pages: TransportationCommission/2006-06-28.pdf, 5
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TransportationCommission | 2006-06-28 | 5 | consistency of the policies with the general plan, long-range transit plan, and the TMP. Last week discussion was increasing traffic volumes, intersection widening, and speed limits to a certain extent. Need to have an analysis done before the Council certifies it. Commissioner Knoth responded that this type of statement could hopefully prevent some problems, such as those with pedestrian access at the Alameda Towne Centre. Commissioner McFarland suggested recommending the policies to the Council for while the TMP is under development. Commissioner Parker stated that the policy statement would point out that many policies are already in place, that in some cases they are vague and not being followed, and since EIRs are coming up for approval, this could be considered as a guiding document until the TMP is in place. She suggested that at this would at least generate discussion about critical issues. She also noted that some issues may not be addressed here, so the language should be modified to acknowledge that. Mr. Ratto expressed his concern that the policies appear to be dictating to the Council how they should act. However, the policies would be useful for the TC as a guideline in reviewing EIRs. He also noted that despite various City policies which recommend reducing reliance on automobiles, that is still and will continue to be the major form of transportation in Alameda. Chair Knox White said that the TC is only making a recommendation to the Council and not attempting to tell the Council how to act or to be disrespectful. He responded that if the language used in the handout was inappropriate, he is okay with rewording it. Commissioner Ratto expressed his concern with the language, e.g. "reject any EIR " Chair Knox White said that this is so that projects won't be exempted from the policies. The City Council has ability to ignore the General Plan, TC recommendations, etc. However, if they adopt this as their policy, a discussion will have to happen regarding how a particular project does or does not conform to established policies. Commissioner McFarland recommended that the proposed policies be used as a guide for the TC. Commissioner Krueger stated that while some generalities in policy are useful to allow for flexibility, if they have too much flexibility they don't achieve the desired result. These policies would help make clear what things are unacceptable to the City, so that projects will be more consistent with the goals. Chair Knox White suggested modifying the policy statement to indicate that this is what the TC would be using to guide its recommendations. 5 | TransportationCommission/2006-06-28.pdf |