Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Aug. 9, 2024

Reopen Alto Tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians

As a Marin County senior citizen and grandmother of two young children, I wholeheartedly support the reopening of the Alto Tunnel for bicyclists and pedestrians ASAP.

Having biked the Corte Madera to Mill Valley routes on Camino Alto and Horse Hill, it is very clear why most people choose to drive instead. Both include steep hills and narrow, winding roads alongside intimidating large and fast vehicles. The tunnel would provide a safe and easy bike ride for children and adults of all ages and abilities, while drivers would enjoy more trouble-free travel on roads with fewer cyclists.

I speak for many others in our community who also support opening the tunnel. With the proper plan, I believe state and federal grants will cover most of the cost. It will bring our tax dollars back to Marin.

It’s a win-win for all of us. Let’s do it.

— Liz Swearingen, Larkspur

Planned West End building is far too large

I am writing in response to the recent article about the proposed housing development in the West End neighborhood on Fourth Street (“San Rafael apartment plan switches to seniors’ housing,” July 31).

The rendering that accompanied the article made the project look totally out of scale. It looks like a huge building that I suspect will be at least twice the height of any building in that neighborhood. I think it looks like a prison. I sure feel sorry for the folks living on Shaver Street. They will be next to “the monster.” I’m very glad that I no longer live on 5th Avenue near E Street.

It would be swell if the members of the San Rafael Planning Commission were required to live across Fourth Street from the building. Whoever does live there will rarely see the sun.

— Sally Seymour, Larkspur

Marin City lot should be centerpiece flood basin

I am writing in response to the IJ editorial published July 25 with the headline, “Marin City’s flooding issue must be solved.” Instead of pumping, I think planners should look at basins, like we have at our Civic Center, or Lake Merritt in Oakland, or even at the current pond in Marin City.

During the “Shore up Marin City” public meetings of 2021, a public park was proposed at the stormwater pond. Now, with more severe water level rise expected and a higher Caltrans “sea barrier” planned for nearby Highway 101, more should be considered.

One solution that would make a difference is to expand the existing pond to create a substantial basin — turn the sea of shopping-center parking, once a salt marsh, into a lagoon. The level should be lowered when needed to receive flood waters.

This lagoon can be rimmed with a broad promenade of local shops, topped with small dwellings and rooftop gardens.

In 1987, at the request of Marin City Community Development Corporation’s director Al Fleming, I wrote a critique of the county-adopted 1980 Marin City community plan.

Long have I envisioned a plan of Marin City as a beautiful bayside community in its own bowl — complete with a center of life and a thriving economy. It would be a cultural gem of Marin County.

— Dart Cherk, Mill Valley

Corporations, mega rich need to pay more in taxes

I was astounded to read that the national debt reached $35 trillion. It should make every American pause. While this number is huge, the taxes the very rich paid was on average less than 3% of income, while hardworking Americans making $70,000 a year paid an average of 14% per year in taxes.

One study shows that 55 companies, all part of the S&P 500 or Fortune 500, would have paid a combined total of $8.5 billion last year if they had paid at a 21% rate (the statutory federal corporate tax rate) on their profits. Instead, not only did they avoid paying any taxes on their profits, but they received $3.5 billion in tax rebates. This is wrong and can’t be sustained.

It seems to me that if these corporations paid their fair share along with the mega rich in our country, we could bring down this number quickly without hurting anyone’s lifestyle or corporate investments. I know that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris want to do this and I agree. It’s time we all pay our fair share in taxes so that the debt doesn’t cripple future generations.

Project 2025 guidelines include more tax cuts for the very rich and corporations. I think doing so would destroy our economy and our middle class. It would increase the wealth disparity between all Americans. That’s just another reason I’m voting for Harris and Democrats up and down the ballot.

— Paul Bartolini, Santa Rosa