SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED ON
MYFREMONT DRAFT CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FORUM TOPIC
Buildings and Energy Focus Area
Some forum participants wondered how the City would encourage or enforce electrification of existing building stock, especially in homes. There were also concerns regarding the cost of electrifying existing homes and businesses.
Infrastructure and Equipment Focus Area
Some participants expressed concern about how electrification of landscaping tools could be implemented and enforced equitably. They also expressed interest in seeing more electric school buses.
Land Use and Mobility Focus Area
Forum participants commented on the challenges of transitioning away from single occupancy vehicles and towards active transportation modes in Fremont given its size and nature of land use (i.e. suburban design). Participants also focused on the need for more neighborhood-oriented shopping, restaurants, and services for easy access by walking or bicycle. Some participants expressed support for actions that that eliminated parking minimums in development projects; others stressed the importance of public parking availability for access to park and recreation facilities.
Some participants also expressed support for carpooling and highlighted safety and reliability concerns regarding public transit.
Materials and Waste Focus Area
Some participants expressed interest in seeing more businesses that offer repair services. Participants also were supportive of local community-based composting, especially to handle food waste generated by Fremont schools.
Natural and Urban Landscapes Focus Area
Participants were interested in opportunities for local carbon sequestration, especially as it relates to City and community tree planting initiatives. Participants recommended coordination with regional agencies like ACFCWCD and EBRPD to maximize the potential of natural landscapes and parks for carbon sequestration.
Some participants were concerned about local water pollution from pesticide use and plastic waste. Participants were generally supportive of water conservation measures that focus on drought-tolerant landscaping at homes and businesses.
Adaptation and Resiliency
Some participants expressed support around the concept of managed retreat to adapt to rising sea levels. Some participants also expressed concern regarding the amount of hardscape in the community that prevents recharging of the groundwater aquifer from rainwater, which can in turn help protect against sea water infiltration into the groundwater aquifer.
Green Economy
Some participants expressed support of the idea of researching a methane gas tax.
Public Participation and Engagement Focus Area
Participants generally expressed support in fostering community participation in environmental efforts, especially those that result in community beautification.