pages: CityCouncil/2021-10-19.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2021-10-19 | 8 | of Option 2 and allows cars to come out for people to fish. The Public Works Director responded Option 2 keeps the area accessible for vehicles. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she is not sure how wide the space is; the space will often have multiple cars on the weekends; people use canopies for shade and have chairs to enjoy the shoreline; she would like to speak for the law-abiding citizens that hang out and enjoy the Bay; there will be less Bay access for cars; she supports DePave Park; however, people should have access via cars in the meantime; accessing the area is very long to walk while carrying items; she would like Council to come up with a way to allow law-abiding citizens to congregate and enjoy the space; she thinks the area is insufficient; she would like a "U" shape large enough for cars; she is fine with blocking off more of the middle area; more speed bumps to slow traffic should be considered; she disagrees that people will perform doughnuts over speed bumps; she believes speed bumps work in deterring and slowing traffic; she has seen car shows down other long streets; the issue is present Citywide; she needs staff to be willing to help figure out how to address the criminal behavior as well as support law-abiding citizens who want to enjoy the bay; the "U" shape would be a better solution; expressed support for the USSH; stated that she would like to work with the USSH on fencing to try and accommodate shows and events; the biggest event at Alameda Point is the Antiques Faire which has a lot of cars; expressed support trash cans and bathroom facilities in the area; expressed concern about overreaching and not addressing the problem; stated the goal to slow down cars is different from cordoning off large areas and not allowing access. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification whether Option 2 would provide vehicle access and parking for Building 25 customers and allow vehicle access to the southern-most shoreline; inquired whether the photos show the southern-most shoreline. The Public Works Director responded in the affirmative; stated Option 2 would continue to allow vehicle access to just the southern portion, but not the full length of the eastern portion. Councilmember Daysog stated for West Enders traumatized by sideshows and reckless driving, the message that help is on the way is clear; he supports all of the staff recommendations; he thinks the issues of barriers and speed bumps raised by Councilmember Herrera Spencer might help slow down speeding in the area; speed bumps could be placed outside of the USSH as well; the staff recommendation will go a long way in addressing the underlying causes of reckless driving; the large open areas allow people to hold massive sideshows. Vice Mayor Vella stated the visuals from the presentation help the discussion; she wants to preserve bicycle and pedestrian access; more needs to be done to limit vehicle access; a number of areas are still left completely open; she does not think additional speed bumps will be helpful; the City can add things in along the way; however, if the City does not block off larger spaces, problems of sideshows and large gatherings will still arise at Alameda Point; expressed support for Option 2, which will offer more protections for the City; many people call related to events at Alameda Point; APD is doing what it can to enforce the area; it is difficult for APD to be in all places at all times; mitigation efforts through design will make a difference. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has asked herself the advantages and disadvantages of auto-oriented events at Alameda Point; the Antiques by the Bay Faire is contributing to the City by way of sales tax and also causes traffic; the Antiques Faire coincides with the spontaneous, Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 October 19, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-10-19.pdf |