MO 1999-056 to 1999-060 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

4. Traffic and Trucks The impacts of trucks and traffic top the list of concerns identified by the Advisory Committee. San Leandro has traditionally maintained a truck -oriented industrial base as a result of the City's proximity to Interstate 880, rail -lines, the Oakland Airport, San Francisco and San Jose. These assets have successfully supported a vibrant industrial base. Unfortunately, the heavy concentration of truck -oriented uses also creates conflicts with the residential uses in the area. Truck noise, trucks on residential streets and concern regarding the adequacy of intersections to accommodate large trucks, are just a few of the problems that were identified by the Committee. Other traffic issues surfaced, as well. Economic Development successes, like the retention of Costco and the addition of Wal-Mart, while benefiting the community, have increased traffic congestion. The Committee also explored street modifications, such as the proposed Polvorosa extension, that would route industrial traffic away from residential areas. The traffic issues were diverse and numerous. The Advisory Committee debated these issues vigorously and developed several recommendations to address the following traffic and truck conflicts: Challenges • Suitability of truck routes, including: adequacy of intersections, proximity to residential areas, lack of available truck parking, identification of truck routes • Need for improved circulation of trucks to industrial areas, and reduced impact on residential/retail areas. • Need for improved flow of traffic and trucks through major intersections • Traffic enforcement concerns related to the movement of trucks, red light runners and violation of general traffic rules • Lack of public transportation and shuttle services • Lack of bicycle lanes • The committee acknowledged that the State Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has identified diesel exhaust as an air pollutant which may pose a potential hazard to human health because it is a potential human carcinogen. 5. Revitalization of the Business and Industrial Area West San Leandro is the heart of the City's industrial base. Although much of the existing industrial stock is old, nearly 500,000 square feet of new industrial space has been recently constructed. The City's central location, reasonable rents and proximity to the booming economies of San Jose and San Francisco have contributed to a low vacancy rate in the industrial area. Although manufacturing and warehousing continue to be the bedrock of the City's economic vitality, San Leandro is now attracting interest from high-tech businesses looking for reasonable rents and a central location. 4 5 S l