pages: CityCouncil/2017-01-17.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2017-01-17 | 11 | the reality of Alameda; the issues with moving on and off the island, and around the island, have to be looked at; the behavior and incentives that will change the percentage of drive-alones also have to be reviewed; he would like to see the Transportation Commission recommendations explicit in the plan; as a top priority the Transportation Commission should deliberate and give the Council their recommendations by vote. Vice Mayor Vella stated the highest ranking project is getting on and off the Island and the on-island transit issues; she thinks they are also separate issues; there is a lot of concern for West End estuary crossings when evaluating long term; she primarily uses bike and public transit to get around the island and only drives to work; finding ways to get people comfortable with using public transit is important; estuary crossing is important; the City needs to plan now and be serious about it; for the people who want to get their cars off the road, the City should serve them by providing long term options and the means for doing so; she would like feedback from the Commission on Disabilities Issues as able-ism should not be assumed. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated she concurred with her colleagues and commended staff for looking at Citywide strategy; parking management strategy has great objectives; reducing incentives by parking strategy should be used in tandem with other objectives and not discourage people already inclined to use public transit; safe alternatives for students should be provided so parents are willing to allow their kids to walk, ride bikes, or take the bus, and there would be less congested traffic; finding a way to pay for free shuttle is a continuing obligation; not everyone needs to be offered the service for free; students, low income, and seniors, could be included, but she would like the incentive to be more need-based; the free shuttle is a great idea but would be a challenge to underwrite; inquired what are the next steps and when they can begin. The Base Reuse Director responded next steps would include finding a way to package the incentives in a way that provide more of the connections and make the plan more comprehensive; staff has been working with the consultant on tool kits to create standardized TDM and take the strategy to the next level; the intent is to spend the next couple months putting a draft plan together, and returning to Council in the summer with a draft plan; the plan would go through the whole circuit of the Planning Board, Transportation Commission, and the Commission on Disabilities Issues; a draft plan will be presented first, then a final plan. Mayor Spencer stated that she has concerns about the public opinion survey and the demographics; trying to figure out how to make the plan sustainable is the issue; she would support the plan but would not support raising taxes to support it; figuring out ways for funding needs to be addressed; Alameda has serious transit problems, rush hour and access to and from schools is always an issue; there are ways to do the plan with the support of the community; establishing a sustainable long term plan to meet the needs is important; the priorities include sustainability with no money from the General Fund; Council could continue to advocate, but figuring out how it is going to be done here is important; considerations can include grants, things that can be improved, working with the Coast Guard, and figuring out a bridge; feeling comfortable and safe Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 17, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-01-17.pdf |