Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. McGovern believed that the sidewalk on San Antonio Street and <br />Independence Drive were larger and wider avenues to access from one neighborhood to <br />another because of the emergency vehicle access. <br /> <br /> Mr. Iserson said that is correct. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern pointed out that the proposed sidewalk connection between San <br />Carlos Way and Sycamore Terrace was not designed to accommodate vehicles, which <br />is why it is appropriate to be a pedestrian path. <br /> <br /> Mr. Iserson said that is correct. <br /> <br /> Ms. McGovern asked if there had been a large crime rate on the sidewalk <br />connection between San Antonio Way and Independence Drive, and the pathways <br />surrounding the high schools and Black Avenue? <br /> <br /> Mr. Isemon said that the Police Department did not note any exceptional crime <br />issues that have been uncontrollable, or at any time has the City considered abandoning <br />those connections. <br /> <br /> In response to an inquiry by Ms. McGovern, Mr. Iserson said the proposed <br />sidewalk connection between San Carlos Way and Sycamore Terrace was included in <br />the North Sycamore Plan when it was adopted in 1992. He said the Specific Plan was <br />reviewed in 1999 when the Bozorgzads' house was to be built. The Bozorgzads were <br />aware that the proposed sidewalk connection was included in the Specific Plan. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky asked staff to address the issue of the possible liability of private <br />roads as the sidewalk is public property, but the street is not. <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said that if a person were walking on the sidewalk portion and fell and <br />was injured, the City would assume liability. If the person were to fall on private property, <br />it would not be the responsibility of the City and any liability would be the responsibility of <br />the private property owners. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky asked if the City assumed liability for injuries that are sustained on <br />private property when it connects several areas together. <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said it would be determined on a case-by-case basis. The City <br />recognizes that pedestrians walk on private property and streets throughout the <br />community; however, the City would typically not hold those private property owners <br />harmless for that activity. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brozosky asked if the City could indemnify the property owners in a situation <br />like this as the private street connects to a public trail. <br /> <br /> Mr. Roush said it is possible, or the City could indicate that it would be granted <br />an easement over a portion of the private street where it is likely that a pedestrian would <br />walk in order to connect to public areas. The City could also be granted an easement <br />over the entire portion of the private street with respect to pedestrian activity. <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 11 03/15/05 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />