Petaluma eyes traffic fix at Deer Creek

Several east Petaluma streets could receive improvements to control traffic as the city council considers a $95,000 project to settle a challenge to the Deer Creek shopping center from a neighborhood group.

The Petaluma Neighborhood Association in 2012 appealed the Friedman’s Improvement-anchored shopping center, citing concerns over traffic impacts and pedestrian safety. The group withdrew its challenge after the developer, Merlone Geier, agreed to additional traffic calming measures and donations to Petaluma community organizations.

According to a city proposal, the traffic improvements would include three new curb ramps and a marked crosswalk with flashing beacons on Professional Drive at Rushmore Avenue, two radar feedback signs displaying motorists’ speed on Rainier Avenue, and new crosswalk markings on Rainier Avenue at Maria Drive.

The $95,000 project was set to be awarded to Coastside Concrete and Construction of Santa Rosa at Monday’s council meeting, but the item was continued to June 19 to allow the neighborhood association time to consider the improvements.

Janice Cader Thompson, who started the Petaluma Neighborhood Association, said traffic calming measures on Rainier Avenue are a benefit to the city, but she questioned the need for a flashing crosswalk on Professional Drive.

“I’m happy to hear the improvements are being done. People are barreling down Rainier going 50 mph,” she said. “Anything you can do to slow down traffic on Rainier would be great.”

In an email, the former city councilwoman said the city should use the funds instead to narrow Rainier Avenue from four to two lanes.

“A road diet would slow traffic down and make it safer for pedestrians and vehicles,” she said.

The traffic enhancements cost $80,000, according to an estimate. An additional $15,000 in street maintenance funds are slated to go toward repaving the intersection at Rainier Avenue and Maria Drive.

Construction was scheduled to begin next month and be completed in August.

Meanwhile, Merlone Geier is continuing construction at Deer Creek Village. Greg Geertsen, Merlone Geier’s managing director, did not return a call seeking comment. He said in an interview last year that the developer plans to add four new buildings, one of which will house a Smart and Final. He also said letters of intent were signed for a specialty nail salon, a bank and a coffee shop.

(Contact Matt Brown at matt.brown@arguscourier.com.)