Much has been said about Mill Valley's "small-town character". It is embraced in the 1989 General Plan. But now, our planners seem to be trying to get away from it. Why? People come to and stay in Mill Valley because of its "Character".

Defining what is is is difficult, but some of the elements include:
• Preserve the environment (especially mature trees, views)
• Retain our local-serving businesses
• Promote sustainable transportation solutions
• Provide manageable traffic
• Promote a diverse community
• Ensure pedestrian-safe streets and bicycle safety
• Guarantee our public safety
• Safeguard our schools’ educational capacity

And just as instructive are the things "small-town character" is NOT:
• Increasing commercial building street setbacks
• Building dense housing close to major entry and exit routes to Mill Valley
• Limiting parking capacity protected by zoning
• Increasing density (e.g.: for “Passage Room” from 12 units/acre to 20 units/acre; eliminating PUD density controls, replacing with 20 units/acre developer entitlement)
• Increasing building heights to 40' (effectively an increase to 3 - 4 stories along much of Miller Ave.)
• Allowing neon signs
• Building a parking garage
• Granting exemptions to FAR maximums (building size) and current heights for many existing buildings / parcels

Mill valley will continue to change and grow over time, but that change and growth need not and should not cause us to lose our Small-town Character!