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<br /> <br />From: Jill Singleton [mailto:jill@jspa.info] <br />Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 10:25 AM <br />To: _Council <br />Subject: Zoning Changes on Estudillo/Bancroft -- PLEASE FIX THE INTERSECTION <br /> <br />Dear Mayor/Council: <br />I received a flyer on my porch from neighbors who apparently are opposed to a <br />proposed zoning change that would permit a 51-unit apartment building at Estudillo and <br />Bancroft. <br /> <br />As a longtime homeowner in Estudillo Estates (since 1989), I have some concerns…not <br />about increasing density in the area, which I generally favor, but about the road <br />configuration, especially if we are to be realistic about the pressures additional density <br />will put on the existing infrastructure. <br /> <br />If the zoning is changed and the project is approved, then I sincerely hope you fix the <br />traffic problems at this intersection. Let me itemize them: <br /> <br />1) When Bancroft was reduced from four lanes to two, the city created traffic jams <br />at this intersection. My understanding is that through a convoluted <br />transportation funding process, the idea was to restripe for bike lanes and <br />somehow reduce Green House Gases (GHG). It’s time we evaluate and <br />objectively measure the results before the city makes further commitments in <br />this direction. <br /> <br />2) My observation, through daily travel, is that we have considerably longer wait <br />times at the lights, with engines idling – and this must result in a NET INCREASE <br />IN GHGs. During the busy afternoon hours, I inevitably sit through two or three <br />light changes before proceeding through this intersection. In the past, this <br />NEVER happened. How is this considered a transportation, environmental, or <br />quality of life improvement? I see absolutely zero benefit. <br /> <br />3) The right turn option from Northbound Bancroft to Eastbound Estudillo needs to <br />be lengthened. Sitting in a two-block backup through several red lights and <br />taking up pavement that is coveted by other Northbound drivers, seems to me to <br />be a big waste of time, energy, patience… All that is needed is a permissive re- <br />striping so I can turn right, go home, and shut off the engine. <br /> <br />4) Are we seeing a significant increase in cyclists? My observation is no. Do you <br />have before/after counts? <br /> <br />5) Bicycle lanes may give cyclists a feeling of greater safety in sharing the roads <br />with cars and trucks, but perhaps we could accommodate this another way. <br />