pages: PlanningBoard/2021-09-27.pdf, 8
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PlanningBoard | 2021-09-27 | 8 | Board Member Cisneros wanted to know when the last time the parking meters had been increased. She also suggested some other information that would be helpful in the surveys to better understand the demographics. She also asked about parking turnover. Staff Member Wheeler said she did not have that information on the parking meters, she knew what the current rates were. She then discussed parking turnover and why having 15% available parking was desirable. Director Thomas also discussed the importance of having better parking management with better parking enforcement. Board Member Hom wanted to know if there was enough time for tenants to apply before November 1st, he was concerned it was not a realistic period. Staff Member Wheeler answered that these recommendations had been announced starting in July. Staff was encouraging businesses to start the process now and not to wait. They would have some sort of grace period to make sure everyone had a Use Permit. Board Member Curtis asked if there had been increases in fender benders on Park and Webster since the program had started. Staff Member Wheeler said after viewing the Collision Statistics they had not seen an increase, it might still be too soon to tell. Director Thomas added that they had learned through the survey that people felt safer. President Saheba opened public comment. Kathy Weber, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association, urged the board to continue its support of the Commercial Streets Program. She discussed the critical lifeline this program offered Alameda businesses. Ron Mooney, an owner of Daisy's, spoke in support of this project, he discussed what an asset having the parklets had been. He thought the Commercial Streets program was great and even encouraged lowering the speed limit even more. He added what reach out he had done to make sure residents knew what was happening. President Saheba closed public comment and opened board discussions. Board Member Hom stated that he was a big proponent of road dieting and creating more pedestrian-friendly corridors. He discussed how other cities had been doing projects like this even before the pandemic to create more vibrant downtowns. He liked the idea of further studying this project and making it permanent. He did think the Kimley-Horn Study could use further evaluation and he liked all the recommendations that staff brought forward. Vice President Ruiz did point out a typo in the Kimley-Horn report. Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 8 of 10 September 27, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-09-27.pdf |