SR 05:165 - Laserfiche WebLink

The remaining open spaces are proposed to be defined by primary and secondary trails threaded throughout a series of woods and meadows, connecting residents to a variety of gardens and habitats. The five dominant native habitats found in this area would be reconstructed. Rest areas and picnic facilities would be provided within the open spaces along the trails. A primary trail could potentially extend eastward, tunneling under the freeway so that residents in the Western Area could more conveniently access Central Area open spaces, public facilities, and the Bemal Community Park. Primary trails could have lighting for evening strolls and signs to describe plant species and habitat types. A meadow enclosed by mature riparian woodland is proposed in the northwest comer within the semi-island area where the Arroyo de la Laguna forks. This existing meadow is in the vicinity of an archeological site and would be suitable for an outdoor Native American interpretive experience. Associated with the environmental education center, this meadow would represent how the indigenous tribes of Northern California lived offthe land and associated with other native peoples. Eastern Area A portion of the Phase II Bernal Property lies in the area east of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Two open space sub-areas comprise the Eastern Area, including a pre-treatment marsh and the "Knoll." The pre-treatment marsh is a triangular shaped basin that will filter storm water run-off from development east of the Bemal Property as well as from streets and neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity. Trails would surround the marsh and connect with trail systems planned elsewhere on the Bernal Property as well as a regional trail planned within the former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way farther to the east. Programming for the Knoll would be limited to play facilities for local residents and a trail winding up to the summit. This trail would be sensitively graded into the existing hillside at a slope of less than five percent so that all users could ascend to the top. Facilities at the top of the Knoll would be limited to rustic seating oriented toward the dramatic views of Mt. Diablo, Pleasanton Ridge, and the Sunol wilderness areas. PHASE II SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGN PHILOSOPHY The Bemal Phase I Specific Plan applied "Neo-traditional" (now commonly referred to as "New Urbanism") planning principals to the development of neighborhoods within the Phase I Plan area. Neo-traditional planning is based largely on the concept that narrower, pedestrian-oriented streets and higher density neighborhoods are more conducive to neighbor interaction, thus creating a more livable community. SR 05:165 Page 7