pages: TransportationCommission/2012-05-03.pdf, 2
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TransportationCommission | 2012-05-03 | 2 | some flexibility. Ultimately, the changes would have to be approved by Caltrans and any additional cost will have to be paid for by the City. Commissioner Moehring asked for any additional comments from the public. Gary Oda lives down the street from the proposed project and opposes the project because of the number of parking spaces being taking away and the limitation to emergency vehicles that could enter the street. He was not at the previous meetings, but heard that maintenance costs involving the landscaping of trees and grass would have to be paid for by the neighborhood. Finally, he mentioned when he drives up to High Street and Gibbons Drive, he notices that the road is narrow. So, any large vehicle must maneuver carefully up to the bridge. Walt Grady applauded the recommendation to take no action on this item. He wrote a letter to the board shortly after the meeting, but heard no response from the Commission about his letter. He referred to an article by the local Alameda Sun newspaper and he questioned whether the grant was activated because the language was never clear. Mike Kelly presented 275 petitions of signatures that say not to make changes to the Gibbons Drive/Northwood Drive/Southwood Drive intersection. He wants the City to continue to encourage kids to use the Alameda Safe School routes. He mentioned this is the second time he has been here and he disagreed with the director at Lincoln School that there was little interest in the project. On July 15, 2011, the City applied for the grant and this is the beginning of Alameda's bridge to nowhere. He felt there were three secret meetings held between September 2011 and February 2012 to discuss going forward with the project. Ultimately, he believes an informed public is essential to democracy, but the only thing that this project has produced is distrust for government and bitterness. Jim Strehlow, Alameda resident and local employee, stated this is a City not in touch with its citizens. He has lived on Gibbons Drive next to High Street for over 55 years and Gibbons Drive is a beautiful tree lined street that is welcoming to Alameda visitors. He considered the intersection beautiful as is and because of its strange design, drivers are more cautious than normal. About seven years ago, a Gibbons Drive resident approached the Fernside Homeowner Association about her concerns for the Gibbons Drive circle and the attendees said it was not needed. Again, she voiced her opinion, and the attendees voiced against it again. Alameda Public Works should have noticed the proposal to the public first before continuing with the project because the project seems to be a "Berkeleynization" of the neighborhood. Ultimately, he would like the City to return the grant money and keep the intersection as is. Jay Seaton has lived within proximity to the Gibbons Drive intersection for over 12 years. He was a supporter of the original petition that the staff mentioned with some calming of the area. Although initially it was for a roundabout, he found that there was no community consensus around the design. He is in now in favor of the recommendation to not proceed with the proposal. Ruben Ramirez has resided overlooking the intersection for over 29 years. Initially, when he was approached about the center of the intersection he found it interesting. When the City came back Page 2 of 5 | TransportationCommission/2012-05-03.pdf |