PC 071206 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Blank noted that it was extremely difficult to make a left turn at the Nevada Street/Bernal Avenue intersection by the synagogue. Ms. Stern received several emails expressing some concern regazding traffic on the Valley Avenue/Stanley Boulevard corridor. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Henry Jones, 4017 Schween Court, noted that since the Stoneridge Drive extension was taken out of the mix, he was concerned about the traffic engineers stating they wanted three lanes at the corner of Valley Avenue and Santa Rita Road and three lanes at the corner of Stoneridge Drive and Santa Rita Road. He noted that there was a lot of traffic at both intersections, and he believed that the addition of three lanes would encourage even more traffic to use those roadways. He would like the additional use of those roadways to be discouraged. Kevin Close, 871 Sycamore Road, noted that Alternative A discussed the Happy Valley Bypass Road and inquired what would be changed. He added that was already in the General Plan. Mr. Tassano believed that was meant to indicate its addition. Commissioner Blank suggested that the "Happy Valley Bypass Road" be referred to as "Sycamore Creek Way Extension" for clarity. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Chairperson Arkin did not favor a triple left-turn lane at Santa Rita Road and preferred that it remain two lanes. Mr. Tassano noted that the Commission was being asked to consider how to model the future land uses and how to use the existing roadway network. Given the existing roadway network, staff was attempting to envision some of those that would be necessary; he noted that particulaz change was necessary at this time. Staff wished to address current safety concerns with the triple left-turn lane. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Arkin regarding the source of the traffic as referenced by Mr. Jones, Mr. Tassano replied that they generally came from the business park. Chairperson Arkin inquired whether it would be possible to meter and constrain it further so fewer people could make a right turn on Stoneridge Drive and West Las Positas Boulevazd and would like to find an alternative to three left-turn lanes. Mr. Tassano replied that staff found that it was easier to meter at the end, where there were fewer local impacts. He noted that 40-50 percent of the traffic was cut-through traffic. The metering was effective in reducing the overall traffic on Bernal Avenue and First Street; that metering was discontinued due to concerns from the local residents. Mr. Tassano noted that a difficulty experienced with Arlington Street and Sycamore Road was that the traffic could be metered, but they had to control where the metered traffic went. Commissioner Fox suggested that a triple left-turn lane might cut down on the number of cars running the red light. Mr. Tassano agreed with her assessment. 28