Author: yeebpac

14th Ave Streetscape Project – Phase 2

.Reading time 7 minutes.

At the April 1st, 2021 BPAC Infrastructure Committee meeting, Charlie Ream gave a presentation on the 14th Avenue Streetscape Project. Charlie previously presented the project at the November 19, 2020 BPAC meeting.

About the project

14th Avenue is a major east-west corridor that connects International Boulevard with Highland Hospital and points north of I-580. 14th Avenue is currently a relatively high-speed, 4-lane divided roadway that is a barrier for people walking between residential neighborhoods to the north and south. 14th Ave is also an important, (relatively flat) connection for people biking and is a critical gap in the network between the Foothill Blvd and MacArthur Blvd bike lanes.

The City recently completed Phase 1 of this Project, which upgraded sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and landscaping between International Blvd. and E 19th Street.

The next phase of The 14th Avenue Streetscape project will deliver an important bicycle connection on 14th Avenue from Foothill to 27th Street/Highland Hospital. This project will form the foundation for a complete network connection north to MacArthur Blvd. This project will also make pedestrian crossing improvements and striping upgrades between E8th Street and International Blvd.

Project Schedule

  • Fall 2020 – Public noticing, outreach, and online survey
  • Summer 2021 – Complete design of roadway
  • Fall 2021 – Advertise project for construction
  • Mid-2021 – Begin construction (18 month duration)

The presentation [PDF] and notes from the presentation and discussion are below.

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High Street Paving Project

.Reading time 8 minutes.

At the April 1st, 2021 BPAC Infrastructure Committee meeting, Charlie Ream and Colin Piethe gave a presentation on the High Street Paving Project.

High Street is an important east-west corridor that connects the Laurel District, Maxwell Park and Allendale to International and Foothill Boulevards.

Project Goals

  • Slow vehicle speeds and curb unsafe driving
  • Reduce vehicle collisions
  • Improve safety and comfort for people walking, especially crossing at major intersections
  • Increase the visibility of people walking and biking
  • Investigate providing a bicycle lane for people biking on High Street

Project Schedule

  • Feb/March/April 2021 – Public Outreach
    • Online Presentation and Online Survey to get neighborhood feedback
    • Presentations to stakeholder groups (email OakDOT staff if you’d like to set up a small-group video chat)
    • Postcard mailer to the High Street community
    • Social media/online outreach
  • Spring 2021 – Select final design for street and post online/email to survey respondents
  • Summer 2021 – Roadway design
  • Late 2021/early 2022 – Roadway repaving

The presentation and notes from the presentation and discussion are below.

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West Grand Avenue HOV/Bus Lane Extension Phase II

.Reading time 5 minutes.

At the April 1st, 2021 BPAC Infrastructure Committee meeting, Cathy Chea (MTC) gave a presentation on the West Grand Avenue HOV/Bus lane extension Phase II project. The project is part of Bay Bridge Forward.

  • Phase 1 project opened January 2019 added 1300’ of bus/HOV-only lane 
  • Phase 2 project proposes the following:
    • Bus/HOV lane westbound by converting existing shoulder from Frontage Road to Maritime Street
    • Multi-use 2-way path on south side of West Grand between Mandela and Maritime by extending existing sidewalk. It would be 8’ wide with a 2’ barrier.
    • Construction expected in 2nd half of 2021.

Notes from the presentation and discussion are below.

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April 2021 Infrastructure Committee Meeting

.Reading time 4 minutes.

Thursday, April 1st, 2021, 3:30-5:30pm online and by phone.
Agenda topics include:

  • West Grand Avenue HOV/Bus lane extension Phase II project
  • 14th Avenue Phase 2 project
  • High St paving project
  • Neighborhood Bike Route Implementation Guide
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March 2021 BPAC Agenda

.Reading time 9 minutes.

Thursday, March 18, 2021; 6:00-8:00 pm, online and by phone.

Agenda topics include:

  • Recent Bicyclist- and Pedestrian-Related Crashes
  • Safe Oakland Streets (SOS) Traffic Safety Initiative
  • Reimagining Traffic Safety Draft Recommendations
  • Adoption of BPAC Strategic Plan Update
  • Committee Report Back

The three-month agenda look-ahead and announcements are below.

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BPAC 2021 Draft Strategic Plan Update

.Reading time 2 minutes.

At the February 18, 2021 BPAC meeting, BPAC Strategic Planning Committee member, Jesse Jones, led the BPAC in a discussion on updating the BPAC Strategic Plan from 2020. View the presentation below and the full list of Goals and Tasks here.

Purpose of the Strategic Plan

  • Philosophically: Formalize our Commission’s values and work plan for the upcoming year.
  • Logistically: Help the Chair/Vice Chair and OakDOT Staff plan the agenda and coordinate with presenters.

Summary of 2020

  • Emphasis on Community Outreach/BPAC presence: Significantly affected by COVID but built internal awareness
  • Legislative Actions: Focused attention of the Committee
  • Police Relations Committee: Successful partnership with OakDOT

2021 Goals

  • Goal 1: Be strong advocates of bicycle and pedestrian safety.
  • Goal 2: Be a conduit for information on bicycle and pedestrian projects.
  • Goal 3: Encourage equity driven investments and policies and advocate for the bicycle and pedestrian community.
  • Goal 4: Build relationships with policymakers and provide feedback on pedestrian and bicycle policy.
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BPAC 2021 Legislative Committee Recommendations

.Reading time 2 minutes.

At the February 18, 2021 BPAC meeting, BPAC Legislative Committee Lead Commissioner Gardner led the commission in a discussion about the Legislative Committee’s recommendations of priorities.

Proposed BPAC Safety Priorities (Local Legislative)

  1. Street Safety Legislation
    • Flexibility to implement traffic calming measures as determined necessary
    • Standardize/Expedite neighborhood traffic calming installations and/or permits
  2. Quick Fix Traffic Calming Budget Request – Tactical temporary installations
    • Bollards (i.e. Flex Posts)
    • Paint for crosswalks
    • A-Frames
    • Other: Speed Feedback Signs, informal (i.e. planters)
  3. Speed Limit Reductions
    • Authority to Reduce Downward Around Schools, (and Parks, and other essential services)
    • Consider a Citywide 30mph Speed Limit Maximum
  4. Equitable Enforcement Strategies
    • Proposal to shift minor traffic enforcement to OakDOT
    • Red light camera pilot project (with privacy and equitable distribution provisions)

The full presentation is below.

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Annual Update of Major Development Projects

.Reading time 3 minutes.

At the February 18, 2021 BPAC meeting, Catherine Payne and Audrey Harris, key members of the major projects review team, reported on current development applications under consideration (and recently approved), and shared how to participate in the application review process. The presentation is below, which highlights the four major projects in development:

  • 98th & San Leandro PUD (planned unit development): Multiple phase project, including new streets, 399 residential units, 9 work/live units, 2,500 sf ground floor retail. Market rate (no affordable units). Status: PUD and infrastructure FDP approved, 12/20
  • Lake Merritt BART TOD (transit-oriented development), ENA awarded 2018: 517 du (44% affordable), 500,000 sf commercial. Status: Application review underway.
  • Oakland Waterfront Ballpark District (aka Howard Terminal): Up to: 35,000 seat capacity sports stadium, 3,500 seat capacity entertainment venue, 2.27 million sf commercial development, hotel facilities, 18 acres open space, 3,000 dwelling units, 8,900 parking spaces (max). Status: Draft EIR publication anticipated in Q1, 2021.
  • West Oakland BART TOD: 762 dwelling units (20% affordable) in 3 buildings, 440,000 sf commercial (PUD approved 2/6/19). Status: FDPs for 2 buildings (including affordable housing) and infrastructure approved November 2020.
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