Planning Commission approves landscaping overhaul at Village at Corte Madera

The Town of Corte Madera Planning Commission on Tuesday approved design review and a precise plan amendment (PL24-0068) to expand landscaping, update lighting and remodel portions of the covered canopy in the central pedestrian corridor of the Village at Corte Madera, a shopping center at 1618 Redwood Highway. The motion was approved unanimously: Commissioners Bridal, Bashoyer, Kenny, Vice Chair Rizzo and Chair Chase voted yes.

Staff, applicant representatives and the commission said the proposal increases green coverage in the corridor, adds seating and digital directories, and remodels the existing canopy to expose and stain the underlying wood. Tracy (Planning Department staff) said, "Staff is recommending that all design review findings can be made for this project." John Steckley, development lead for Macerich, said the work is intended to "bring that experience forward" and called the project "a substantial investment." Lewis Grace, the project's design lead, said the plan represents roughly a "250% increase in planting" in the corridor.

The project would increase landscaped area within the corridor from 2,530 square feet to 8,890 square feet, add planting berms up to approximately 2 feet high, remove four existing trees and retain 17, and place six new 48-inch-box specimen trees. Canopy work, as described by staff and the applicant, will remove concrete veneer around about 20 columns, install new 6-by-6 cedar posts and sandblast and stain exposed wood using a Behr stain (described in the plans as a chocolate tone). The applicant proposes trellises on canopy columns for climbing vines, new LED pole and bollard lighting, accent and recessed landscape lighting, and additional seating and furniture throughout the corridor.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed stormwater and public-safety details during the hearing. Staff said Public Works reviewed drainage sheets in the plan set, did not issue correction comments at this stage, and noted that stormwater and erosion-sediment controls will be handled in the building-permit phase; an erosion and sediment control permit and applicable stormwater measures will be required during permitting. A project condition (Condition 19 in the draft resolution) requires that removable security bollards be secured with a breakaway lock so they can be removed to allow emergency access.

Applicant representatives said they had discussed the design with tenants and received generally positive feedback. They also said the work does not extend beyond the property's parcel lines and does not preempt any future redevelopment of the adjacent Macy's parcel. The applicant reported a construction schedule that anticipates work starting in April and completing by the end of September, with phased construction and after-hours work requests as needed to minimize disruption during peak shopping periods.

Two written public comments were received and entered into the record: one on bike racks and one regarding a separate development (Newcross). No members of the public provided live oral comment on this item during the meeting.

Votes at a glance PL24-0068 — Design review and precise plan amendment for landscaping, lighting, seating and canopy modifications at the Village at Corte Madera (1618 Redwood Highway). Outcome: approved (unanimous). Motion proposer: not specified in the record. Second: not specified in the record. Vote: Bridal — yes; Bashoyer — yes; Kenny — yes; Vice Chair Rizzo — yes; Chair Chase — yes.

What happens next Staff will finalize the resolution and the project will proceed to building-permit review for stormwater and construction details. Interested parties may appeal the Planning Commission decision to the Town Council; appeals must be filed within 10 calendar days of the decision and require a $300 filing fee. Appeal forms are available on the Town of Corte Madera website or at Town Hall (300 Tamalpais Drive).