PC 03/11/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Judy Fox, 3645 Virgin Island Court, stated that she is excited about the train. However, she is bothered by a statement in the staff report that many residents will take public transportation to the train station because the Wheels buses do not start early enough in the morning. She also noted that Wheels does not start until after 6:00 a.m. She, therefore, requested that either staff or the Planning Commission take the initiative to suggest that the bus and/or Wheels start earlier and specifically include the train station on its route. She also feels it would be appropriate to have a connection between the train station and the BART station. Commissioner Dove stated that he recently visited with Wheels on this issue and was told that it would service the train station, and that final arrangements should be in place by the time the train station opens. Roger Smith, 6344 Alisal Street, stated that there should be some sort of light mitigation and a condition identifying the time in which the lights should be turned on and off. In addition, he feels that they should only be illuminated to a maximum of .5 footcandle at the property line. June Blanchette, 393 W. Angela Street, stated that the train station will have a detrimental impact on the surrounding neighborhood. While she is pleased that the environmental impact has been addressed, she is concerned with the whistle noise and wonders whether the noise study evaluated the whistle. In addition, she expressed concern with increasing the already congested traffic in her neighborhood. She presented photographs of the current traffic situation in her neighborhood to the Commission for review. In addition, she would like to have W. Angela -- Street permanently closed. Commissioner Barker suggested that the parking on W. Angela Street be restricted only to residents, noting that in other azeas the residents are given stickers to put on their cars identifying them as residents. Mr. Higdon stated that the parking situation does not warrant such a restriction, but the traffic committee will review all requests. Commissioner Barker suggested to Ms. Blanchette that she go to the City Council and request that the parking situation be evaluated. Bob Cordtz, 262 W. Angela Street, reported that he recently attended a workshop with the ACE representatives, Union Pacific, and the Federal Safety Board. He commented that Mr. Montgomery and his staff are gentlemen and are very up front and pleasant to work with. He expressed concern with the staff report relating to jurisdictional authority, specifically that the San Joaquin Rail Commission , as the County's lessee, is exempt from the City's land use control and that this would set a precedence for future uses. He also stated that the railroad now is presently leasing three blocks of railroad right-of--way to anon-profit organization for $350.00 per year. He feels that something can be done to get the railroad right-of--way and locate the permanent train station there for $350.00 per year. He further suggested that that option be pursued now because that area will eventually developed. Planning Commission Page 14 Mazch 11, 1998