Emergency Preparedness
Marin IJ: Mill Valley Moves to Modernize Parking Payment System
“During the kiosk trial period, staff collected and responded to approximately 25 complaints,” a staff report said. “Complaints ranged from not understanding how to use the kiosk, not liking the kiosk, lack of ease of use, expressing that the kiosk was positioned too far away from their vehicle, frustration there was a line to use the kiosk, and that it was less convenient than individual meters.” The Police Department said it acknowledged and understood these concerns, but also noted the advantages of kiosks over the meters. They required less maintenance, had more payment options and were more environmentally friendly.
Read MoreMarin IJ: At Long Last, Golden Gate Village Renovations Estimated at $76 million Have Been Approved by the State, Supporting Renovations of 88 residences in 14 Buildings at the Public Housing Complex
Golden Gate Village — the only family public housing complex in one of America’s wealthiest counties — has stood in Marin City since 1961 as a symbol of resilience, culture and community. But in recent years, its aging buildings and outdated infrastructure have fallen short of what residents deserve. After years of delay and discussion, funds for the first phase of renovating Golden Gate Village in Marin City have been approved by the state. The funds will support top-to-bottom renovations of 88 residences in 14 buildings at the public housing complex. The balance of the $85 million project phase will come from other sources. “The Marin Housing Authority and the community have long wanted this renovation to happen … and we did it,” said Marin County Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, chair of the Marin Housing Authority board. “The residents will see renovation of their units so they’re modern and comfortable and energy efficient. And we can provide housing for families at a low cost for people who need it for many years to come.”
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Aims to Loosen Business Permit Requirements
Brian Foster, a commercial real estate broker, told the officials they were “on the right path.” He urged them to be open-minded about filling vacancies. “You want to have a staff that has some agency … where they can look at a use and go, all right, you’re going from a real estate office to a lighting store. It’s pretty benign,” he said. “And if you can check some boxes we can make it work.” The commissioners instructed city staff to revise their proposed changes based on their suggestions and present them to the City Council for feedback. Once the council weighs in, the process of formally revising the city code would return to the Planning Commission and council for final approval. City officials hope to amend the city’s commercial codes and parking ordinances by this fall.
Read MoreMarin IJ: Mill Valley Speeds Green Building Code Update
The council directed Cusimano and city planners to move forward. “Mill Valley has had a history … of going above and beyond when it comes to climate action,” said Vice Mayor Max Perrey. “I was just so impressed with our climate action plan and our community members that contributed to such a significant and thoughtful report,” said Councilmember Caroline Joachim. “We have the opportunity to really take advantage of this time and make the most of it before that six-year moratorium hits.” AB 306 has some exemptions that city staff believe Mill Valley could qualify for, Cusimano said. “But we want to leave no stone unturned and we don’t want to be sitting here a year from now regretting or assuming something that’s not the case,” he said.
Read MoreCurated News You Can Use, From Mill Valley & Beyond – Week of August 1st
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://millvalley-captivate.growthzonecms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2622/2023/04/News-You-Can-Use-image.jpeg” title_text=”News You Can Use image” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”] If you want to support this Enjoy Mill Valley Blog, including all of the News You Can Use below, you can make a tax-deductible…
Read MoreCouncilmembers, Planning Commissioners, Staff and Residents Dove Deeply Into a Major Possible Reconsideration of Up Dated Parking Regulations – MV Will Eliminate Parking Requirements for New Businesses Downtown
Councilmember Joachim mentioned possible underutilized parking lots, particularly the private lot adjacent to the Depot Plaza. “Requires a willing property owner,” she noted. “We do have these private lots that are underutilized. The discussion concluded until later in the fall, but teased the possibility of dealing with formula businesses by identifying businesses above the 5,000 foot threshold, which applies to the larger buildings that are part of the downtown core area – not Miller, not Safeway. You could apply for a conditional use permit to have no parking if you are doing a non-expansion renovation or change of use to a building that was more than 5000 sq feet.
Read MoreCurated News You Can Use, From Mill Valley & Beyond – Week of July 26th
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://millvalley-captivate.growthzonecms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2622/2023/04/News-You-Can-Use-image.jpeg” title_text=”News You Can Use image” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”] If you want to support this Enjoy Mill Valley Blog, including all of the News You Can Use below, you can make a tax-deductible…
Read MoreSupervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters Marin Voice: Supervisor Shares Urgency for Golden Gate Village Updates
Most importantly, it delivers what residents asked for: meaningful investment, continued affordability and real improvements to their homes. These are not abstract goals — they are tangible outcomes that will improve health, safety and stability for hundreds of families.
The people of Marin City deserve the same quality of housing, investment and attention as any other neighborhood in Marin County. It has taken decades of hard work to get this revitalization off the ground and moving forward. The groundwork has been laid, and the momentum is real. Now is the time to stand with Golden Gate Village residents — to support the investment, affordability and improvements they’ve said they want and have waited too long to see.
Curated News You Can Use, From Mill Valley & Beyond – Week of July 13th
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Read MoreHigh Tech: Southern Marin Fire Protection District Is Set to Host Demonstration of Pivotal’s Next-Gen eVTOL Aircraft
“We’re excited to explore how this innovation can enhance emergency readiness and aerial situational awareness,” said SMFD Fire Chief Chris Tubbs. “This is a unique opportunity to see next-generation aviation in action, right here in Southern Marin.” The Helix is a single-seat, electric aircraft classified under FAA Part 103, requiring no pilot’s license. With a cruising speed of approximately 63 mph, a 20+ mile range, auto takeoff and landing, and triple-redundant safety systems—including a ballistic parachute—it is being evaluated nationwide for both personal and professional use.
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