PC 072606 - Laserfiche WebLink

,--- Ms. Harryman noted that the Commission proceeded from the presentation of the staff report to the discussion and requested that before moving on, Chairperson Arkin confirm that there were no speakers in the audience. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. There were no speakers. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. In response to Chairperson Arkin's inquiry if this change is being recommended by the Traffic Engineer, Mr. Tassano said yes. Commissioner Fox inquired if the Traffic Engineer spoke with the Alameda County ambulance service. Mr. Tassano said no. Vote: 4-1 Yes: Commissioners, Arkin, Blanl~ Olson, and Pearce. No: Commissioner Fox. Commissioner O'Connor requested the Commission to consider the proposal to remove r`' the traffic signals at the three Valley Avenue intersections. He noted that there have been so many accidents and injuries in the area, even in crosswalks, because vehicles do not stop at the signs. He added that traffic lights provide the opportunity to constrain and open up traffic, and vehicles will stop when the light turns red. Chairperson Arkin asked Ms. Stern to explain what went into the determination of "not compatible with community chazacter." Ms. Stern replied that the determination was made from the planning perspective, based on the concern that this was a fairly low key pedestrian residential azea, and increasing the lights there would emphasize the traffic flow into the azea and change it into a different azea. Commissioner Blank inquired if, should this end up in the General Plan, this would not have to be built unless the Traffic Engineer or the City elected to do so. Ms. Stern replied that most General Plans have an implementation plan which indicates whether programs aze planned for neaz-term, mid-term, or sometime in the future as resources become available. She added that this detenmination would depend on the list of priorities. In response to Commissioner Blank's inquiry regarding when the implementation plan ~ occurs, Ms. Stern replied that while the 1996 General Plan did not have an implementation plan, most General Plans today include a plan in the form of a matrix at PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, July 26, 2006 Page 8 of 24