Leadership of Initiatives That Will Address Our Traffic and Parking Issues

By Jim Fraser

Many folks before Jim have looked at the traffic issues, some good suggestions for improvement. However the problem persists. Some of the folks that I have talked to, that are involved with our school district, acknowledge the issue and they too, are looking for a solutions. Is it more buses, more car-pooling, enhancement of and more active support for Safe Routes To School, better traffic management, rolling starting times for school classes, etc? I am guessing that there isn't one answer, however, I am committed to working towards the development of a solution or solutions, that will achieve a traffic improvement objective, agreed to by the community. As your council member, I will advocate, and take a leadership role, in bringing together all affected parties, as well as any interested parties, to work on the following: (1) clear identification of the issue or issues surrounding Tiburon's traffic problems, (2) identification and agreement of what "success" would look like if we were to improve or solve Tiburon's traffic problems, (3) vetting of all possible or recommended solutions in order to achieve the "success" goals identified, and (4) implementation of the solutions agreed to by the community. This is OUR problem , and TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, we can achieve the agreed upon goals.

Yes, it would be nice if we had additional public parking, the question is where? I do believe that the Tiburon 2020 General Plan outlines new guidelines for parking should any development take place in the downtown area, i.e., buildings and structures towards the street and parking in the rear. Would this add more public parking, perhaps, but probably not by a significant amount. Perhaps another answer or option to consider is to provide Tiburon residents with a "residency discount", i.e. reduced rates for residents during certain times of the day. Yes, complicated and maybe controversial, however, maybe it is an idea to put on the table.