3A Public Hearing 2009 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESPONSE TO COMMENTS Mitigated Negative Declaration San Leandro Crossings West Dated November 17, 2008 SCH#2008112067 Comments from Moses Stites, Rail Corridor Safety Specialist, Public Utilities Commission Comment No. 1: The Public Utilities Commission is responsible for rail safety within California and recommends that development projects proposed near rail corridors be planned with the safety of these corridors in mind. The proposed project is on Martinez Street, which is adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks between West Estudillo Avenue and Parrott Street. As part of the project, there will be street, sidewalk, landscaping and utility improvements. There were three pedestrian fatalities in the City of San Leandro in 2007, including one at Alvarado Street, just south of this project. It is recommended that the UPRR is consulted early in the process for coordination and approval of this proposed pedestrian rail crossing. The mitigated negative declaration needs to evaluate potential project-related rail safety impacts and measures to reduce adverse impacts. If not already present, warning signs and vandal-resistant fencing should be installed to prevent trespassers from accessing the railroad right-of--way. Response: The City of San Leandro Engineering and Transportation Department and the developer are currently coordinating with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to improve pedestrian safety at all San Leandro rail crossings. The goal is to make sure that all crossings adjacent to the railroad right-of--way are safe for pedestrians. Specific improvements to the crossing at Parrott Street and Martinez Street is currently in discussion with UPRR. One of the potential improvements under consideration is moving the existing crossing at Estudillo Avenue and Martinez Street to make it more convenient to pedestrians and to eliminate illegal crossings at this location. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. evaluated potential traffic impacts for the proposed project. One of their recommendations is that the intersection of Martinez Street and Parrott Street contain the following design elements, and these shall be incorporated into the project design: The intersection of Martinez Street and Parrott Street shall be all-way stop controlled. All-way stop control will minimize right-of--way conflicts. Removal of the speed table on Martinez Street at the intersection of Parrott Street, as shown in the current site plan, is also recommended. A speed table is not necessary if the San Leandro Crossings MND January 12, 2009