City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
6:30 PM Online and Bay Conference Room, City
Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave.,
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Thursday, January 18, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Oey called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Oey led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Chair Timothy Oey
Vice Chair Bryce Beagle
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Arwen Davé
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Sharlene Liu
Commissioner Leia Mehlman
Present 7 -
Council Liaison Sell (present)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment opened at 6:36 p.m.
Kevin Jackson, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Bike access issue at Homestead High School
- Serious problems for cyclists because of potential for major injuries of death - Cyclists don't feel safe on the streets
- Need to show improvements for cyclists to know the City and school districts take their safety serious
- Area of concern is between Sunnyvale and Cupertino
- Improvements are needed on Kennewick Drive and accelerating the Full-time Bike Lanes on Homestead Road
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Marc Schaub, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Concerns for Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road
- No Pedestrian Scramble at Kennewick Drive which makes it dangerous for cyclists - No other way to go sometimes so students will go along the sidewalk or in the bike lane riding the wrong way
- Recommends making Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road safer by adding a Pedestrian Scramble
Smyan Shanbhag, member of the public, commented on the following:
- The intersection at Homestead Road and Kennewick Drive is extremely dangerous for all students who bike and walk in that area
- Student drivers are attempting to get into the student parking lot while the pedestrians and bicyclists are crossing at the same time which makes the intersection very dangerous
- Recommends a Pedestrian Scramble similar to the one on Mary Avenue and Homestead Road
- Pedestrian Scramble would make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers because it would allow all pedestrians to come from all four corners to cross into the student parking lot area and then everybody can go their separate way Aayushma Adhikari, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Stopped biking to school due to the dangerous Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road intersection
- Implores the BPAC to take action for Sunnyvale and its students and residents to improve the intersection
- Recommends changing the signage at the intersection or implementing a Pedestrian Scramble
- Recommends adding bike boxes so that bicyclists have a safe space to wait - Add the intersection to the VTA Safe Routes to School project that is already underway
Alon Golan, member of the public, commented on the following:
- There is a very narrow sidewalk on the Kennewick Drive side, while on Homestead Road the cars have five full lanes
- On a Thursday you have to share the bike lane with the trash bins - Advocates to fix the intersection at Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road to address the safety issues and the educational issues for pedestrians and bicyclists and to make it clear that they are prioritized
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Linda Sell, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Introduced herself as the Council Liaison to the BPAC commission David Wessel, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Stopped bike riding at night due to the roads being too dangerous - There are a lot of students going through the intersection at Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road
- Confusing intersection where there are three potential right turns on red at the intersection - Eastbound Homestead Road into the parking lot, Westbound Homestead Road onto Northbound Kennewick Drive and Southbound Kennewick Drive onto Westbound and Homestead Road
- Recommends putting in a Pedestrian Scramble at Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road
Mark Hlady, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Pet peeve for infrastructure that doesn't allow somebody to do something safely - No correct way to safely get to the bike racks at Homestead High School coming down Homestead Road and getting onto Kennewick Drive
- Bad combination of infrastructure problem and the volume of poor decision-making kids and high traffic
- Recommends a Pedestrian Scramble
- There is room on the north side of the road for bicyclists and pedestrians to safely congregate
- Would like to see the City of Sunnyvale use funding from the VTA's Homestead Road Project to get the work done.
Elisabeth Floyd, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Uses both Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road intersection and the Mary Avenue/Homestead Road intersection daily
- Mary Avenue/Homestead Road is so much safer than Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road because of the Pedestrian Scramble - There is no designated lane for bicyclists to use that passes through Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road
- Grazed by bicyclists and have seen bikers and walkers collide - Bicyclists have no option but to either ride on a sidewalk or ride against traffic in the bike lane, both of which are illegal options and very unsafe - Strongly urges to consider adopting a Pedestrian Scramble - Accidents have been increasing at the Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road
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intersection and the entrance and exit to the student parking lot Steve Scandalis, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Would like to see a Pedestrian Scramble installed at Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road
- Poor judgment by the students are also part of the problem - Witnessed a bicyclist hit a car
- Cyclists, pedestrians and drivers need to be educated about road safety Michael Rhoden, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Recommends a Pedestrian Scramble at Lewiston Drive
- Pedestrian Scramble at Mary Avenue/Homestead Road seems inconvenient due to cars stopping and nobody crossing the road
- Forced to pass cars making deliveries on Homestead Road on the Sunnyvale side - Needs to be more enforcement for those parking in the bike lane during school hours
Parnika Kotamsetti, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road intersection is the most dangerous in the City due to the irresponsible drivers, small bike lanes and a lot of constructions on Homestead Road
- A lot of gravel on the road due to the construction which is bad for bike tires - Drivers are stopping before school starts and passengers are opening doors into the bike lane which is very dangerous
Yana Astardjieva, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Biking through the Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road intersection comes with considerable amount of stress
- Ramp is high enough that it causes drivers to go at higher speed to clear the slope when making both the sharp right and the sharp left turn from Homestead Road - Bike lane that is in the middle of the turning lane is not seen by drivers - Students would prefer to cross at Homestead Road/Kennewick Drive because it is closest to the school
- Recommends a Pedestrian Scramble which would solve all the safety issues at the intersection of Homestead Road/Kennewick Drive
Gwyneth Romero, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Recommends a Pedestrian Scramble at the intersection of Kennewick Drive/Homestead Road
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- A Pedestrian Scramble would significantly enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians by facilitating smoother traffic flow and reducing risk of accidents - Clearly marked paths and signals for all directions would improve the overall safety of the intersection but also encourage more students and community members to opt for more sustainable transportation methods
- Providing safe pathways for bicyclists is not just a matter of convenience for the students but a significant step towards promoting sustainable commuting options Public Comment closed at 7:16 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 7:16 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 7:16 p.m.
Commissioner Liu commented that the minutes are one sided.
1.A 24-0200
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 16, 2023.
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of November 16, 2023 as submitted.
Commissioner Mehlman moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded to approve amended item 1.A.
The amendment was made by Chair Oey who stated on page 7 under Commissioner comments that there is a typo that says "Party at CDC headquarters" should be "Party at SVBC headquarters.
The amendment carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Oey
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Mehlman
5 -
No Commissioner Liu1 -
Abstain Commissioner Davé1 -
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PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 24-0221 Ranking of 2024 Study Issues
Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer, explained the Study Issue process to the BPAC. Ms. Wong discussed each Study Issue and provided Staff's recommendations. The Commissioners then discussed each Study Issue.
1. DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange
* Staff recommendation: Drop
2. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue * Staff recommendation: Support
3. DPW 24-03 - Feasibility for the city to take over private infrastructure that may be dedicated to the City in Moffett Park Specific Plan Area * Staff recommendation: Defer
4. ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale * Staff recommendation: Drop
Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer stated that in the agenda packet one of the Study Issues was not included. The following should be ranked.
5. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue)
* Staff recommendation: Support
Commissioner Liu asked why the following Study Issues and Budget Proposal were not on the list to rank but related to Active Transportation:
1. DPW 23-05 - Borregas Avenue redesign
2. DPW 23-08 - Metrics to Evaluate Progress of Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure
3. Budget Proposal that was proposed and was sponsored in September by BPAC
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to hire an Active Transportation Planner
Dennis Ng, Transportation and Traffic Manager stated that budget proposals go straight to City Council once they are supported by the BPAC. Then they are forwarded straight to the study session for consideration by Council. The other two study issues were originated from City Council at a very late date. They originally did not go through BPAC for consideration. Due to a clerical error they were not caught for this year.
Chair Oey asked if the BPAC would be violating the Brown Act if they rank a study issue that is not included in the agenda packet. David Carnahan, City Clerk stated that it does not violate the Brown Act because those are available publicly on the City's website.
Chair Oey called for a recess at 7:43 p.m. Chair Oey reconvened the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Council Liaison Linda Sell commented on the following:
- Some of the BPAC's input might not be provided at the current meeting because of the Brown Act
- Encourages the Commissioners to give input individually to the City Council that should be on the BPAC's purview
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- BPAC has the option to email City Council individually on items DPW 23-05 - Borregas Avenue redesign and DPW 23-08 - Metrics to Evaluate Progress of Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Mr. Ng stated the BPAC will be ranking CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) which is replacing DPW 24-03 - Feasibility for the city to take over private infrastructure that may be dedicated to the City in Moffett Park Specific Plan Area
Commissioner Liu asked about the following:
- We are not ranking DPW 24-03 - Feasibility for the city to take over private infrastructure that may be dedicated to the City in Moffett Park Specific Plan Area? Mr. Ng stated that is correct since the study issue was not identified for BPAC review and it was not posted on the web page and still in draft form. - Does not violate the Brown Act because something was taken out as opposed to
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putting something new in? Mr. Ng stated the replacement study issue was on the website already and indicates that BPAC will be reviewing and ranking it. - If there are multiple budget proposals should the boards and commissions rank budget proposals for City Council to make it easier for them to know which ones the board and commissions prioritize? Ms. Tsang stated on the City website under the Study Issue and Budget Proposal page there is a link on the budget proposal process. The process does not include boards and commissions to rank them. - How would one go about changing the City process on having boards and commissions rank budget proposals? Ms. Tsang stated that would need to be brought to the City Manager's office. Mr. Carnahan stated that City Council has a policy on the budget proposal process. The budget proposal process doesn't have it going to the boards and commission and are much more a discrete decision. - Hiring a Transportation Planner is not on the City website. Does anybody else know about it other than the BPAC? Ms. Tsang stated it is on the City website. - Is VTA actually implementing the wayfinding signs or are they developing guidelines for the wayfinding signs? Chair Oey stated that VTA is developing guidelines.
- Is the reason for dropping the wayfinding signage really redundant and valid since VTA isn't implementing the signage? Mr. Ng stated it is still valid because standards and the guidelines for wayfinding signage are being developed to maintain consistencies with other jurisdictions and whatever VTA states that is the best practice
Chair Oey asked about the following:
- When the VTA guidelines are published then the City can choose to go forward with the project to put wayfinding signage up? Mr. Ng stated yes that is correct subject to funding and staffing available resources.
- What is the process for it getting added? Mr. Ng stated every 2 years the City goes through a CIP budget process which would be the correct time to provide feedback and input.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- ESD 24-02 - Did the Sustainability Commission choose to rank, drop or defer? Ms.
Wong stated they chose to defer it.
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- When does the VTA expect to publish their wayfinding recommendations? Chair Oey stated VTA is in the process of hiring a consultant to write them. It could be 1 to 2 years before they are published.
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- Prior to VTA's recommendation was the City doing anything with regards to wayfinding except with specific project plans such as Moffet Park and so forth? Mr.
Ng stated not on that item because of resources and timing. There has been more concentration on the infrastructure side of things.
- Would the transportation analysis include pedestrian improvements and additional bicycle safety improvements? Ms. Tsang stated as part of the study staff would look at the proposed land use changes and boundaries and how that would impact the railway system which would include road way and pedestrian and bicycle facilities as well.
- How would it be developed in such a way as to increase cyclists and pedestrian safety? Mr. Ng stated it is a specific plan amendment and that is when staff would dig into the transportation system and look at it.
- Can you clarify the Airport Land Use Commission review of additional height and intensity? Mr. Ng stated that the Airport Land Use Commission is responsible for this. This area is in the flight path of Moffett.
- Does the Airport Land Use Commission consider airplane noise as part of the review? Mr. Ng stated an environmental impact report would be done or at least a checklist so that it will consider some of the environmental impacts of the surrounding area and the effects of putting residential near a freeway or near an airport.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- Can staff comment on why there is no mention of studying the speed limit for the Peery Park Study Issue? Mr. Ng stated speed limits are not studied in advance and they would be studied later on after the project was built.
Commissioner Davé asked about the following:
- Would the VTA guidelines be more detailed than what is the Active Transportation Plan? Is that why there needs to be further definition? Mr. Ng stated yes and also to maintain consistency with wayfinding guidelines around the county.
Vice Chair Beagle, asked about the following:
- Does the City have targets for speed limits when a project is being built? Mr. Ng stated there are design standards. Speed limits are not determined by design standards all the time.
Chair Oey asked about the following:
- In Peery Park is there an option to consider having new mini streets to connect so that people could walk or bike through? Could that be part of the study? Ms. Tsang
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stated that could be part of the study because that is part of the transportation system within the area.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following:
- Can board members recommend amendments to study issues? Mr. Ng stated the BPAC should talk about it during the public outreach process as a resident. - Can the BPAC modify a study issue? Mr. Ng stated that the BPAC cannot modify a study issue when ranking it.
- Why is the BPAC ranking CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) when it doesn't have much about transportation? Chair Oey stated it has to do with land use which is very important for how our transportation system operates. Mr Ng stated it was identified by CDD and was written into the study issue that the BPAC will review and rank it. - Would like to see putting in bike lanes for popular destinations from these new residential areas in the study issue
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- Why was the evaluated adopting transit supportive policies for Sunnyvale dropped? Mr. Ng stated that ESD wrote the study issue and DPW talked with them.
There are adequate transit support of policies within the general plan and within all the specific plans the general plan applies to the whole city.
Commissioner Davé asked about the following:
- Would the Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment parcel have access to either Eaglewood Avenue or Duane Avenue? Chair Oey stated there are currently no connectors. Ms. Tsang stated that is not part of the Moffett Park Specific Plan.
There are existing single residential family housing in between that area and staff is looking at the locations. There will not be an opportunity to explore whether staff could make connections to those roadways.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- If a commission who creates a study issue decides to defer a study issue then it will not go the City Council even if other commissions decide a different outcome? Ms. Tsang stated in a sense that is correct given that the commission that proposed the study issue voted to defer it. The study issue would be brought back the next year to the various boards and commissions to be considered again.
Public Comment opened at 8:45 p.m.
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Jim Van Pernis, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Supports DPW 24-02 - Complete Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue - Agrees with staff recommendations on the other study issues that are recommended to be deferred/dropped
Patrick Grant, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Suggest to adjourn the meeting and meet again to straighten out all the irregularities according to the Brown Act
- Attorney Generals office - 2003 pamphlet in the Brown Act Public Comment closed at 8:50 p.m.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- In support of dropping DPW 23-03 - Bike Wayfinding Signage - Staff's rationale on why it is superseded by VTA's wayfinding and all the other documents that the BPAC has makes this study issue moot - Deferring it would make it become more or less irrelevant by the time it is actually useful and the text will probably need revising on the study issue - Drop for now and revisit in the future if the VTA wayfinding or other documents do not satisfy the requirements
Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Agrees with the staff's recommendations to support DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue and CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue)
- Agrees with Vice Chair Beagle on dropping DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange
- Not worth mentioning ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale because no matter what is decided it is not relevant Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Dropping DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange would be ok - There is value in deferring DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange in parts of the City that is not park of specific plans. Ms. Tsang stated a board and commission can only defer a study issue once. The second year a decision would have to be made to make a motion to either drop or to rank it. If it is dropped the board and commission could not bring it back unless there is modification to it. - In favor of dropping CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) because it is somewhat incomplete without talking about how
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the people in these residential areas are going to get themselves from there to transit or retail centers or to work
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Supports DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue since it is the best study issue on the list that will have a complete and thorough bike lane pedestrian facility there
- Recommends deferring DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange. If can't defer then in favor of dropping it
- Recommends ranking CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) right beside DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
Commissioner Davé asked is there a value in dropping any of the study issues? Does the BPAC have to rank the study issues as a whole or can they rank them as individuals? Mr. Carnahan stated that the study issue process is organized so that first you can consider any drops then you consider deferrals and then each commissioner provides their individual ranking and those are tabulated to provide the commission's overall rankng. There is no obligation to drop or defer. Doing it in this order makes it a little more clear.
Commissioner Davé commented on the following:
- CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) - if the wall came down then there would be only two other barriers to having an east/west bike corridor there
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- Agrees with Commissioner Hafeman on supporting DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue. It needs to be fixed
- Supports CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) - an opportunity to redo the land use and perhaps make some better decision connections in that space
- Ok with dropping DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signange because it is mentioned in the ATP and when guidelines come out, projects can move forward without having to need a study issue to propel them
- Recommends deferring ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
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- Should not vote to drop ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale but to defer it to better align with the other sustainability commissions decision. Abstain rather than voting to drop it MOTION: Vice Chair Beagle moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded the motion to drop DPW 23-03 - Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signage Specific Plan Area. The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Oey
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Liu
Commissioner Mehlman
6 -
No Commissioner Davé1 -
Commissioner Liu moved to drop CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) because it doesn't have any study requirements for better active transportation. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Does not want to defer CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment (area east of Mathilda Avenue) because it is important to rank - Bullet point on work program specifically says transportation analysis which would cover Commissioner Liu's concern
- There is enough in the study issue for staff to work off of, even if your looking for more bicycle or more pedestrian infrastructure because it is in the study issue under transportation analysis
MOTION: Vice Chair Beagle moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded to defer ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale.
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Agrees with the Sustainability Commission
- Failing on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
- Does not agree with staff's comment that there is nothing else that can be done to reduce VMT
- If Sustainability Commission recommends to defer it then the BPAC should as well
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Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Disagrees with Commissioner Hafeman assessment stating that staff said there is nothing else that can be done
- There are other study issues in motion that are looking at more aggressively addressing VMT
- Agrees with deferring ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale
Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Disagrees with Commissioner Hafeman that if one commission recommends something the other commissions should agree with them
- Would recommend not to defer ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- In favor of getting much more progressive of reducing VMT Commissioner Davé commented on the following:
- Does not feel it is the BPAC's business to align with other boards and commissions but to make their own decisions to get things done
Vice Chair Beagle asked if amendments could be attached to the BPAC's rankings that City Council would normally not see? Ms. Tsang stated City Council typically listens to the board and commissions meetings to better understand the discussion.
Vice Chair Beagle moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded the motion to defer ESD 24-02 - Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale. The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes Chair Oey
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Mehlman
5 -
No Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Liu
2 -
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Ms. Tsang stated the BPAC will be ranking two study issues. DPW 24-02: Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue and CDD 24-04: Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue).
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue because of the immediate need
- #2 choice is CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue) needs to be studied immediately but less of a priority than choice #1
Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- #1 choice is DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue - Sharrows are of no use on this street. Fair Oaks is the only reasonable north-south connector road that can be made because Mathilda Avenue and Lawrence Expressway are too fast
- #2 choice is CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue) - City Council should look favorably on both of them. Ranking it #2 won't hurt it because housing is also a critical need within the community Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- #1 choice is DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue - Very important study issue. Sharrows were put in years ago which is a setback for Active Transportation. Fair Oaks Avenue is very dangerous even with the sharrows Commissioner Bonne commented on the following:
- #1 choice is DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue - Agrees with the other commissioners that sharrows between cars and bicycles are not ideal
Chair Oey ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Commissioner Davé ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
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2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Chair Oey ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Commissioner Bonne ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Commissioner Liu ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Vice Chair Beagle ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Commissioner Hafeman ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
Commissioner Mehlman ranked the Study Issues as follows:
1. DPW 24-02 - Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue
2. CDD 24-04 - Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue)
MOTION: Commissioner Mehlman moved and Vice Chair Beagle seconded the motion to accept the overall Study Issue Rankings with DPW 24-02: Complete Streets Redesign of Fair Oaks Avenue ranked as #1 and CDD 24-04: Peery Park Specific Plan Amendment Area (East of Mathilda Avenue). To defer ESD 24-02:
Evaluate Adopting Transit-Supportive Policies for Sunnyvale and drop DPW 23-03:
Develop Bicycle Wayfinding Signage Plan. The motion carried with the following
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vote.
Yes Chair Oey
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Liu
Commissioner Mehlman
7 -
No 0
3 24-0222
Report and Discussion of Recent Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting
Chair Oey called for a recess at 9:30 p.m. Chair Oey reconvened the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Commissioner Bonne, VTA BPAC Sunnyvale Representative, gave the meetings summary reports for January 2023 regarding the following topics:
- VTA Closed Session - Threats to Public Services or Facilities. Consultation with staff
- Stacey Banerjee was reelected as Chairman and Betsy Megas was reelected to the position of Vice Chairman
- All of 2023 there were 25.5 million combined rides. VTA ranked one of the top agencies in the county for re-bound after pandemic
- October 2023 - 2.4 million rides
- 23 new bus drivers graduated from the 9-week training at the end of 2023 - January 1, VTA joined the Clipper Start Program which provides 50% discount to adult rides
- 2024 inaugural "Ask VTA" meeting will occur on January 25 - Go to vta.org/COPE for public outreach events
- Self-driving Shuttle Pilot Program begins on January 22 until July from Palo Alto VA Medical Center
- VTA Bike-Ped Program will submit grant applications to CalTrans "Sustainable Communities Planning Grant, Across Barrier Connection Plan", to improve pedestrian and bicycle freeway crossings
- Chairman Banerjee urged the BPAC and the public to provide input to public agencies as programs are debated and funding is allocated
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- Lani Lee Ho, Sr. Environmental Planner, summarized Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) history, and requested VTA BPAC to vote to recommend adoption of the plan
- Public comment reiterated need for VTA to alert public to bike trail closures, and to provide detour routes
- Committee voted to recommend adoption of Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)
- Alma Bridge Road Newt Passage Project seeks public input, particularly from cycylists
Commissioner Liu asked about the following:
- What does cyclists have to do with Newts?
Commissioner Bonne addressed the question.
Commissioner Hafeman commented the following:
- Plan to make freeway crossing safer
- Trails when they are closed due to flooding
Public Comment opened at 9:41 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 9:41 p.m.
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
4 24-0223 Expansion of Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian-only Zone Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer stated there is a proposed study issue from Commissioner Bonne. The proposed study issue has a working title called Expansion of Downtown Sunnyvale Pedestrian Only Zones. Ms. Wong highlighted the following:
- Key element of the study is to expand the pedestrian only zones - Currently in downtown Sunnyvale, Murphy Avenue is the only one that is part of this criteria
- The scope of work considers the following location:
- Washington Avenue from Frances Street to Sunnyvale Avenue - Murphy Avenue from Washington Avenue to McKinley Avenue - McKinley Avenue from Mathilda Avenue to Sunnyvale Avenue - Olson Way from Aries Way to Frances Street
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- Frances Street from Evelyn Avenue to Washington Avenue - Allow Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus traffic only
- This study will include a local transportation analysis to look at the traffic circulation in the area if it is intended to put in pedestrian only zones - Extensive public outreach will be performed to collect feedback from residents, businesses, property owners, downtown association and VTA - Will work internally with other departments aside from Public Works which includes CDD as well as the City Manager's office and the Public Safety Department Commissioner Liu commented and asked about the following:
- How come just those specific streets and not all of the streets within the block bordered by Mathilda Avenue, Sunnyvale Avenue, McKinley Avenue and Evelyn Avenue?
- Concerned about the term "pedestrian only" because it excludes people using active transport
- Does not want the whole thing to be a Pedestrian Mall that disallows bikes - Is this a study issue proposing a Pedestrian Mall or disallowing cars? - Should it be called "A car free zone" instead of a "Pedestrian only zone"? - Within the study issue say "study how bikes and micro mobility devices can be accommodated in this car free zone"
- Add into the study issue to study how bike parking can be accommodated - Can the wording be adjusted?
Commissioner Bonne addressed the questions.
Vice Chair Beagle commented and asked about the following:
- There is a time and place for car free and pedestrian only - Murphy Avenue is something that should be pedestrian only because there is too much foot traffic for bikes to come through
- Downtown Specific Plans pedestrian only area
- Only difference between the Downtown Specific Plans, pedestrian priority and what the study issue is advocating for is Washington Avenue and Olson Way - What is the motivation for the study issue on top of the Downtown Specific Plans? - Most areas are already covered in the Downtown Specific Plans so need to narrow it down to specifically outline Olson Way and Washington Avenue - What is the definition of pedestrian priority?
Commissioner Bonne and Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
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Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Likes the idea of pedestrian only areas
- Big apartments buildings that have drivers that need to get in/out - New street going in that connects all the exits and entrance to the parking garages for all four of those buildings
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- Can the study issue state to close Washington Avenue from Frances Avenue to the intersection of Sunnyvale Avenue?
Commissioner Bonne addressed the question.
Public Comment opened at 10:03 p.m.
Steve Scandalis, member of the public commented on the following:
- Map showing the existing Murphy Avenue and Frances Street and proposed closures to all vehicle traffic
- Allowing VTA only on Frances Street down from Evelyn Avenue to Washington Avenue is a big point of conflict with the existing parking lot west of Murphy Avenue - Frances Street entrance is the main in/out
- BPAC proposal is proposing to block traffic 24/7 on Washington Avenue where the alleyway is
- Olson Way is used to get to and from Evelyn Avenue via Frances Street when using the upper entrance in/out of the underground parking garage - West McKinley Avenue is a very important traffic corridor to be able to use some existing street parking
Public Comment closed at 10:07 p.m.
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- Likes the proposal, would like to see downtown Sunnyvale more walkable - Don't have to make it car prioritized
- Parking garages at Plaza Del Sol and at Caltrains very underutilized - Recommends the proposal to make it pedestrian or pedestrian prioritized to get the motor vehicles out of there
- Very supportive of the study issue and update the Downtown Specific Plan Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Supports the study issue and would like to expand a Pedestrian Mall or vehicle
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exclusionary zones
- Concerned won't be able to close Frances Street because of it being the only access that merchants on Murphy Avenue can have their deliveries to the back of their facilities
- Access to the parking garage if McKinely Avenue is blocked - Agrees with Washington Avenue between Frances Street and Sunnyvale Avenue being closed which makes the most sense
- Merchants would not agree to close Frances Street
Vice Chair Beagle commented and asked about the following:
- Intersection at Olson Way and Aries Way has a parking garage entrance - The intersection will not be car free
- If Olson Way is made into a pedestrian street than the new route would increase vehicular traffic
- Would like the study issue to just incorporate looking at making pedestrian only the entirety of the area bounded by McKinley Avenue and Evelyn Avenue and Mathilda Avenue
- Streets of the entire downtown block could get that super heavy, very narrow focus of car free or pedestrian only as opposed to just have them a finite list - Can I make a friendly amendment to the study issue?
Ms. Tsang, Mr. Ng and Mr. Carnahan addressed the question.
Commissioner Bonne stated he would accept withdrawing the study issue at the moment and working on it to revise it and incorporate ideas from other commissioner's and resubmit it later.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Recommends withdrawing the study issue and coming back to it with edits and modifications
- The way the study issue is written now would not end up with a productive study issue that will be accepted by City Council
- The study issue should allow deliveries between certain hours on weekday mornings
Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Public Council meeting last year when Murphy Avenue was converted into a pedestrian mall
- Muni code - Bicycles are prohibited from riding on pedestrian malls
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- Suggest calling Downtown Sunnyvale, Murphy Avenue a pedestrian mall instead of a pedestrian only street
- Don't want bikes disallowed, there is a safe way to have both bikes and pedestrians on the same street by having a designated space for the bikes Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Thanked Commissioner Bonne for withdrawing his study issue - Excellent study issue
- Proposed areas should either have access to walk or bike and not at a garage access point
- Consider reasonable access for the merchants
Commissioner Hafemen commented on the following:
- When rewriting the study issue obtain understanding of what the super high residential development is going to look like
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- Having deliveries designated for a specific time is a good idea - Should be for both pedestrians and bicyclists
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Would like to make a motion to agendize the issue at Kennewick Drive and Homestead Road so the BPAC can look further into it. Possibly add it to the VTA Homestead Road Corridor Safe Routes to School phase 2 work Mr. Ng stated it can be put in the parking lot for future agenda item discussions. It is an operational issue and not identified as any improvements or location needed for study at the moment. The BPAC could propose this as a study issue. It cannot be added to the VTA Homestead Road Corridor Safe Routes to School project.
Ms. Tsang explained the two ways items could be put on an agenda that are not in the work plan.
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- Is on the Road Commission for the county
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Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- February 10, 2024 - King Tide Bike Ride, go to Eventbrite and sign up at bikesiliconvalley.org
Chair Oey commented on the following:
- Go to bikesiliconvalley.org to sign up for Measure B sponsored workshops and classes
-Staff Comments
Ms. Wong commented on the following:
- Tuesday, January 23 - Annual public hearing on study issues and proposals - Thursday, January 25 - Deadline for council initiated study issues or budget proposals
- Thursday, January 25 at 8:30 a.m. - City Council Strategic Planning Workshop - Tuesday, February 6 - City Council meeting will be tentatively approving the 2024 BPAC Draft Annual Work Plan
- Thursday, February 15 at 8:30 a.m. - Study issue and budget proposals workshop - February BPAC will discuss Transportation Development Act Article 3 funding recommendations, the Utility Bill Insert concept design and the Tasman Pedestrian Bicycle Improvement Study Issue DPW 21-03
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
24-0224 BPAC 2024 Draft Annual Work Plan
24-0225 Active Items List January 2024
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Oey adjourned the meeting at 10:52 p.m.
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