CCMIN031505 - Laserfiche WebLink

The roll call vote was taken as follows: AYES: Councilmember$ - Brozosky, McGovern, Sullivan, and Mayor Hosterman NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Ms. McGovem said she was in favor of providing the proposed sidewalk. She referred to the 1999 meeting minutes where Mr. Pico made a motion, seconded by Mr. Tarver, to require the design and construction of the pedestrian connector to be done in conjunction with the building permits and design for the first property and that it be developed on the Bozorgzads' property, and that the actual location and design of the pedestrian pathway be determined at that time. She noted this motion failed by a two to three vote. Mr. Brozosky said the issue at that point was to try and place a path on a property that had not been subdivided. Mr. Sullivan concurred with Ms. McGovern's comments. He believed it is important to have pedestrian access throughout the City. The proposed sidewalk connection is an important part of the North Sycamore Specific Plan, and in general, it is good to have pedestrian access between neighborhoods. He understood the privacy concerns of the neighbors, but believed pedestrian activity was positive for the neighborhood. He also believed it was important to connect these neighborhoods to avoid islands of sequestered neighborhoods isolated from each other. In this case, the Bozorgzads and the Bachs were aware of this when the Bozorgzads PUD was approved. He believed more of the burden was shifted to the Bachs and the Lambs by moving the access on to their property. Although he would like to see the sidewalk connection go through, he would like to find a solution to address the safety concerns. He mentioned that he visited the neighborhood and talked with some of the neighbors about the safety issues. He believed there were some solutions, particularly related to the design on the courtside to remove the temptation to have it used as a skateboard ramp onto the streets. He suggested angling the stairs at a 45 to 90 degree angle coming up from the court and then turning down the slope going southward, which would solve this issue. In looking straight down the hill, he agreed that it would provide enough temptation for kids to fly down the hill on their bicycles. He supported the sidewalk connection and believed it was important for the overall neighborhood. In response to an inquiry by Mr. Brozosky, Mr. Sullivan suggested placing the zigzags at the top of the hill down to where the private road connects, similar to what was done at the Arroyo Trails. If the goal is to create additional safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, Mr. Fialho suggested Council could make this a condition as part of its motion and staff could work with the engineers to come up with something that is visually attractive. Mr. Brozosky asked if the Director of Planning and Community Development could approve the design. Mr. Fialho said yes. Pleasanton City Council 13 03/15/05 Minutes