At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, Julieth Ortiz, OakDOT Transportation Planner, presented an overview of existing Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 projects and a draft project list for fiscal year 2021-22. This year’s recommendation is to use funding for existing programs/projects, including the bicycle parking program, the stairs and path program, and Foothill pedestrian safety improvements. Input from the Commission regarding priorities is welcome.
Overview
Construction/engineering of a bicycle or pedestrian capital project
Maintenance of a multi-purpose path
Bicycle safety education program
Development of a comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian plans
At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, Julieth Ortiz and Yvonne Chan, OaktDOT Transportation Planners, provided an update of existing AHSC projects and an overview of the proposed projects OakDOT is currently considering for Cycle 6. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC) is administered by the Strategic Growth Council and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. AHSC is one of the CA Climate Investments programs whose goal is to integrate affordable homes and sustainable transportation.
Overview
AHSC is a State “Climate Investment” Program to fund affordable housing + sustainable transportation to direct investment towards the most disadvantaged communities in the state and maximize economic, environmental, and public health benefits.
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.
At the January 21, 2021 BPAC meeting, Ryan Russo, OakDOT Director, and Ariel Espiritu-Santo, OakDOT Agency Administrative Manager, provided an overview of the current organization including updates to department leadership, the vacancy rate, and 2020 accomplishments. Additionally, Mr. Russo and Ms. Espiritu Santo provided an update on the Fiscal Year 21-23 budget process that is underway.
The OakDOT organization chart is below, as shared in the January 21, 2021 BPAC agenda packet [PDF] for the agenda item “OakDOT Budget and Organizational Update”.
At the December 17, 2020 BPAC meeting, Megan Weir, OakDOT Safe Streets Division Manager, presented on the Slow Streets program including the Slow Streets Interim Findings Report and implementation of the recommendations since its release in September including more durable treatments, new signage, and corridor-level engagement on the future of the program. More information about the program, including the Interim Findings Report, is on the Slow Streets webpage.
