Businesses planning downtown upgrades
The Tiburon Chamber of Commerce wants to revitalize the downtown with oneway traffic on Main Street and other changes to attract pedestrian customers.
DeAnn Biss, the organization's chamber executive director, presented a proposal to the town Planning Commission on Wednesday. Biss said previous discussions surrounding downtown events such as the “slow streets” program, along with the general plan update, provide an opportunity to consider downtown modifications.
The main intent of the plan is a “pedestrian-forward space” that is safe, convenient and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, she said.
“You still have that vitality and options for cars, but you create the space where the car is not driving how the space is used,” Biss said.
Biss proposed turning downtown's Main Street into a one-way street toward the businesses along Ark Row. Raised crosswalks level with the sidewalk would also be constructed, slowing the traffic speed. The fountain plaza would be extended, allowing for more live music and public events.
The proposal includes aesthetic elements such as planters, lamps and new signage. Biss also proposed a digital kiosk with QR codes, direction maps and event announcements to guide visitors.
Biss said the plan was developed to meet the desires of stakeholders such as business owners, property owners, community boards, the Town Council and residents.
Biss said the “slow streets” program, or periodic closures of Main Street during the pandemic, provided a foundation from which the new plan, called “shared streets,” was developed.
In June 2020, the council authorized closures of Main Street on summer weekends to comply with social distancing requirements. The program was extended and continued through Aug. 1, 2021, before its cancellation amid criticism by community members and business owners.
The town said in February it hopes to research a downtown revitalization plan that takes into account the wishes of downtown stakeholders.
Community Development Director Dina Tasini said the plan has “great concepts” and some items that could be implemented easily. She said she would share the concept with town consultants who are developing the general plan, which is intended to guide development over the next 20 years.
Tasini said some of the items might be prohibitive based on cost or implementation limitations.
The Planning Commission signaled its support for the overall proposal to be considered as a part of the general plan efforts.
“I'm always concerned children are running around, people are riding bikes, you've got two-way traffic there,” said Kathleen Defever, a member of the commission. “This seems really manageable to me.”