SR 05:069 - Laserfiche WebLink

lng the payment of funds for the construction of Sycamore Terrace is discussed in the "Bo- zorgzads' Comments Including Request For Reimbursement" section of the staff report. As noted above, the primary function of the sidewalk connection is to provide pedestrian link- ages from the neighborhoods on the north side of the Specific Plan area to Sycamore Creek Way and the public trail by Sycamore Creek. The sidewalk connections were evenly distributed along the north side of the Specific Plan area to efficiently serve the existing neighborhoods. Without this sidewalk, the San Carlos Way/San Juan Way/San Luis Court/Sonoma Drive neighbors would have to find other routes to reach the Sycamore Creek trail. If the City Council believes that the sidewalk should be deleted from the Specific Plan and from the proposed project, the City Council should then approve PSP-08, the amendment to the North Sycamore Specific Plan. If, however, the City Council believes that the sidewalk connection should remain, it should deny the amendment. Jim Wolfe, Director of Parks and Community Services, concurs with the staff analysis and rec- ommendation. Mr. Wolfe did not consider it necessary to have the proposed sidewalk reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and trails subcommittee given that, unlike a public trail in a natural setting, the proposed sidewalk would function much like any other City sidewalk providing pedestrian circulation and connections between neighborhoods. Public and Planning Commission concerns regarding loitering, noise, criminal activity, etc., have been expressed in other areas of the City regarding the provision of public sidewalks providing accesses to and through established residential neighborhoods to roach a public park or other public amenity. Representatives of the Police Department have reviewed and support the pro- posed sidewalk's location and design. Because it is a sidewalk connection between neighbor- hoods, it is viewed as being compatible with the neighborhoods. ADA Standards The difference in grade elevations between the north side of the subject property and the cul-de- sac on San Carlos Way results in a series of steps and landings required to connect the public sidewalk to the street. With stairs and landings, the proposed sidewalk would not meet ADA standards. To bring the sidewalk closer to ADA standards, the sidewalk would have to be con- stmcted in a below-grade trench, with retaining walls on both sides, for a significant portion of its length. Staff considered options to achieve ADA compliance and concludes that such compliance is not feasible. Placing the sidewalk in a depressed trench would close in the sidewalk creating, in stafffs opinion, an inhospitable pedestrian environment that would be difficult to monitor. There is less than available space on San Carlos Way to construct an ADA-acceptable ramp without condemning private property. There are two other ADA accessible routes available on Sunol Boulevard and from San Antonio Street in close proximity to the project site. Staffnotes that the SR 05:069 Page 7of15