A total of $2.5 million is available for landside improvements at the Sausalito Ferry Landing, with all but $100,000 coming from the Federal Transit Administration and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. What improvements should be prioritized for the area that includes the ferry landing plaza, Parking Lot 1, Tracy Way, and El Portal? That question is the subject of a community forum via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 15.
A group of local design professionals, working as volunteers, has created a recommended design for the improvements based on available funds. The project includes a new and expanded plaza, improved walkways, and the closure of Tracy Way to enhance vehicle and pedestrian circulation.
The design group created two other options for improvements at the site. Option 2 includes a pedestrian walkway across the parking lot at an additional cost of approximately $200,000. Option 3 is a long-term vision of the site that proposes transforming Parking Lot 1 into a park space with lawns, trees, and walkways.
The City Council has allocated $25,000 for further study of Option 3. If the Council chooses to continue pursuing the park option, the initial improvement project could take advantage of grant funds while they are still available to focus on elements that are consistent with the long-term vision, such as improvements to the plaza area.
Construction of landside improvements will take place after the bridge district completes long-planned upgrades to the gangway and floating dock. Work on these "waterside" improvements is expected to begin in 2022.
Anyone with an interest in the future of the ferry landing and the downtown area is encouraged to participate in the community forum via Zoom from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. To join by telephone, call (669) 900-6833 and enter 81318985798#. The event will be hosted by Public Works Director Kevin McGowan. Included will be an introductory presentation, an overview of the long-term vision for the site developed by the design group, and ample time for questions and community feedback.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT THE FERRY LANDING
