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San Rafael reports purchase of 620 Canal; proposes park site and possible Canal crossing
Summary
San Rafael Public Works briefed the committee on the city's acquisition of the former boatyard at 620 Canal and how the site could serve as a park and possible southern abutment for a future Canal crossing. Staff said a feasibility study and environmental remediation will be required; the committee voted to accept the report with endorsement.
San Rafael
John Thomas, senior project manager with San Rafael Public Works, told the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee on Feb. 11 that the city has acquired the former boatyard at 620 Canal and is pursuing preliminary planning to convert the parcel to an urban park and to study a potential Canal crossing.
"The city was afforded an opportunity to purchase the land at 620 Canal," Thomas said, summarizing the acquisition and the grant-driven requirement for a complete-streets checklist. Partners for the purchase included the Trust for Public Land, the County of Marin and private donors, Thomas said.
Thomas described the site as a long-awaited opportunity to close a missing link on the Bay Trail and to provide a safer, shorter crossing for cyclists and pedestrians between the Canal neighborhood and areas to the north. He said the parcel was transferred to the city a few months ago and that the next step is a feasibility study; the city hopes to issue a request for proposals on the study soon.
Speakers asked about environmental remediation. Thomas said an initial study did not indicate contamination as severe as some expected, that the city may raise the site and cap contamination in places, and that further study is required. The possibility of a pedestrian-and-bicycle swing bridge or lift bridge was discussed; staff noted coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and boating stakeholders will be necessary to determine operability and opening requirements.
Committee members moved to accept the report and to provide a supportive endorsement for pursuing feasibility work and grant funding. The motion passed unanimously.
Thomas said community engagement on park amenities and connection alignments will follow as funding becomes available, and that staff will consider feasibility of touchdown points (including high-school parking lots) and how to connect adjacent streets and bike boulevards to the new site.
