pages: PlanningBoard/2021-05-10.pdf, 3
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PlanningBoard | 2021-05-10 | 3 | how to encourage public transportation, such as Portland's Far-less Square, which they had for over 30 years, that relieved the burden of having to carry a bus pass. She brought up the speed limit on the estuary and how it was not being enforced, they needed to find a way that with ferries and water taxis everyone felt safe and comfortable on the water. Director Thomas said they were also working on other plans such as the Active Transportation Plan, which would get into more detail about bicycle and pedestrian improvements for the city over the next 5-10 years. Then there was the Vision Zero Action Plan which would deal with some of the questions raised about safety. Board Member Ruiz suggested having all the plans and policies listed in the front and what they cover so the information was easily located. Commissioner Scott Weitze said he did not see a plan to get bikes to the water shuttles and wanted to know if they would create bus-only lanes in Alameda. He brought up the issue of Enterprise Zone and if they would need to rewrite anything in the General Plan. Director Thomas said the vision is to have great pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout the city between parks, open spaces, commercial spaces, and the waterfront. He discussed how development on the waterfront is required to build a public water shuttle dock. He said it was a good note to go back and make sure that concept was very clear. For dedicated bus lanes, they would need to go back and take a look at that, they certainly had mentioned dedicated bus lanes in a few places. He then described the new state law, the Surplus Lands Act, and how it was essentially a new housing bill. Commissioner Weitze said he appreciated and applauded the quiet streets and reduction in parking and described a great experience at Almanac Brewery being outside. He believed that was in line with the true character of Alameda. He added that reductions in parking would free up land. Director Thomas said they were trying to get the concept across, and yes there were people in the city who had to drive, that if you are able it should be super easy and safe to use public transportation or use another option. Commissioner Weitze asked about accessible parking and if there had been a discussion about making those the only parking spots available. Director Thomas said they had discussed those options and this would be where the idea of a maximum parking standard comes in. Commissioner Tina Yuen suggested having a table in the front of the plan showing which policies and plans overlap to make it easier for the reader to see the intersectionality of certain elements. Director Thomas liked that idea not just for the reader but also for the staff. Commissioner Yuen asked about the estuary crossing and she thought that the language in that section was very neutral. She wanted to hear more about where the city was in prioritizing this and how they were pushing this forward. She was specifically asking about the West Alameda bike to Oakland Bridge. Approved PB & TC Joint Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11 May 10, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-05-10.pdf |