pages: TransportationCommission/2013-06-26.pdf, 5
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TransportationCommission | 2013-06-26 | 5 | Caltrans indicated that they would look into it. He understood that it is not part of the project, but he asked if they could look into it as a subsequent project. Consequently, Caltrans mentioned that historic impacts would stem from the request. Commissioner Vargas asked if Caltrans and Alameda have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Project Charter that highlights the communications of the project. Michael Nguyen replied since he is the new project manager, he would have to look at the history of dialogue revolving around the project. Staff Naclerio replied he is not aware of any agreement. Commissioner Vargas asked Michael Nguyen to check with staff and come back to the Commission with an answer. Additionally, he understood there are funding limits of around $8 million from the SHOPP fund. Yet, he wanted general background of the greatest expenses. Michael Nguyen said the ballpark costs would be $5 million with the tube's rail and two walkways, minor repair of the sidewalk and $2 million for the Posey buildings. Commissioner Bellows asked if work would be conducted on the building near the city of Oakland. Michael Nguyen replied there would be work conducted on the Oakland and Alameda side. Commissioner Vargas called for public comments. John Knox White, City of Alameda Planning Board member, spoke as a citizen and felt the project will look great once it is done. However, he had a concern with the solid railing because it is at handle bar height and that may cause bicyclists to run their handlebars into it. He noted that around the year 2000, there was a major retrofit project underway for the tube. BikeAlameda went to Caltrans to request improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians in the tube and Caltrans replied that the design and construction process is already underway. In 2007, Caltrans decided to conduct additional work on the paths and BikeAlameda went to Caltrans to request the path be fixed. Again, Caltrans said it is designed and already underway. In 2013, Caltrans presented a previous version of the presentation at Alameda's Planning Board and Historical Advisory Board meeting and when the organization approached Caltrans they said sorry it is too late and we have moved forward. Overall, he felt Caltrans refused to work with the local community until Assemblymember Rob Bonta, City Manager John Russo, Mayor Marie Gilmore, City of Oakland, Alameda and Oakland bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups wrote letters to highlight the outreach and communication issues. Overall, he asked the Transportation Commission to make a motion to ask the City Council to send a letter to Caltrans asking Caltrans to partner with the community at the beginning of a project. Jon Spangler, Alameda resident and a League of American Cycling Instructor, said he sat in on the last couple of rounds when Caltrans was working on the tube and he endorsed Mr. White's comments. He felt Caltrans turns a blind eye to bicyclists and pedestrians, but he appreciated the historical aspects and the restorations of the project. Also, he would like to see the lighting on Page 5 of 17 | TransportationCommission/2013-06-26.pdf |