pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 14 | appreciates the ability to walk down Park Street and use a parklet; the experience for drivers has changed; he hopes part of making the changes permanent includes work on improving signal timing and signage, which will improve the experience; discussed bikepedinfo.org and nacto.org: Drew Dara-Abrams, Alameda. Stated not all businesses support the commercial streets program; the program picks and chooses winners; some businesses have lost parking spaces and visibility; some businesses have been closed and cannot open doors due to County rules; businesses need delivery and shipments and disabled people need access; urged Council not restrict vehicle use; questioned whether the County will increase tax rates for businesses that are taxed based on square footage of usable space and whether the City will pay for increased County taxes: Jim Strehlow, Alameda. Stated that she would like to see more buildout of Alameda Avenue; expressed support for the removal of cars on Park Street in the future and for a trolley system in the area; discussed pre- pandemic automobile conditions; stated that she would like to see areas more pedestrianized; expressed support for comments from Speaker Bowling related to bike access; stated that she supports keeping the parklets and safety for pedestrians: Jenice Anderson, Alameda. Expressed support for the staff report; stated DABA members are looking to a long-term vision in improving parklets; noted businesses are not required to build a parklet; expressed support for Park Street being slower and for the speed limit lowering to 20 miles per hour; urged Council to support the matter and put parking compliance in place; the parking garage is fantastic and always has space available: Ron Mooney, DABA. Expressed support for the staff recommendation to continue the commercial streets program; stated the original program did not do much for biking and walking, but was needed for businesses to survive; the program provides a chance to reimagine Business Districts; expressed support continuing discussions and analysis of the design; stated planning work takes a lot of time; expressed concern over configuration changes: Denyse Trepanier, Bike Walk Alameda. Councilmember Knox White stated the matter is exciting; there were previous discussions about how to start thinking about Business Districts, the resulting changes brought by the pandemic and rethinking public spaces; approving the matter and moving forward is important; increased insurance premiums are due to jury awards for people jumping curbs, not running into k-rails; the City is likely being exceedingly cautious and risk-adverse; the City should take on the burden of covering the delta between the current and future insurance costs; the City should look at putting cement barriers along the length of all streets to create a permanent space; the incremental cost of building the areas along the full length is likely worth the cost and will lower hurdles to other businesses coming out of the pandemic; questioned whether Council is approving the improvement of the commercial streets program for two years; noted the resolution extends the temporary permits for two years; expressed support; stated that he appreciates the iterative nature of the program design and the opportunity to make changes along the way; Council can make more permanent decisions at the two year mark; he would like staff to come back to Council with the costs of putting uniform barriers the full length of the blocks. Councilmember Daysog stated the parklet program and street configuration has given a fighting chance to businesses on Webster Street especially; there is a liveliness to Webster Street that Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 11 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |