Loading...
Resolution 13326 and Staff ReportCITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 13 3 2 6 REQUESTING THAT CALTRANS PREPARE A PROJECT STUDY REPORT FOR TINKER AVENUE EXTENSION PROJECT WHICH WOULD MODIFY ACCESS TO STATE ROUTE 61, WEBSTER STREET AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY AGREEMENTS. WHEREAS, the City adopted a Community Reuse Plan identifying a pattern of development and the infrastructure (streets, sewers, storm drains, etc) to support the development and reuse of the former Naval Air Station- Alameda now called Alameda Point; and WHEREAS, among the streets identified was the extension of Tinker Avenue from Webster Street to Main Street; and WHEREAS, in 1999, ARRA received a grant from Economic Development Administration to study and design the Tinker Avenue Extension Project; and WHEREAS, this project is on State Route 61 which is under the jurisdiction of the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans); and WHEREAS the City of Alameda has held two public meetings and a public Open House and has held various meetings with individuals and affected parties, including Caltrans and the College of Alameda, to solicit comments; and WHEREAS, based on these comments a recommended alternative has been identified; and WHEREAS preparation of a Project Study Report ( "PSR ") is required by Caltrans for ,improvements to any state facility; and WHEREAS in order to meet the EDA funding deadline, the PSR needs to be initiated within the next 30 days and successfully completed in the next four months. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Alameda hereby requests that the Depaitment of Transportation prepare a Project Study Report for Tinker Avenue Extension Project and authorizes the City Manger or his designee to negotiate and execute all agreements necessary for the PSR. I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular meeting assembled on the 20th day of March, 2001, by the following vote to wit: AYES: Councilmembers Daysog, DeWitt, Johnson, Kerr and Mayor Appezzato - 5. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTENTIONS: None. IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said City this 21st day of March, 2001. Diane Felsch, City Clerk City of Alameda City of Alameda Inter - department Memorandum March 14, 2001 To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members From: Matthew T. Naclerio Public Works Director Re: Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager, or His Designee, to Negotiate and Execute Agreement With Caltrans for the Project Study Report (PSR) and to Direct Staff to Proceed With Environmental Review of the Tinker Avenue Extension Project BACKGROUND The Community Reuse Plan for Alameda Point (the former Naval Air Station) identified infrastructure needs (streets, sewers, storm drains, etc.) to support its development and reuse. One of the streets identified was the extension of Tinker Avenue from Webster Street to Main Street. In 1999, the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) received a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to design the Tinker Avenue Extension Project. This facility was deemed to be a critical link to support Alameda Point development, including the recently approved Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC) /Catellus Project. The grant expires in October at which time 100% design drawings are due. DISCUSSION The City hired Bellecci and Associates to design the Tinker Avenue Extension. As part of their scope, Bellecci evaluated alternatives for the eastern connection to Webster Street. Initially, nine alternatives were identified. These alternatives ranged from elevated structures connecting to Marina Village Parkway /Constitution Way to at -grade signalized intersections terminating at Webster Street. The first public meeting to obtain community input on the alternatives was held at Independence Plaza on January 13, 2000. In addition, the City and consultant met with all interested parties including the College of Alameda, Catellus, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Heritage Bay Homeowners Association, Alameda Marina Village Association (AMVA), West Alameda Business Association (WABA), the Alameda Housing Authority, and other local residents and businesses. Key concerns raised at these meetings were: a) avoiding traffic impacts to adjacent residential areas; b) minimizing impacts to college and park properties; c) providing pedestrian, bike, and transit access; d) reducing the number of alternatives; and e) timing and coordinating with other planning documents /activities. Re: Resolution #5 -D 3-20-01 Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers Page 2 March 14, 2001 Based on this community input, the City worked with the Consultant to refine the list to four alternatives. The four alternatives were presented at a second public meeting at the Mastick Senior Center on July 19, 2000. The key issues raised at this meeting were: a) keeping Webster Street access for local businesses; b) preserving good access to businesses adjacent to and behind the Tubes; c) maintaining small town character; and d) minimizing impact to College of Alameda. City staff also attended a meeting sponsored by a local developer at Mr E's and presented the four alternatives. The primary concern raised at this (third public) meeting was preserving direct access to the businesses along Mariner Square Loop and Mariner Square Drive. Staff also continued to meet with interested parties including the College of Alameda, Caltrans, and local businesses and residents. The results of the public and interested party meetings were incorporated into a community based preferred alternative (See attached Exhibit). A Public Open House was held on March 8, 2001 to present the community based preferred alternative. Staff received many compliments on the Open House format as well as the responsiveness of the community based preferred alternative to their original concerns. The key issues raised at the Open House were: a) location of bus stops; b) bicycle system enhancements; c) pedestrian access between Mariner Square Loop and the new College entryway on Webster Street; d) speed controls both in the Tubes and along Tinker Avenue; e) back ups into the Tube caused by the new signal at Tinker Avenue; and f) Athletic Club access limitations The community based preferred alternative balances the key issues raised community with future development needs. More specifically, the preferred alternative provides the following: ► To retain Alameda's small town character, as requested by the public, the street alignment is completely at grade, with no bridges or structures. ► To address residents' concerns regarding impacts to residential streets such as Independence and Bartlett, and to respond to the concern that Tinker Avenue may impact the potential design of Clement Avenue Extension, Tinker Avenue is not connected to Marina Village Parkway. Since an east/west connection does not exist, the Tinker Avenue Extension does not modify traffic circulation along the Atlantic /Clement corridor. The projects are functionally independent of each other. ► To avoid impacts to Neptune Park, Tinker Avenue is connected to northbound Webster Street underneath Constitution Way. Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers Page 3 March 14, 2001 ► To meet WABA's objective of retaining through street access to the Webster Street businesses, Webster Street remains a two -way through street. ► To assure adequate access to businesses adjacent to and behind the tube, a connection from Mariner Square Loop to Tinker Avenue is provided by a new street located behind Mr. E's and the Mariner Square Athletic Club. In addition, Mariner Square Loop will be maintained as secondary access to these properties. ► To address College of Alameda concerns, the alignment along the north side of the College is modified to avoid impacts to the running track, a new entrance to the College is provided on Webster Street, and the remainder parcel (northeast corner) has limited, direct access to the College. ► To enhance transit use, bus stops are located at the new College entryway and on Tinker at its intersection with realigned Mariner Square Loop. Concerns were raised at the Open House about bus access for seniors and the Walgreen's commercial district. Staff has identified an altemate proposal to provide split stops which addresses this issue and will be coordinated with the College and transit advocates. ► To address concerns regarding the new signal at Tinker stopping traffic and creating long queues, a queuing analysis was performed by the City's traffic Consultant. The analysis shows that back ups will not extend into the tube. This is in part due to the planned short cycle length and the fact that this is not a fully phased signal. ► To enhance pedestrian access, a new crossing is included at the College entryway on Webster Street. Comments were received at the Open House requesting an additional crossing be provided either at the Tinker Avenue intersection or at a location between Tinker Avenue and Mariner Square Loop. An additional crossing, location to be determined as part of the PSR, will be included. This most likely will require a pedestrian over crossing(s). ► Comments were received at the Open House Citizens that a lower speed should be considered for the Tubes. The existing posted speed limit in the tube is 45 mph. Staff will ask Caltrans to consider a revised speed limit as part of the PSR. ► Comments regarding traffic noise impacts into USCG Housing area were also received. This issue will be addressed in the environmental document. Staff at the College and Caltrans have reviewed the community based preferred alternative and found it acceptable. Staff will be meeting with other affected parties including, WABA, AMVA, John Beery and his tenants, Heritage Bay, and Alameda Transit Advocates and seeking their concurrence on the community based preferred alternative. Staff has requested letters of support from affected parties and will present these at the Council Meeting. Because this project impacts State Route 61, a Caltrans Project Study Report (PSR) is required. The PSR will describe project scope, conceptual costs and identify key impacts. This document is used by Caltrans to program projects. In accordance with State law, the project also requires an environmental review. The City's process for environmental review includes a public input process and a public hearing before the Planning Board. Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers BUDGET CONSIDERATION/FISCAL IMPACT Page 4 March 14, 2001 The estimated construction cost for the recommended alternative is $15,500,000. No General Fund monies are required. The project will be funded from a combination of EDA Grants, City land sale proceeds, AP Developer Fees, City Redevelopment funds, and state transportation grant funds. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute an agreement with Caltrans for the PSR and to direct staff to proceed with environmental review of the Tinker Avenue Extension Project. Respectfully submitted, MTN: dl FORWARDED cc: ave Berger Jeff Bond Cynthia Eliason Mahendar Chima Dan Leary - Bellecci &Associates Art Chen - College of Alameda G:\PUB W ORKS\P WADMIN\COUNCIL\2001 \032001 \TINKRECF. WPD Matthew T. Naclerio Public Works Director MAR -19 -2001 MON 05:23 PM ALAMEDA PUBLIC WORKS FAX NO, 5107495868 Ronald J. Temple, Ph:D. Chancellor March 14, 2001 P. 02 FY C,LEP.$(� i `_ i- Peralta - - District 333 East 8th Street Mr. Matt Naclerio Director of Public Works City of Alameda Alameda Point, Bldg. 1 950 West Mall Sq. km 110 Alameda, CA 94501 -7551 Dear Matt: 0 1 n Ca n ? . a;STR!UUT1B._ -- (520) 466 -7200 i.<cr& ect This letter of support represents only the technical aspects of the preferred Tinker Avenue alternative extension that the City proposes. After many months of discussion and compromise, the District believes that this alternative plan is the best one that would satisfy both the City of Alameda needs and be the least intrusive on College of Alameda and Distinct property. Although the District supports this alternative, we both agree that there are many details that need to be worked out relative to the phasing in of the Catellus Development as it relates to the College of Alameda. As you are aware we will still need to develop an agreement on many specifics. In addition, your office is conferring with Caltrans to assure that their requirements are satisfied while keeping within the technical elements of our agreement. Finally, I am encouraged by the cooperation that has been extended by the City staff in speaking to the issue as it relates to the impact on the College. Sincerely, George Herring, D. Sr. Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration Gl l /glh Cc: Ronald J. Temple, Chancellor Dave Berger, City of Alameda College of Alameda Laney College Merritt College FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CM, ACM -OPS, ACM -C &ED Re: Agenda Item No. 5 -D 3 -20 -01 Regular Council Meeting MAR -19 -2001 MON 05:23 PM ALAMEDA PUBLIC WORKS FAX NO. 5107495868 :1 . 1 ., _ •:. _ 4:., a: .� .. 1 ..; „c _f • •, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOX 23680 OAKLAND, CA 94623 -0860 (310) 286.4444 TDD (510) 286-4454 March 16, 2001 Ms. Cheri R. Sheets Deputy Public Works Director Public Works Department Alameda Point, Building 1 950 West Mall Square, Room 110 Alameda, CA 94501 -7552 Dear Ms. Sheets: ; � t_li`4. C 0I 1!R20 AIM 8 :0I Thank you for meeting with us on February 28, 2001, and presenting the City of Alameda's current proposal for new intersections on Webster Street (Route 260), cast of the Webster tube. As noted at the meeting, we do not have any objections, at this early stage of the project, to the conceptual proposal as presented. We support the basic configuration of the proposed intersections at Tinker, and at the new college entrance, contingent on the addressing of issues described below that were discussed in the meeting. The overall layout is consistent with prior designs we have informally reviewed from the College of Alameda, dating back to August 2000. Several key issues remain to be resolved, however, including the design of the right turn movement from southbound Webster to eastbound Tinker, and the potential construction constraints associated with the propose( lowering of Wcbstee Street. We understand that the City is investigating these issues, as well as others raised in the February 28, meeting, and will soon be providing additional information to Caltrans. Please contact me at (510) 286 -6155 if you have any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, HARRY Y. YAHATA District Director By: •2 C) ROBERT A. ANDERSON District Office Chief P. 03 FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CM, ACM -OPS, ACM -C &ED Re: Agenda Item No. 5 -D 3 -20 -01 Regular Council Meeting MAR -19 -2001 MON 05:24 PM ALAMEDA PUBLIC WORKS FAX N0. 5107495868 Mar 1S 01 04:55p .ring Village March 19, 2001 51G ,23 1638 1( \111 ':\ A(,11i A t . A M 1t D A C A L L F O R N I A Mayor Ralph Appeuato City Council Members City of Alameda 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 320 Alameda, CA 94501 Subject: Tinker Avenue - Community Based Preferred Alternative Dear Mayor and Council Members: P. 04 p.2 C'! Pla 2U ,IN 6: 0! )F. TRIBU T is `,I. -- 1 met with City staff on March 15 to review the community based preferred alternative. This alternative preserves access to Marina Village, a.k.a. Alameda Real Estate Investments (AREI), both in terms of continuing unobstructed egress into Posey tube from Constitution Way and by continuing free right turn access from Webster Street to Mariner Square Loop and by continuing free access to Constitution Way. (It is our understanding, after talking with the City's traffic consultant, that the introduction of new traffic signals will not result in back ups and, as such, Constitution Way southbound will remain unobstructed.) Based on the above assertions, Marina Village supports the community based preferred alternative. We would like to continue working with the staff to refine and further develop the pedestrian and bicycle access connections from cast of Webster Street to Marina Village Parkway. ARE! appreciates the efforts of staffto work together on this project and looks forward to continuing to work with the City on projects that affect AREI in the future. Sincerely, ALAMEDA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, a Califamin limited pattn tship [ y: Vintage Alameda Investments, I.P a California limited partnership, operating general partner By: Vintage Propcities- Alameda Commercial, a California corpoAttion, managing general p rtner By: Rahn Verhaeghe Assistant Vice Preside RV :Is btUinker.ltr Sent via fax. 1 150 Marina Village Partway. Suilc laq Alameda. CA `!4SU 1 5105214555 FAX SIC ST3 -143$ FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CM, ACM -OPS, ACM -C &ED Re: Agenda Item No. 5 -D 3 -20 -01 Regular Council Meeting