Title
Status Report on Transportation
and
Recommendations for Commercial Streets and Slow Streets Programs
(Action)
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly and dramatically changed both the transportation and economic environment in Alameda, which are closely inter-woven. In response, since April 2020, City staff has implemented many new transportation efforts, or re-tooled existing efforts, to ensure that residents, businesses and visitors can safely live, work, shop and dine in Alameda. On May 19th, the Council endorsed the implementation of the Commercial Streets program and the residential Slow Streets programs, and provided general guidance on continuing these programs in the short-term. Both programs have been substantially implemented, including the restriping of segments of Park and Webster Streets in early July and August, respectively; issuing 12 parklet permits as of September 9 and an encroachment permit to partially close Alameda Avenue; and designating 4.5 miles of roadway as Slow Streets. Staff continue to work to implement and expand the programs in response changing County Health Orders, requests from the business community and community input. Both programs are largely supported by the resident and business communities, and seen as successes.
Staff recommend taking actions described in this report to continue, enhance and expand the programs in ways that are safe; to allocate funding to support the continued success of the programs, including permit fee waivers; and to authorize the submittal of a small grant to further establish these programs. Staff recommend against temporary street closures, such as Park Street, at this time for health safety and other reasons, but this can be re-considered at a future date.
On September 1st, Council unanimously supported the extension of the Commercial Streets program beyond the initial end date of November 3, 2020 through October 31, 2021 in response to the continuing pandemic. Counci...
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