pages: TransportationCommission/2016-05-25.pdf, 7
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TransportationCommission | 2016-05-25 | 7 | concrete estimates of that. She stated that their hope is that the demand has been so strong and people are already using alternative modes of transportation that ridership will not dip dramatically, but WETA is rightfully cautious about what happens if ridership decreases, so they have talked about those issues. Commissioner Vargas said he was excited about the solutions to the challenges. He explained they may not be perfect yet, but they are getting a lot better. He said he met Kevin Connolly, Planning and Development for WETA, two years ago at the WETA Board meeting and invited him to continue this dialogue. He was excited to see WETA's board meeting was held at Alameda City Hall and there is more inter-activity between the two agencies. He stated that he would hold off comments on the ordinance until the public hearing because it is very detailed. He explained that it was good to see the three step solutions regarding the residential parking stickers, parking charges, and shuttle service as Jennifer Ott described. He went on to say that over the weekend, he spoke with a resident of Orange County who has a sticker program in their waterfront neighborhood. The Orange County resident said the program benefitted their family structure and if the policy was not implemented they would have moved out of the community. So, he explained although staff and WETA are working not to lose ferry riders they should also be cognizant to not lose members of the community. Commissioner Bellows opened the floor for public comment. George K, Executive Director of the Community of Harbor Bay Isle, said he represents 20 Homeowner Associations. He explained that he totally supports the ferry service, but unfortunately too much of a good thing has created a problem and this is a practical solution that will work. He felt in his opinion, the framework and the subsequent detailed plan must be implemented in its entirety. He pointed out that the master association has agreed to administer the program and if they do choose to tow, his security department will do SO. However, they do not want to choose until they see the entire plan in place. He said they are created under the Davis- Stirling Common Act and they are essentially quasigovernment institutions that speak for members of their community. They have worked closely with the City, WETA and the residents and this solution will help everyone involved. Charles Hodgkins, Chairman of the Board Community of Harbor Bay Isle Homeowners Association, stated that they pertain to the board side of the discussion. He explained that they have had good meetings with Jennifer Ott, Liam Garland and the Alameda Police Department. He pointed out that the visual in the presentation showing the land near the ferry terminal was not accurate because there is already development on the corner where Adelphian Way makes a turn onto Harbor Bay and there is not development next to it. So, he said what looks like a large chunk of land is about half of that. He believed a proposal exists to build a senior citizen center on the remaining land. He believed the solution presented was a long-term, rational and relatively well thought out plan that will in the long-term improve the viability of the ferry service. He said the ferry is a resource to the community and the people on the east end and if the City could get the shuttle sorted out with AC Transit or a private entity that would allow the community to feel they are not being imposed upon. He stated that from one of the community meetings one resident commented that motorists drive like lunatics to the ferry terminal and when they come around the corner, they cause potential collisions. He said the Columbia Headlines HOA would like to have a plan in place, but they reside on public streets. So, once this Page 7 of 17 | TransportationCommission/2016-05-25.pdf |