pages: CityCouncil/2021-12-21.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2021-12-21 | 8 | slow streets; less traffic is a benefit; he does not support the continuation of the slow streets program for one more year; encouraged City staff, Council, Boards and Commissions to figure out an equitable approach to select slow streets; slow streets provide some semblance of less traffic; Council must decide the reasoning behind specific streets being selected for the slow streets program; expressed support for staff coming back to figure out the reasoning behind street selection; questioned whether issues of equity should be considered. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about the street selection process. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated there are a variety of reasons streets were selected for the slow streets program; some are already bicycle routes or being considered in the ACT as future bicycle boulevards; the selected streets also already have a relatively higher number of people walking and biking; streets were selected for less traffic disruption; larger streets would cause a disruption in traffic; slow streets were kept off of bus routes. Councilmember Daysog stated that he understands; however, people on other streets also deserve to live on a slow street. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated the first survey asked the community about slow street locations; the streets selected were the most frequently mentioned in the survey responses; staff indicated a need for providing equity across the Island as well. Councilmember Daysog stated the reasons provided are valid; as policymakers, Council must think about neighborhoods and residents that may not self-select as wanting slow streets; others are just as worthy of having slow streets; Council needs to figure out who gets the lottery of a slow street. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she appreciates the clarification about traffic deaths not being related to safety and calming efforts; there has been a lot of staff, Board and Commission work and discussion behind the slow streets selection process and locations; vehicles are slowing down and being cautious while driving down slow streets; she is supportive of expanding traffic calming measures on side streets if needed; Council has taken previous measures to ensure the safety of streets as a priority; expressed support for seeing slow streets becoming permanent and expanded and for an expansion of traffic calming measures; stated that she would like Council to ensure slow streets allow for safe routes to school and safe travel across the entire City; using slow streets is appropriate and in line with the community and Council's vision; expressed support for equitable mobility opportunities; stated that she is hearing enough votes to continue the program; she supports seeing expansion and discussion related to Councilmember Knox White's comments; she is ready to move forward with staff's recommendation at minimum; inquired whether Councilmember Knox White made a motion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like to see the matter move forward; however, her comfort level is at the staff recommendation; the staff recommendation is most respectful to time spent; she does not believe a motion has been made yet. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of continuing the [slow streets] program until the implementation consistent with the completion of the upcoming ATP. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council December 21, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-12-21.pdf |