pages: TransportationCommission/2012-07-25.pdf, 5
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TransportationCommission | 2012-07-25 | 5 | 5B. Proposed Yellow Crosswalk on San Antonio Avenue in Front of Franklin Elementary School Staff Khan presented the staff report. Commissioner Vargas explained that Alameda resident Alan Ta submitted a letter giving suggestions on the location of the crosswalk. He then called for public comment. Page Tomblin, parent of a student at Franklin Elementary School, thanked the Public Works and Parks and Recreations Department staff, nearby residents and Alameda School District for working with the PTA and parents to develop ways to access the park safely. The Franklin Elementary School recreational space is small SO better access to the park would be helpful. Ken Carvalho, Alameda resident and Franklin Elementary School PTA, has worked with the Franklin community to address the access and safety issues for two years. The organization worked with the City to produce a written statement to have the City partner with them to make the park accessible. He explained that a Joint Use Agreement was established between the City and the school district. He said that there used to be a mid-block crosswalk at this same location, and he would like to see it restored. Since there is no grass on the school's playground, the kids need the park to play their sports. He hoped that the Transportation Commission would approve the project. Jon Spangler explained that he became a volunteer at Franklin Elementary School while serving on the original Transportation Commission. He became the crowd control supervisor for kindergarten to fifth graders. This effort led to developing one of two Safe Routes to School maps in the City of Alameda. He also found out that San Antonio Avenue was quite busy with traffic since it did not have stop signs compared to Encinal Avenue. He would like the crosswalk restored, and recommends that the Commission approve the project. Carol Gottstein, lives on Grand Street, and she went to the community meeting. She does not believe a particular direction was taken at the meeting. She sees the new plan has cluttered signs and painted striping. She read what Mr. Ta wrote, and she believes that he has a lot of good points. The amount of time that is being saved is seconds and does not change access. When she was a kid, she was taught to cross at the corners, which still should be applicable today. Commissioner Vargas opened the discussion to the Commission. Commissioner Schatmeier asked if staff wants the Commission to approve the staff recommendation tonight. Staff Khan replied that they are asking for an action on the staff recommendation. Commissioner Bellows said that she was happy to see such a collaborative effort between the school, Public Works Department staff, the school district and the PTA. She lives a block away from the area, and watches the kids go to the park. She also reflected on wheelchair bound people and the fact that they have to go all the way around to access the park. So, she supported the Page 5 of 11 | TransportationCommission/2012-07-25.pdf |