Reso 2001-021 RDA 2001-003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parking The 1996 Downtown Parking Study concluded that the Downtown has sufficient overall parking with its 2,000+ public parking stalls. However, not all parking spaces are as convenient to people's destinations as desired. Furthermore, since that study was conducted, opportunities to increase the parking supply Downtown continue to be pursued and implemented, in- cluding the creation of angled parking along West Juana Street and two build- ing demolitions, which collectively add approximately 85 new parking spaces. Often considered as one of the more impacted parking areas, the Wash- ington Plaza parking is poorly configured, but generally has sufficient over- all parking spaces to accommodate its customers. The location of those spaces relative to the stores -combined with poor vehicular and pedestrian circulation -have contributed to the frustration of many San Leandro citi- zens in finding a space within the Plaza. While better enforced in the past, Washington Plaza center employees have begun to utilize prime parking spaces rather than park in employee assigned areas. Since enforcement of employee parking is currently voluntary, the City can only encourage coop- eration amongst the tenants. Better enforcement strategies are clearly needed within the center to affect more efficient parking for its customers. Addi- tional efforts can be pursued with the retention and removal of parking meters in various locations and changing meter time limits to better match parking duration needs for abutting businesses. safery Downtown crime has steadily dropped over the last few years. Crime is down 35% in the Downtown from 1994. In light of the increased number of people shopping in the Downtown area, this is very positive since people who commit crimes gravitate to where money "changes hands." The com- munity should be better educated about the actual reduction in crime statis- tics. City efforts to educate the community will help to change perceptions about safety in Downtown San Leandro. Nonetheless, the Downtown Plan Committee agreed that safety in Downtown San Leandro is mostly a prob- lem of perception. The following issues were noted: • Walking through Downtown without any kind of pedestrian amenities reduces the feeling of safety. • Vacant buildings and long walls provide an ominous feeling to pedestrians. • Additional night time activities may provide a sense of happening and safety. • Metal halide lighting improves perception of safety. • Bicycle cops have proved to be very effective; additional bicycle cops would be helpful. page 1G October 2000 San Leandro Downtown Plan & Urban Design Guidelines