pages: PlanningBoard/2007-01-08.pdf, 5
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PlanningBoard | 2007-01-08 | 5 | 8. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS: 8-A. Oakland Chinatown Advisory Committee (AT). A presentation by representatives of the Oakland Chinatown Advisory Committee describing efforts between Alameda and Oakland to improve existing transportation systems serving Chinatown and Alameda and reduce transportation impacts on pedestrians and the quality of life in Oakland's Chinatown and Alameda. Mr. Thomas presented the staff report. He introduced the presenting members of the Oakland Chinatown Advisory Committee. Mr. Alan Yee, Oakland Chinatown Advisory Committee, thanked City staff and the Board for hosting this presentation and Board Member Mariani for her invaluable input on the Committee. Ms. Lynette Lee recognized Oakland Planning Commission Suzy Lee, who served on the Committee and was in attendance. She provided a brief history of Oakland Chinatown and described the transportation and traffic challenges faced by both Oakland Chinatown and Alameda. She noted that the one-way street system was a particular traffic and pedestrian safety challenge. Jenny Ong - Executive Director, Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, noted that Oakland Chinatown had grown tremendously during its history, and added that the 600 small businesses contributed significantly to the City's tax base. She noted that regional transportation connections converged in Chinatown, creating significant traffic congestion. She noted that there were many senior centers, schools and community centers in Chinatown, which made pedestrian safety a particular concern. She noted that Chinatown had the highest rate of vehicle and pedestrian collisions, and most of the victims were seniors; one-third of Chinatown's population consists of seniors. She described the efforts to improve transportation systems and pedestrian safety. Julia Liao, staff, Oakland Chinatown Advisory Committee, noted that one of their goals was to enhance pedestrian safety in an area that was near a major junction of freeways. They also hoped to enhance mobility for the seniors and disabled, as well as to improve the attractiveness of the shopping district. They also hoped to involve the community in the process, and to unify the diverse groups to seek the long-term solutions. Mr. Yee described the Committee's involvement in the regional perspective, and noted that they would develop proposals to supplement the CEQA and EIR process currently in place. They would study alternatives and would work on the proposal made to both Alameda and Oakland for alternative analysis and guidelines to address the issues. They intended to explore the issue of impact fees, and hoped that Oakland would be able to follow Alameda's example of using impact fees to address Chinatown. They intended to revive the planning studies and implementation of the proposals, especially as the Webster and Posey Tubes affect traffic in and out of Alameda. They hoped to bring those recommendations to the Planning Board going forward. Member Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how the proposed Oak to Ninth Street project impacted the Committee's plans. Mr. Yee replied that Oak to Ninth would impact the Jackson Street on-ramp. Planning Board Minutes Page 5 January 8, 2007 | PlanningBoard/2007-01-08.pdf |