Title
Review Quarterly Report on Activities Related to Transportation Policies and Plans (Information)
Body
Transportation Commission
Date of Meeting (09/27/2017)
Item #6A
(INFORMATION)
Review Quarterly Report on Activities Related to Transportation Policies and Plans (Information)
Background
Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Section 2-8.1 states that the Transportation Commission (TC) “shall monitor, via quarterly staff reports, implementation of approved transportation plans and policies.”
Discussion
The below progress report lists various work tasks completed or are being worked on by staff relating to Transportation Plans from July through August 2017 sorted by the relevant transportation plan.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans
Bicycle Safety Education: A multi-faceted bicycle education program was included as a non-infrastructure component of the Jean Sweeney Cross Alameda Trail Active Transportation Program grant totaling $123,000 plus an $18,000 local match, for a grand total of $141,000. The two-year effort began in August 2017, is funding on-bike bicycle safety education at four schools near the trail, citywide bike safety education classes for all ages, and education programs targeted to low-income, homeless and formerly homeless youth. Bike East Bay and Cycles of Change, under the prime consultant Alta Planning + Design, are providing the direct services. Next Steps: The first classes and workshops will begin in late September 2017.
Bicycle Share Program: After conducting research on what other cities have done and reaching out to Alameda business associations and other stakeholders, the City is negotiating agreements with several station-less bike share vendors for a six-month pilot program. Next Steps: Agreements are expected to be signed by the end of September, immediately after which the pilot program will be launched.
Central Avenue Safety Improvement Project: In November 2015, the TC approved the recommended concept. In February 2016, the City Council approved the recommended concept, and requested more analysis on the Webster Street/Central Avenue intersection once the design and construction is funded. In December 2016, the City won an ATP grant for $7.3 million of the $12 million project. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $3.5 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the two federal/state monies. Next Steps: Staff will begin the next phase of the project, which includes additional outreach for the Webster Street/Central Avenue intersection, environmental review, permits and design, to be completed by June 2019. The next step for this phase is to hire a consultant team. Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/central-avenue-complete-street>
Clement Avenue Safety Improvement Project: This project creates a complete street and constructs a major portion of the Cross Alameda Trail while ensuring that this designated truck route is in a state of good repair. In May 2015, the TC approved the Class II bicycle lane concept alternative as well as track removal. In late 2016, the City added a durable temporary patch over the railroad tracks to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders from slipping on or getting wheels caught in the tracks. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $5 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the federal/state monies. Next Steps: Staff will begin the next phase of the project, which includes environmental review, permits and design, to be completed by June 2019. The next step for this phase is to hire a consultant team. Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/clement-avenue-complete-street>
Clement Avenue/Tilden Way Project: This gateway project in Northern Waterfront includes acquisition of Union Pacific property at the eastern terminus of Clement Avenue and on Tilden Way to the Miller-Sweeney Bridge, which the City is currently negotiating. Once purchased, Clement Avenue could be extended to create a complete street. The City will consider facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians so as to complete the proposed Cross Alameda Trail as well as to improve the truck and bus routes so as to facilitate on/off island access. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $8.4 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the local match requirements of the Measure BB monies. Next Steps: Staff will complete the right-of-way acquisition, and then will begin the next phase of the project, which includes planning, outreach, environmental review, permits and design, to be completed by June 2019. The next step for this phase is to hire a consultant team.
Cross Alameda Trail - Appezzato Parkway: City staff received approval for its Soils Remediation Plan from the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health; submitted a draft NEPA checklist to the reviewing agency and is preparing a revised version; finalized real estate agreements with three encroaching property owners, and is awaiting Council approval of two of them and final signatures from the property owner for the third; learned that a $2.2 million Urban Greening grant to fund this segment, plus the CAT Gap segment, was not funded; began preparing a grant application in partnership with Eden Housing for state Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities funds. The TC and the Planning Board approved the preliminary design at a joint meeting in February 2015. The project (and the CAT Gap) are funded from a Measure B/VRF Bike/Pedestrian Funds grant totaling $793,000, Citywide Developer Fees, Federal Transit Administration monies totaling $787,440, Measure B/BB local discretionary funds, and Transportation Development Act funds. Next Steps: Council approval of real estate agreements with three encroaching properties, obtain federal NEPA clearance, finalize designs, and put the project out to bid in early 2018, with construction expected to begin in mid-2018. Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/public-works/cross-alameda-trail>
Cross Alameda Trail - Gap Closure (Atlantic Ave from Webster St to Constitution Way): In early 2016, staff brought a draft design for this critical trail gap between the Jean Sweeney Park and Appezzato Parkway trail segments to the TC. After more detailed design work with many stakeholders, the Transportation Commission and City Council approved the design concept in March and April 2017, respectively. Next Steps: Combine the designs with the CAT RAMP plans, submit plans for internal city permit reviews, finalize plans, and release construction contract in early 2018.
Cross Alameda Trail - Jean Sweeney Park: The Recreation and Parks Department is the lead agency in charge of designing and constructing the Cross Alameda Trail through Jean Sweeney Park. Construction began in summer 2017. Next Steps: Construction is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/recreation/projects/cross-alameda-trail-jean-sweeney-open-space-park>
Long-Range Transit Plan Update
Appezzato Parkway Dedicated Bus Lanes: The project includes dedicated bus lanes, bus stops, signal modifications for transit priority, curb and gutter, median curb, sidewalk and curb ramp installations, signing/striping, storm drain basins, landscaping/irrigation, lighting improvements and roadway/intersection modifications. The project is a named project in Measure BB for a total of $9 million according to the Measure BB Transportation Expenditure Plan. Out of these monies, an estimated $1,350,000 will be needed for outreach, environmental review and design. Next Steps: Staff will begin planning, outreach, environmental review, permits and design with expected completion by June 2019. The next step is to hire a consultant team.
Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal Access: In mid-2016, the TC and the City Council approved in concept the residential parking permit program for the Homeowner Associations (HOAs) adjacent to the ferry terminal. In August 2016, AC Transit improved Line 21 so that each morning ferry to San Francisco has a connecting bus service to the ferry and each afternoon/evening ferry from San Francisco has a connecting bus service from the ferry. In September 2016, staff began marketing alternative modes of transportation at the ferry terminal, including Line 21 and existing bicycle access. In December 2016, the adjacent HOAs - Columbia and Headlands - voted on the residential parking permit program concept and the City Council revised the residential parking permit program ordinance to enable HOAs to request these programs. In February 2017, City Council adopted the Columbia and Headlands HOA resolutions authorizing residential permit parking on these public streets. On August 1, 2017, the new parking restrictions in the Columbia and Headlands neighborhoods took effect. The spillover parking in the adjacent neighborhoods is no longer an option for ferry riders and the two-hour parking restrictions are enforced along Adelphian Way. City staff in conjunction with WETA and HOA staff, publicized the parking changes via press releases, neighborhood barricades, email alerts, face-to-face contact, flyers and the following FAQ: <https://alamedaca.gov/ferryparkingfaq>. Next Steps: City, WETA and HOA staff is monitoring the parking changes, and will bring the analysis to the TC in November.
Main Street Ferry Terminal Access: Staff is looking into ways to close the bikeway gap on Main Street, to fund a bus feeder service to/from the ferry terminal and to improve parking. In October 2016, City and AC Transit staff submitted an unsuccessful grant application to the Alameda CTC for the Cross Town Express Bus, which would run between the Main Street ferry terminal and Fruitvale BART. Next Steps: The City, WETA and AC Transit are working together on short- and long-term solutions for improved parking management and to ensure that AC Transit bus lines service the Main Street ferry terminal so as to provide bus service once again to/from this ferry terminal. Staff will continue to seek funding for bus service to/from the ferry terminal, the Main Street bikeway gap closure as well as other potential parking management strategies that are under evaluation.
Paratransit Program: In January 2017, the City hired a paratransit coordinator - Victoria Williams - to manage the program, and henceforth - business is booming:
• Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP): From July - December 2016, an average of 6 rides were provided per month. From January - June 2017, an average of 25 rides per month were provided.
• Premium Taxi Program: From July - December 2016, an average of 93 rides were provided per month. From January - June 2017, an average of 104 rides per month were provided.
• Alameda Loop Shuttle Program: Two new accessible shuttle buses with bike racks will be on the road this fall when the shuttle changes from the “Alameda Paratransit” Shuttle to the “Alameda Loop” Shuttle. This free shuttle service runs different loops Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and is open to the public. From July - December 2016, an average of 458 rides per month were provided. From January - June 2017, an average of 542 rides per month were provided.
• Alameda Point Collaborative Easy Pass Program: This new program as of February 2017 now has 115 Alameda Point Collaborative residents enrolled who average almost 3,000 boardings per month. This program allows APC residents who are seniors or people with disabilities to have free bus passes.
Next Steps: Staff will be issuing a request for proposals for the taxi program in October with a new agreement for March 1, 2018. For the shuttle program, staff is working on the transition from “Alameda Paratransit” shuttle to “Alameda Loop” shuttle with a rebranding and promotional campaign. Project web page: www.AlamedaParatransit.com <http://www.AlamedaParatransit.com>
Transportation Choices Plan: In January 2015, the City Council directed staff to prepare a comprehensive citywide transportation planning and implementation effort. During this 18-month citywide planning effort, the City identified opportunities for strategic transportation investment and coordination with transit operators to provide Alamedans with enhanced transportation options while reducing congestion, carbon footprint and air pollution. In May 2016, staff and the consultant team - CDM Smith - obtained comments from the TC on the draft existing conditions memorandum. In November 2016, staff and CDM Smith obtained comments from the TC on the draft strategies memorandum. Next Steps: The TC is reviewing the Draft Plan as part of this September 2017 TC meeting. Staff is requesting City Council approval on Tuesday, October 17. Project web page: <https://alamedaca.gov/transportation-choices-plan>
Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Project: In March 2016, the TC commented on the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Strategy and Plan. In April 2016, the City Council approved the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal Plan, adopted a CEQA Addendum and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) for future ferry service. In mid-2016, the design was reviewed by a Planning Board Study Session on May 9, 2016 and approved by the Bay Conservation Development Commission Design Review Board on June 6, 2016. Permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies is underway. Further design work is temporarily on hold until Site A closes on the land, which is anticipated in July 2017. In April 2017, the City won an Alameda CTC grant totaling $8.2 million, which fully funds the project when accounting for the developer monies that total $10 million. Next Steps: Staff will continue working with WETA on the design of the ferry terminal, and will seek approval from the Historical Advisory Board and a final design review approval from the TC and Planning Board. Once Site A closes and the developer monies become available, the City will complete the permitting and work towards construction of the terminal.
TSM/TDM Plan
Alameda Transportation Management Association: On June 21, 2017, new developments in Northern Waterfront and Alameda Point launched a new organization - the Alameda Transportation Management Association (Alameda TMA) - charged with creating more transportation choices in Alameda. Not only does the Alameda TMA provide and pay for programs required as part of mitigating transportation impacts for their projects, the Alameda TMA also benefits other Alamedans such as paying for increased frequencies to AC Transit’s Line 19, which runs along the Northern Waterfront area. Next Steps: The Alameda TMA will approve budgets for Northern Waterfront and Alameda Point, and will launch a web site. The Alameda TMA will propose new transportation programs and fees for the existing businesses at Alameda Point to be launched in 2018 as stated in the staff report on this item. There is the potential for other interested parties or geographic areas within the City to join the Alameda TMA in the future to create even more cost efficiencies and streamlined transportation services citywide.
Parking Management: In March 2015, the City Council approved the recommendation to procure, install and operate credit card enabled “smart” parking meters at all of the City’s single space meter locations. The resizing of meter poles to allow for the installation of the new meters was completed in late 2015 and the new meters were installed in February 2016. This meter upgrade was part of the 2014 City Council approved 85% occupancy goal to free up one-two available parking spaces per block in Alameda’s business districts. The City Council also approved signage improvements including Variable Messaging Signage at the Civic Center Parking Structure to display real-time occupancy and to better guide on-street parkers to the off-street parking supply as well as refreshed curb painting for time restricted zones in the downtown commercial districts. Both of these items were completed in Fiscal Year 2015-16. Additional parking management improvements include the July 2016 upgrade of the multi-space payment kiosks at the Civic Center Parking Structure and execution of a new Parking Operations and Management contract for the Civic Center Parking Structure. In early 2017, Public Works and Alameda Municipal Power also completed an energy efficiency lighting upgrade at the Civic Center Parking Structure. Next Steps: Following the June 2017 City Council contract approval, Public Works is now beginning the upgrade of the single space meter housings and locks. Additionally, staff is evaluating progress on the City Council’s 2014 occupancy goals and executing the improvements approved in the FY2017-2019 Capital Budget.
Countywide Transportation Projects
Proposed I-880/Broadway/Jackson Multimodal Transportation and Circulation Improvements for Alameda Point, Oakland Chinatown, Downtown Oakland and Jack London Square Project: This project includes improvements to Jackson Street on-ramp, Sixth Street, Martin Luther King Jr. off-ramp, Market Street on-ramp, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Staff is actively engaging with staff from Alameda CTC, Caltrans and the City of Oakland to pursue a mutually beneficial multimodal circulation project in and around the Broadway Jackson interchanges. There is $75 million from Measure B/BB funds that are available to help fund this project once a feasible project alternative is developed. Alameda CTC staff presented a progress report to the TC at the March 22, 2017. Next Steps: Staff will continue to work with Alameda CTC on the proposed alternatives analysis.
I-880/29th Avenue/23rd Avenue Interchange Improvement Project in Oakland: The City of Alameda, Caltrans, the City of Oakland and the Alameda CTC have developed a project to implement operational and safety improvements along I-880 between 23rd and 29th Avenues in Oakland. The Alameda CTC has been managing this project. The construction phase of the project began in 2014. Alameda CTC and Caltrans provided an update to the TC in March 2014 and in November 2016, respectively. Next Steps: Construction completion is expected in 2019.
Ongoing Traffic Calming/ Intersection Improvement Projects
Park Street Corridor Signal Upgrade Project: Staff conducted an outreach meeting for this project on March 5, 2015 to obtain public interest of traffic signal upgrades along Park Street between Blanding Avenue and Encinal Avenue. Staff received full support from the public and the members of the Downtown Alameda Business District (DABA). In January 2016, the City Council approved the plans/specifications and call for bids. Next Steps: Construction is expected in 2017.
Other Studies
Climate Plan Update: The City of Alameda is updating the Climate Action Plan, which will show how Alamedans can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute towards global warming and climate change. The Climate Action Plan update also could include adaptation, which would identify climate risks and opportunities, assess options such as wetlands and levees, and implement the most sustainable course of action that can be phased in as climate change impacts evolve. Next Steps: Staff will be drafting a work scope for the plan update, which will be discussed at the climate town hall meeting on Thursday, October 5, the Public Utilities Board on Monday, October 16, the Planning Board on Monday, October 23 and the Transportation Commission on November 15 with requested City Council approval on Tuesday, December 5.
Financial Impact
The City Council has approved the funding for staff efforts required for the above activities.
RECOMMENDATION
This item is for discussion purposes only.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Ott, Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator