pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 13 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether there is data which shows the amount of force the barricades can withstand versus k-rails; questioned whether data shows the force able to be withstood is the same. The Interim City Engineer responded that he currently does not have the data to provide; stated data does exist for the systems and has been reviewed by staff. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the data can be searched for during public comment. Stated six lanes were previously dedicated to the automobile on Park Street before COVID-19; discussed the accessibility for automobiles on Park Street and the design of Park Street; stated the design is relatively hostile to anyone not in an automobile; redesigning parklets and improving the concept of Park Street is a good idea; urged Council to follow the staff recommendations; expressed support for transforming Park Street into a park, for providing more elaborate landscaping, trees, vegetation and fountains, for having first-class protected bike lanes with wider sidewalks and for allowing businesses to expand outdoors onto the street with permanent dining and shopping facilities; expressed support for closing Park Street to private automobiles: James Johnston, Alameda. Stated that she does not care for the current commercial streets; she no longer goes near Park Street due to horrible traffic and narrow lanes; the only benefits of parklets is outdoor dining, which will likely decline during the winter; stated the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be better spent on the Alameda Fire Department and Alameda Family Services pilot program: Marilyn Rothman, Alameda. Stated that he is a fan of road diets; the parklets on Webster Street and Park Street are great additions to the City; expressed concern about biking infrastructure; stated there is no place to ride safely in the Webster Street and Park Street areas; discussed shared spaces and converting roads; stated that he is not a fan of the white barriers and is a fan of the k-72 barriers on Otis Drive; questioned whether concrete barriers are needed when behavior modifications can occur to get people to drive slower; expressed support for replacing barricade sections with other bollards: Zac Bowling, Alameda. Stated that she appreciates the staff report; expressed support for local businesses; expressed concern about the land reduction on Park and Webster Streets affecting residents in the event of an emergency evacuation; questioned whether the City has considered the impact and has a plan to address emergency evacuations; expressed support for the closure of Alameda Avenue; stated more investment should be made into beautifying the area; discussed structures being added for farmers markets: Carmen Reid, Alameda. Stated that she is frustrated with the City's response to cars; discussed accessibility; stated many people will be driving electric cars due to a State mandate; the environmental emphasis on cars is misplaced; she has not spoken to anyone in favor of the current design on Park and Webster Streets; she no longer visits Park Street; she is surprised local businesses support the recommendation; she understands the use of parklets for restaurants; it is wrong to disrupt the main business corridors: Karen Miller, Alameda. Expressed support for the quick action taken by the City and Business Districts; stated many cities around the area have conducted similar programs; Alameda is now in a position to consider permanent items; his experience walking to Park Street is more pleasant; he Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 10 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |