01/20/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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This was discussed in connection with goals and objectives. • 10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11.1 Draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element of the General Plan, including proposed policies and implementation measures regarding: maintenance and dedication of private roadways;right-of-way widths; the aesthetic design of roadways; road capacities and traffic levels; regional traffic problems;roadway safety measures; emergency access routes; standards for drainage; reducing impacts of regional traffic;bicycles and other alternate transportation modes; and coordination with the Town's Pathways Element and pathway network; and proposed Negative Declaration(continued from the January 6, 1999 meeting) Max Brown, 12670 Dianne Drive,referred to the statement that sound walls along 280 shall be prohibited. He supported sound walls but also suggested that trees could be used or trees in front of sound walls. He just thought that the word prohibited was too strong. The other issue he was concerned about was the statement that a park and ride lot in close proximity to the El Monte Road and Magdalena Avenue ramps at 280 be supported. He and his neighbors suggested Foothill College might be a good location for a park and ride but any other location in this vicinity would create traffic and safety hazards. Mrs. Butts,Voorhees Drive, also expressed concern about the sound wall issue and the park and ride location. Their home was located at El Monte and 280 and the sound issue was of great concern. They had wanted a sound wall on their property but Caltrans refused saying the noise decibals were not high enough. They had also tried to get approval from the Town for a berm but • were denied. Mrs. Butts also stated that the traffic was such at this location that she could not support an additional park and ride. In response to Mrs. Butts' comments and in response to an inquiry from Casey, staff noted that Mrs. Butts could request a variance for a fence on their property. The berm had been turned down because the blockage of the drainage ditch was an issue. Chuck Ber hoff 12780 Dianne Drive referred to the suggestion fora park and ride at El Monte. g gg He did not support this noting that the traffic in this area was already intense and safety would be a very real issue. Furthermore,he did not support a park and ride on the Foothill College campus either for these same reasons. Denise Cote, 24970 O'Keefe, commented that the park and ride at Page Mill Road never appeared to be full so it did not seem necessary to have another park and ride. Casey referred to three letters which had been received on the circulation element. The letter from Charlene Geers, 12742 Leander Drive, did not support 60 foot road right of ways or increased setbacks; supported driveways in setbacks and sound walls and did not support accommodating bicycle traffic by discouraging auto traffic; Robert Harvancik did not support accommodating bicycle traffic by discouraging auto traffic and did not support the park and ride at El Monte; and Bill May supported detailed scientific study of the issue of sound walls before a decision was made. Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Drive, addressed several issues which were before Council concerning the Circulation Element and which had been commented on by the Los Altos Hills Civic Association. The standards for road right of ways had been developed,with safety a primary concern, and had been in place for decades. The Town's General Plan was a general January 20, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting 5