Second Northgate plan adds too many residents

As a longtime resident (27 years) of San Rafael's Terra Linda neighborhood, I am very concerned about the second set of plans for the redevelopment of the Northgate mall (“San Rafael mall submits expanded redevelopment proposal,” March 24).

While I agree that more housing units are needed, the proposed plan can only be called excessive for this small valley. Originally, the proposal was for 1,422 units. The second plan expands it to 1,865 units. Only a tiny percentage will be designated as affordable.

If the expanded plan happens, it could add as many as 5,000 new people (many with cars) to the neighborhood. For a suburb of approximately 10,000 people, this is unsustainable for a host of reasons. How does a small community absorb, care for and supply services (police, fire, schools, water and more) for an increase of as much as 50% to its current population?

Manuel T. Freitas Parkway is the only direct freeway access to the heart of Terra Linda from Highway 101. It is used by the vast majority of Terra Linda residents. The access is just two blocks from the proposed housing units.

The other access is at North San Pedro Road. But that is at the very southern tip of Terra Linda and is not easily accessible for the majority of residents. Evacuation of the valley, in the event of fire or earthquake, could be catastrophic.

I was happy to see that the second plan enlarges the retail footprint. But where will customers park if most of the area is for housing units and resident parking?

— Kate Twitchell, Terra Linda four years and was a two-time all-MCAL player. Madison Tye played at Terra Linda High School and later was part of a UCLA women's soccer team that won the NCAA championship. Miller Creek's Brittany Nielsen also went on to play at Terra Linda.

— Gary Caine, San Rafael

My 7-year-old daughter would, hopefully, be able to utilize the tunnel by the time she reaches high school. She may attend Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley (we live in Corte Madera). The thought of her riding her bike up the steep roads to the Horse Hill bike path or up (and down) the steep Camino Alto roadway is terrifying when there is a direct, safe route possible through the Alto Tunnel.

We just need to make this route a reality. I hope Tuft's essay brings more awareness and support to this no-brainer project.

— Mike Strasser, Corte Madera young people in Marin County.

IJ political cartoonist George Russell captured one aspect of the situation well with his drawing published April 1. “No pedals? I dunno, son,” said the dad, as his son countered with, “Pedals are old school, dad.”

I was also impressed with the Marin Voice commentary by Redwood High School students Jace Harms and Isabelle Davis (“High school students call for more e-bike safety regulations,” April 1). They're in a position to offer excellent advice on the dangers of riding “undercover motorcycles.”

Yes, parents are responsible for their kids until they turn 18. They must figure out ways to keep kids and the community safe. Nobody under 16 years old should be riding emotorcycles on the street, since they're too young to have motorcycle licenses.