to raise property values or provide a "more convenient walk to the Whole Foods" for a few well connected people in Mill Valley.
If you don't have a problem with covering up mistakes and lies just to grab onto funding that could and should go where it was intended to go - there is something seriously wrong with your sense of what is right and what is wrong - and you need to take an ethics class.
- MT
Petition : \no-concrete-slab-for-evergreen-ave
Related Post : Loss of Safe Routes Funding - What Does It Mean? (LINK)
Downstream Effects of Overdevelopment
There was no public hearing for the Evergreen sidewalk project. There were no signs posted along the street announcing the proposed construction.
Since 2005, how much square footage has been developed upstream from Miller ? from Evergreen? What does that translate to in gallons of runoff?
Does this look like a "SAFER ROUTE" to you?
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