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something new, that Planning has two active Task Forces and the upcoming major <br />projects from the rezonings and the Housing Element. <br />Chair Blank stated that the two things that struck him that he thinks the Commission <br />should be focusing on are the East Side Specific Plan and State Route 84. <br />Commissioner Olson agreed. <br />Commissioner Pearce inquired if the City even has funding for State Route 84. <br />Mr. Dolan said no. <br />Commissioner Pearce asked Mr. Dolan to speak to the second Bernal Bridge. She <br />indicated that she remembers having a conversation about why that was so important <br />but could not remember why it was so. <br />Commissioner Narum commented that one would know by looking on the west side. <br />Commissioner Pearce noted that she knew it was important for traffic but that she <br />believed there were environmental concerns with regard to the Arroyo underneath it. <br />Mr. Dolan stated that he heard from staff that preceded him about what the issues were, <br />and he believes it is not just traffic but also pedestrian and bicycle safety. He noted that <br />there is not very much room there, and it was a safety issue for those who live west of <br />the bridge and the fact that the bridge is between them and the Downtown, schools, and <br />now a shopping center. <br />Commissioner Pearce agreed and added that Foothill Road is heavily traveled by <br />bicyclists as she recalls from her Master Plan days. <br />Mr. Dolan confirmed that it is a favorite route. <br />Commissioner O'Connor noted that there was once a lot of talk about noise mitigation <br />for train whistles and the railroad crossings. He inquired if that was dropped because of <br />funding issues. <br />Mr. Dolan replied that staff basically did some research a couple of years ago as to <br />what it would require to have a separated crossing, and that was estimated at a <br />half - million dollars. <br />Commissioner O'Connor inquired if there are any Federal or State funding that would <br />help with the funding. <br />Mr. Dolan replied that it has been some time since staff did the research and came back <br />to the Council with a memo. He indicated that he can share that memo with the <br />Commission. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 13, 2013 Page 11 of 20 <br />