Reso 2001-022 RDA 2001-004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I. Introduction Vision and Goals MacArthur Boulevard is envisioned as a bustling commercial corri- dor oriented to both a local and subregional clientele. Over time, the public right of way will be improved as an attractive, pedestrian ori- ented setting for commercial activity. Traffic speeds will be signifi- cantly slower than they are today, enhancing pedestrian safety and the visibility of fronting businesses. The vision for the MacArthur Boulevard Streetscape Master Plan ad- dresses the following goals: 1) Enhance the Commercial/Business Environment. 2) Calm Traffic and Enhance Pedestrian Movement. 3) Create. an Attractive City Gateway. Major design elements include enhanced curbside parking areas, pe- destrian-oriented street lighting, infill street trees, corner sidewalk "bulb-outs' and shorter pedestrian street crossings, attractive benches and trash receptacles, and, in the southerly portion of the corridor, median islands for traffic calming and beautification. Background MacArthur Boulevard is one of San Leandro's most visible and im- portant streets, and economic revitalization of the MacArthur Boule- vard corridor is an important priority for the City. Once a thriving commercial district, the corridor has seen a significant decline in in- vestment over the last two decades. In conjunction with a facade improvement program and associated Redevelopment Agency efforts, the Streetscape Master Plan is part of the city's strategy to encourage new businesses, building and site renovations, and new construction in the area. It dovetails with a similar effort currently underway along MacArthur Boulevard within the City of Oakland. The Streetscape Master Plan area extends approximately 6,000 feet from the City of Oakland border at Durant Aver}ue on the north to Grand Avenue/Joaquin Avenue on the south. For a distance of approximately 3,000 feet, between Dowling Boulevard on the north and Joaquin on the south, the street is bordered on the east by the elevated Interstate 580 freeway. Two I-580 offramps exit directly onto MacArthur Boulevard, adja- cent to intersections at Superior Avenue, Dowling Boulevard, and Joaquin Avenue. This makes MacArthur Boulevard one of the city's most significant entrance points. However, the freeway ramps, over- pass, and one-way couplet located between Superior and Dowling break the continuity of the frontage; with the northern portion cut off from the more visible southern portion. -5-