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Tom Corbett said the entire area is a design failure, is congested along with the BART parking lot and <br /> suggested staff get together with BART to evaluate the entire area. <br /> Muriel Ockers-Brown commented on commuters who work in the City through different working hours <br /> and increased congestion. She noted the need to accommodate resident mobility as well as those who <br /> work or must travel through the City. She added that it will only get worse in the future; said she would <br /> like to see the lanes returned to Owens Drive and she has not witnessed a lot of traffic related to Iron <br /> Horse Trail. <br /> Julie Testa expressed concerns regarding reducing lanes on Owens Drive; noted the video was taken <br /> at 5:15 p.m., but that the area does not get congested until about 5:45 p.m. She spoke in opposition to <br /> taking away public resources and asked City Council to prioritize returning City roads to City citizens. <br /> Margean Majors spoke against closing lanes on Owens Drive, asked the City to bring back, at least, <br /> one more lane and said the current state is "an accident waiting to happen." <br /> Chong Wang urged City Council to re-evaluate the current situation and give residents back their road. <br /> He added the City has taken away public resources for the benefit of the developer, which is not <br /> acceptable. <br /> Sachin Bhayani said the entire area has been a disaster, is very dangerous, there are more pedestrians <br /> and bicyclists on Santa Rita and giving away public resources for private development is not <br /> acceptable. He urged to restore the three lanes that were removed on Owens Drive. <br /> An Li opposed the plan noting it is unsafe no matter what the speed, and expressed concerns regarding <br /> access for emergency vehicles. She urged City Council to put back the lanes it had removed and <br /> suggested adding landscaped walking paths. <br /> Ram Maganti expressed concerns with emergency vehicle access with the current configuration, <br /> opined the design is flawed, stated there are many delays, felt the videos do not represent the current <br /> situation, modelling has failed and urged City Council not to take away public parking. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed public comment. <br /> Councilmember Pentin stated he would like to see the project, as presented by staff, be given a <br /> chance. He reported he is not opposed to including future reevaluation of this item in City Council's <br /> priorities list. <br /> Councilmember Narum stated the goal was creating a TOD and finding a balance between all forms of <br /> transportation. She added it is her inclination to leave the project as is, add it to City Council's priority <br /> list, have staff reevaluate and consider building a parking garage in the future. <br /> Councilmember Brown stated that what residents are asking, seems reasonable, addressed goals, and <br /> noted the desired result is getting people to and from work. She felt residents have made a great <br /> argument for restoring the lanes, they should not have to wait another year and should get, at least, <br /> one lane back. <br /> Councilmember Olson stated residents may see BART, through ACE in Livermore, by 2026. He <br /> encouraged residents to take their questions to BART. Additionally, regarding the subject matter, he <br /> indicated he is in favor of waiting a year before making any changes. He added he is not opposed to <br /> placing this matter on City Council's priorities workplan, but is not in favor of making changes at this <br /> time. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7 March 7, 2017 <br />