2A Work Session 2012 0709 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Draft 07/02/2012 reduces the opportunity for safer pedestrian crossing locations on East 14 Street and protected left turns for traffic safety. Turn restriction are reduced for this option. Left turns onto East 14 Street would be allowed at all currently allowed locations. Left turn restrictions from East 14 Street onto side streets are reduced to eastbound Broadmoor Boulevard and westbound Farrelly Drive. These turn restriction are significantly reduced from the previous Option 1 and therefore would reduce diverted traffic to the adjoining side streets to just the specific streets that would support eastbound Broadmoor Boulevard and westbound Farrelly Drive traffic. AC Transit has indicated that it is possible that left turns from East 14 Street to eastbound Broadmoor Boulevard could be allowed; however either BRT operations efficiency would be reduced or the intersections level of service would decline dependent upon on how it was accomplished. A condition of approval requiring accommodation of southbound East 14 Street left turn to eastbound Broadmoor Boulevard could be included with this LPA option. Resolution Options While Options 1 & 2, though with shortcomings, are both viable and are adequately covered by the environmental document, Option 3 may not serve the long term interest of the City of San Leandro. Forwarding Option 3 as a LPA would essentially immediately exclude San Leandro from participating in the project in the short term and perhaps remove any flexibility for participation in the long term. If the City proceeded with Option 3, San Leandro would not benefit from the improvements at bus stations and the potential goodwill from being associated with such a groundbreaking project. Many cities around the world suggest that having a BRT may be an effective economic development tool that attracts many forward looking businesses. It is recommended that either Option 1 or 2 be selected. These options maintain the City's participation in the BRT project and the intangible benefits of a project that is considered an important component for a Downtown Transit Oriented Development. It installs a framework for future expansion of BRT making the East 14 Street Priority Development Area viable with excellent transit options. Additionally conditions should be included with the City's forwarded LPA that require the following: AC Transit to offer a continuous service on East 14 Street that allows riders to travel between the northern and southern San Leandro borders without a need to transfer buses. AC Transit to explore and implement ideas that create a "Complete Transit Experience" for San Leandro citizens that include a more encompassing and frequent east -west service that allows transit users to reach locations such as BART, BRT, shopping and work centers more conveniently and timely.