Community Update for January 18, 2025 - Streets & Waterways Edition

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

We’re on a mission to make Petaluma’s streets and waterways safer and more accessible for everyone! In today’s Special Issue of our Community Update, we’ll report on the progress of some of our current street projects, as well as provide an update on our new Turning Basin Docks. Our goal is to keep you, our community, in the loop – and aware of how to make your voice heard. Petaluma is your city and we want to make sure the work we do serves you in the best way possible.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to provide input on these important projects so far. Your feedback is a crucial part of the work we do.

Please read on to learn more about some exciting projects that are currently underway.

JOIN US FOR A DOWNTOWN PARKING WORKSHOP!

Would you like to help improve parking in downtown Petaluma? Please join us for a City Council workshop on January 27 to explore the findings of our Downtown Parking Study.

During the workshop, we’ll share insights from extensive data collection including six parking counts, surveys of downtown employees and visitors, and a focus group with businesses and property managers. We will also explore next steps, including community outreach and potential strategies to improve parking access and downtown accessibility.

This is the first of many opportunities for you to learn more and provide valuable input on ways to improve downtown parking and accessibility.

WHEN: Monday January 27, Council meeting begins at 6:30pm
WHERE: Council Chambers at City Hall, 11 English Street

Thank you to our community members who have provided feedback so far. There is an opportunity to share your thoughts during the public comment portion of the meeting. Can’t attend? Email comments to [email protected] by 4:30pm the day of the meeting. See you there!

Visit cityofpetaluma.org/downtownparking to learn more.

RED CURBS SAVE LIVES

When vehicles park right next to an intersection or crosswalk, it makes it hard for drivers to see pedestrians entering the crosswalk, as well as oncoming bicycle and vehicle traffic. Children, strollers, and people using wheelchairs or walkers are particularly vulnerable because they’re more likely to be invisible behind a parked car or truck. In accordance with a new California law (AB 413), which bans vehicles from parking within 15-20 feet of intersections and crosswalks, we will be adding red curbs near intersections throughout town.

Please visit cityofpetaluma.org/redcurbs to learn more.

REDUCED SPEED LIMITS COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU

Unsafe speed increases the likelihood and severity of traffic collisions. In accordance with another new state law (AB 43), we will be reducing speed limits on downtown streets to 20 MPH and streets near schools to 15 MPH while children are present.

Reduced speed limits will be rolled out in a phased approach. After new speed limit signs are posted, our Police Department will issue warnings for the first 2 weeks, then issue citations

We thank you in advance for your cooperation with these important changes as we work to eliminate deaths and severe injuries from traffic collisions in Petaluma.

Learn more at cityofpetaluma.org/speedlimits.

ROUNDABOUT TOWN – TRAFFIC CIRCLE SAFETY

Roundabouts, or their smaller counterparts traffic circles, are becoming increasingly common features in Petaluma and throughout North America, ranging from larger installations at intersections like Corona Road and Sonoma Mountain Parkway (roundabouts) to smaller ones like at the intersection of Bassett and Upham (traffic circles). Recently, new roundabouts were added along 5th Street at the G and I Street intersections as part of the 5th Street Neighborhood Greenway project.

Studies show roundabouts/traffic circles—circular intersections where traffic flows in one direction around a central island—are effective at slowing traffic, improving safety, and increasing efficiency compared to conventional intersections. They promote a continuous flow of traffic, reducing congestion on approaching roads, and are designed to be safer for cyclists and pedestrians due to slower vehicle speeds (15 to 20 miles per hour). Additionally, by eliminating the need for all drivers to stop completely, roundabouts help reduce noise and vehicle exhaust. They also calm traffic by slowing speeds and reducing conflict points, which decreases the frequency and severity of collisions.

People bicycling and driving through traffic circles and roundabouts should follow these steps:

Slow down when approaching the traffic circle; 15 MPH is advised
Yield to any people waiting to cross by foot
Yield to any traffic already in or entering the traffic circle, which will always be coming from your left
Always use the traffic circle in the counterclockwise direction (staying to the right of the circle), as indicated by signage

5TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD GREENWAY NOW COMPLETE!

We’re thrilled to share that construction on the Fifth Street Neighborhood Greenway is complete, and the new features are ready for you to enjoy from Mountain View to Western Avenue!

The project, designed to maximize 5th Street’s potential as a great route for walking, bicycling, and other active mobility, includes enhanced pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and new traffic circles at G and I Streets which will feature street mural artwork in the future. These improvements aim to make the street safer, more accessible, and enjoyable for people walking, biking, and rolling.

Thank you for sharing your feedback throughout this process. Your input played a key role in shaping a design that works for all who travel the street.

We encourage you to visit the greenway and experience the new features firsthand. For more details about the project, visit: cityofpetaluma.org/5thstreetgreenway.

Thank you for helping us create a safer and more connected community!

TURNING BASIN DOCK REPLACEMENT UPDATE

Exciting news, Petaluma! We’re beginning to put the finishing touches on the new Turning Basin docks, which includes installing power and water utilities. To complete this work, the docks will need to be closed, with no access from January 27 through February 7.

After this installation, the docks will reopen to pedestrians and non-motorized watercraft. We are waiting on a few final items to check off our list before the Turning Basin Dock project is 100% finished. We expect the docks to open to motorized boats by summer 2025.

Thank you for your patience as we wrap up this project!

Learn more: cityofpetaluma.org/turningbasin.

THE FUTURE LOOKS FUN AT THE PETALUMA RIVER PARK!

The Petaluma River Park will be presenting their concept plan overview at several upcoming City Committee, Commissions and Board meetings from Jan. 23 through Feb. 19. Then in March, the Petaluma River Park Foundation will be hosting their own event for the public to learn about the plans.

When: March 1, 2025, from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: Hall of the Above, 199 Petaluma Blvd N

The park is a rare riverfront parkland in the heart of downtown Petaluma. It is almost 35 acres of undeveloped land over two sites: on the McNear Peninsula and directly across the McNear Channel at 500 Hopper Street. The peninsula property is open to the public and portions of the Hopper site are anticipated to open for public use in several years.

Learn more at www.petalumariverpark.org.