pages: CityCouncil/2021-12-21.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2021-12-21 | 7 | program, it must look at the slow streets as well as the impacted streets nearby; discussed car and public transportation ridership numbers compared to pre-COVID-19; stated that she hopes there is an alternative to Versailles Avenue; Versailles Avenue is the only street which is continuous from Otis Drive to Fernside Boulevard; she is a pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist; there have been complaints about Pacific Avenue; traffic on Buena Vista Avenue is increased in car traffic; proposed removing the portion east of Grand Avenue on Pacific Avenue; stated that she has received questions about the choice of San Jose Avenue as a slow street; San Antonio Avenue could be considered; the West End of town has better selections for slow streets; slow streets have not been created equally; noted portions of Versailles Avenue have been open due to school re-opening; cars are able to go closer to Edison School; inquired whether the entirety of Versailles Avenue is a slow street. The Senior Transportation Coordinator responded Versailles Avenue from Fernside Boulevard to Calhoun Street is a slow street; stated staff worked with Edison School to move the barricade from the block of the school. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated car traffic is around the school; expressed support for Versailles Avenue no longer being a continuous slow street and for maintaining the slow streets west of Grand Avenue; stated there is work to be done on the slow streets east of Grand Avenue. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is unsure the increase in accidents and deaths are related to slow streets and diverting traffic to smaller streets; she does not think there is evidence to support the assertion; a memorial bicycle ride went to all four sites of cyclist deaths; all deaths occurred on large streets that could benefit from traffic calming; one side of Franklin School is bordered by San Jose Avenue; there have been concerns about speeding in the area near the school; expressed support for the staff recommendation without going beyond; stated that she would like Pearl Street to be considered; Pearl Street has more apartment buildings than Versailles Avenue; expressed support for providing the benefit of slow streets on a street with more apartment complexes; stated complications with Versailles Avenue include access to the small commercial district; the TC has recommended studying the area in the next year; she is a bicyclist, pedestrian and car driver; she loves riding her bike on slow streets and talking to neighbors; neighbors on Pacific Avenue have concerns related to speeding; she has received suggestions about making non-slow streets into slow streets; slow streets have been a way to get people out and exercising during the pandemic; slow streets have helped build community; discussed Noe Valley's closed off slow streets; stated change is always difficult; expressed support for slow streets and the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog stated Council must remember that slow streets started at a time in the pandemic where much uncertainty was present; many areas of activity were closed or limited in service; many people were working from home and needed the ability to get out of the house to walk; space was needed to facilitate the activity needed; the pandemic accelerated the slow streets program; tennis courts and swimming have managed to come back, as well as downtown areas; people are able to socially distance with facemasks; the overarching issues which required the City to put the slow streets program in place are not currently present; the backdrop for the slow streets program is longer present; people are able to walk on streets while socially distanced with facemasks; the current condition is different; the urgency for slow streets program is no longer present; people are not seeing slow streets as a mechanism to deal with social distancing; slow streets are being seen as a quasi-cul-de-sac; slow streets and cul-de- sacs are desirable due to lack of traffic; Council must discuss which streets are selected to be Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 21, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-12-21.pdf |