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MINUTES Page 5 <br />City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-May 17, 2010 <br />Michael Katz, Rapid Bus Plus Coalition, addressed the City Council, commenting on <br />the Coalition's alternative option to BRT, called Rapid Bus Plus. <br />Al Frates, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting in favor of <br />BRT terminating at San Leandro BART rather than Bay Fair BART, and commenting <br />on the need to improve bike lanes in San Leandro. <br />Jim Cunradi, AC Transit, addressed the City Council, commenting on AC Transit's <br />support for the City staff's recommendation. <br />Joel Ramos, Transform, addressed the City Council, commenting that the residents <br />who know about the BRT project are supportive of the concept. Mr. Ramos <br />commented on the need by residents for a reliable means of transportation. <br />Jeff Houston, Sierra Club, addressed the City Council, expressing support for BRT. <br />Mr. Houston requested the Council's approval of the staff recommendation. <br />David Johnson, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council, <br />commenting that BRT does not make practical sense given the cost and need for <br />dedicated lanes. Mr. Johnson suggested an electric vehicle jitney service instead. <br />Charles Gilcrest, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, commenting on <br />the Planning Commission discussion on BRT, and that Option A is a good option. <br />Rocky Fernandez, AC Transit, addressed the City Council, commenting on the need <br />for the region to remain competitive into the future. Mr. Fernandez suggested studying <br />how best to move people along the East 14th Street corridor, rather than how to move <br />cars. <br />There being no further comments from the public, and without objection, the Public <br />Hearing was closed. <br />Members of the Council thanked the members of the public for attending and <br />participating in the hearing, and thanked staff for their work on this matter. <br />Councilmember Stephens commented on the cost of BRT, and the speed at which the <br />project has moved forward. He stated that some residents in his district have concerns <br />regarding the project's impacts on traffic, parking, and their quality of life, while feeling <br />that they have not had adequate input into the process. Councilmember Stephens <br />commented that BRT would be acceptable, but without dedicated lanes. <br />Vice Mayor Reed commented that she has surveyed residents of the South Area to find <br />out how BRT would affect them. She expressed concern regarding Oakland's plans, <br />since it is the main thoroughfare for BRT, and lies between Berkeley and San Leandro. <br />Councilmember Reed indicated that she is not opposed to exploring the concept, but <br />