3A Public Hearing 2010 0517 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Livermore, Kathleen From: Karen Smulevitz [ksmulevitz@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 6:29 AM To: Livermore, Kathleen Subject: Yes! Let's Study BRT! Dear Councilmembers, It has been observed that when community residents come to a public forum on BRT, people under the age of 40 speak out in favor of the project, while those over 40 are fervently opposed. To help dispel such a steretype, or at least to try to add some balance to an apparent trend, I would ask for your indulgence in hearing from a senior citizen who is adamantly in favor of going forward with BRT for improved transit. As a frequent rider of AC Transit, I am familiar with the problems encountered by seniors concerning safety, access, reliability and cost. Also, I can emphasize with merchants and car drivers over parking restrictions and traffic flow. I believe the problems that are anticipated can be solved by positive engagement by all the stakeholders, and with the willingness of AC Transit and the various government agencies to work together in seeking equitable solutions. The vision of a future BRT system on the Telegraph-International corridor includes smoother, more reliable service that will accommodate seniors and those with mobility issues in a manner unachievable by the present 1-1R lines. I also see greater safety for seniors and families with better security at stops and decreased incidents of injury and death by automobiles. Another benefit, important to an old green hippie such as myself, and to all residents of "The Toxic Triangle", is reduction of green house gas emissions, made possible with improved traffic control and modern technology. There is not an objection raised against BRT that is insignificant or without merit to be studied; the genuine concerns of seniors and others must be addressed and solutions worked out by all involved. Without having senior citizens onboard, so to speak, it would be wrong to proceed, but I trust that people will be pleased with the results of our efforts. Thank you so much for giving such serious consideration to this important 21st century project. Your work is greatly appreciated, and I urge you to go forward with studying East Bay BRT so that we can have a safer, greener, senior-friendly transit system. Yours truly, Karen Smulevitz, Oakland District 6 Karen Smulevitz 2717 79th Avenue Oakland, CA 94605 1