Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

• What is a charrette?

A charrette is a series of meetings and workshops over a compressed period of time in which community members work with design professionals to identify solutions in the project area.  The premise of a charrette is that the people who live, work, and go to school in a community are the experts. The function of the charrette design team is to first facilitate and listen to the public, and second to distill a common vision and design solution.

• Why aren't Moss Beach and Montara included?

When we looked at the entire Midcoast through to Devil's Slide, the area was too large to address in a single planning effort and engage the communities fully.  We decided to approach the Midcoast in 2 steps...Half Moon Bay to the airport in the first phase (essentially Surfer's Beach centric); and the second step would be the airport north through Devil's Slide.  The second phase timing will tie to the opening of the Devil's Slide tunnel.

• Why three meetings?  Should I attend all three or is there repeat activity?

The event on Thursday will include activities to identify common values for the area and key issues to address. Dan Burden will provide an engaging and entertaining “possibilities presentation,” rich with relevant photos, information and stories to help people visualize the future for the Midcoast/Cabrillo Highway area. Saturday, people will meet at the school, walk the area with design team members and return to draw out solutions in small groups around table-size maps. Tuesday night, Dan and the design team will present the results of their input. This is an important opportunity for community members to let the team know if they got it right or if they missed something.

Ideally, people will be able to attend all three events. However, those that cannot attend every event or cannot stay through an entire event are highly encouraged to attend when they can. There will be review at the beginning of each meeting for the benefit of those who missed previous events, so people will be continuously brought up to speed. Each event builds on the last. There will be some repeat information, but there will be no repeat activity. Every meeting promises something new! 

• Is the design workshop on Saturday a sitting or walking activity?

Both. The morning will begin with an easy-paced, facilitated walkabout to view some of the types of things that are working and are not working so well on Cabrillo Highway, its surroundings and some representative streets and neighborhoods. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The second part of the morning and early afternoon people will see a training presentation from Dan Burden and work in small groups around table maps. They will also get a free lunch! Those that cannot come to the walkabout can still participate in the design table activity.

• Can I participate if I visit the area to surf, hike, enjoy the beach ...?

Absolutely.

• All I hear in large public meetings is conflict and negatives. What's the purpose?

This is not business-as-usual planning where a few alternatives are created by “experts” and shown to the public at a hearing where people comment one at a time. The process is collaborative and positive from the start of the opening meeting, when people are asked to share their visions for the future, participate in an activity to identify the values they hold in common, and brainstorm and prioritize issues for the design team to consider. The focus is on what people want as opposed to what they don’t want, or who to blame or to vilify. On Saturday people will walk and talk together, discussing what they see, observing challenges and potential opportunities. Then they will “argue with their pens” in small collaborative groups around table maps to find potential solutions. People find more common ground this way, clarify misunderstandings and resolve many of their differences.

• What about children?

Bring them! Older elementary school students on up typically enjoy taking part in the activities, viewing the presentations and eating the food. They also provide valuable input for the design team. The meetings are relaxed and informal, so it is possible to bring younger children and infants, stay near the back of the room and move in and out to attend to young kids’ needs. Children attended by adults are welcome on the Saturday walking tour and there will be map tables set up and facilitated for young people. 

• Who are the people leading the charrette?

You can learn more about the charrette team members by looking at the Meet the Team background sheet.  

• How is this funded?

The project is funded through a 2008-09 Caltrans Community-Based Transportation Planning Grant received by the San Mateo County Parks Department.

• What is Caltrans role in the project?

As the grant provider, Caltrans will make sure that the project and its products conform to the grant requirements. Caltrans will also provide the design team with technical information support and review of products for consistency with Caltrans highway standards and policies.    

• What is the expected outcome of the charrette?

The anticipated outcome will be a conceptual plan for improving pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle connectivity, safety and mobility along and across Highway 1. The plan will also address principal connections and mobility within and between Miramar, El Granada and Princeton Harbor, and present potential strategies that could be applied to other areas, such as Moss Beach and Montara. Design considerations to ensure that improvements and future development are consistent with community character and natural surroundings will also be included.

• Who is responsible for the final design of the charrette?

The Final Design Plan will be submitted as product to San Mateo County Parks Department.  It will be posted on the County Park website before being considered for recommendation for approval by the County Parks and Recreation Commission to the County Board of Supervisors.

 

If you have additional questions send them to MidcoastPRC@gmail.com .

General FAQs information from Walkable Communities.