|
Fiscal Year 2014-15
<br />TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT
<br />APPLICATION
<br />2. Project Justification (Do not exceed the space provided.) (25 points): Describe the problems or
<br />deficiencies the project is attempting to address, as well as how the project will address the identified
<br />problems or deficiencies.
<br />The proposed San Leandro Creek Trail offers a unique opportunity to provide a multi -dimensional amenity for
<br />residents, employees, and visitors to San Leandro and Oakland. The communities bordering the Creek are
<br />extraordinarily diverse. Many of the neighborhoods are characterized by low-income families — of the 13 Census
<br />tracts bordering on the creek, 9 have incomes below the county median level, including two which are just over
<br />half the median. Low-income communities rely heavily on transit and non -motorized transportation, yet access to
<br />economic opportunities is limited by poor connectivity to the regional transit system, regional trail networks, and
<br />major commercial and employment centers. The Creek is also one of the few remaining opportunities for residents
<br />in these neighborhoods to access green space and recreational areas, to provide habitat for native species, and to
<br />protect areas of historical and cultural significance for the area's native peoples. Through all of these impacts, the
<br />project will strongly support state and federal transportation planning goals and the regional Sustainable
<br />Communities Strategy.
<br />The proposed Trail would address these issues in striking ways:
<br />• provide multimodal mobility, accessibility, and safety: The construction of an ADA -accessible trail would take
<br />advantage of one of the few opportunities for east -west multi -use trail development, a means to link the skyline to
<br />the shoreline. The three major regional trails in the area — San Francisco Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail, and
<br />(planned) East Bay Greenway — all run north -to -south, and the San Leandro Creek Trail would link to all three
<br />facilities. Concerns about traffic are a major obstacle to bicycling and walking, and adding this critical link would
<br />greatly enhance the regional trail network. The Trail would also facilitate crossings of several facilities that currently
<br />divide communities - 1-580, 1-880, and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
<br />• support a vibrant economy and social equity: The Trail will support local businesses by providing enhanced
<br />access for bicyclists and pedestrians to Priority Development Areas in downtown San Leandro and east Oakland,
<br />and to the Oakland Airport business district. With the low levels of vehicles ownership in disadvantaged
<br />communities along the creek, many residents rely on transit, bicycling, and walking, and this will increase access
<br />to local jobs. Regional employment sites will also be within easier reach, as the Trail will improve access to the
<br />San Leandro BART station and AC Transit's planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route along East 14th Street. This
<br />focus on benefitting lower income residents of the area has been evident in the community meetings held to date,
<br />which have emphasized participation of groups historically underrepresented in community planning efforts.
<br />• foster livable and healthy communities: The Trail will offer opportunities for active transportation, recreation,
<br />access to green space, and a safe means to travel to schools (three are adjacent to the creek), transit centers,
<br />shopping, and job sites. There will be innumerable opportunities to add cultural amenities, providing interpretive
<br />signs to celebrate the natural and cultural history of the area, including the contributions of native peoples.
<br />• draw strength from the corridor's diversity: The planning process will emphasize inclusivity, reflecting the diverse
<br />population living in the corridor, including the Ohlone, the area's historic inhabitants. The planning effort will be
<br />closely coordinated with the work undertaken through a technical assistance grant from the National Park
<br />Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program, which will employ its expertise in bringing
<br />key stakeholders to the table.
<br />• protect and enhance the environment: The transformation of the San Leandro Creek Corridor has the potential to
<br />benefit the environment in a multitude of ways. The Trail will reduce motor vehicle trips and greenhouse gas
<br />emissions. The project will be planned and designed (and ultimately operated) in close coordination with the
<br />Alameda County Flood Control District, which has jurisdiction over most of the corridor. The needs for water quality
<br />enhancement, restoration, habitat protection, and open space preservation will be further considered while also
<br />meeting flood control needs. Once implemented, the addition of native vegetation will improve air quality and
<br />sequester carbon.
<br />• practice environmental stewardship: While the Trail will greatly enhance access to the San Leandro Creek
<br />corridor, it will also provide an educational tool to engage students at the three schools adjacent to the creek, and
<br />an opportunity to recruit volunteers from nearby residents, community organizations, and businesses interested in
<br />restoring the creek to its once thriving status as steelhead and rainbow trout habitat.
<br />
|