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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal Minutes March 28FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 1 Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL Minutes of Meeting March 28, 2011 1. ADMINISTRATIVE Chairman Eileen Gibbons called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM Members present: Ann Duwe, Courtenay Corrigan, Nick Dunckel, Eileen Gibbons, Breene Kerr, Bob Stutz, Tim Warner, Sue Welch, and Denise Williams Members absent: None LAH Council Members present: Mayor Ginger Summit Gary Waldeck Planning Commissioner: John Harpootlian Members of the public presents: Michael and X Morgan, 13209 W. Sunset Dru Anderson, LAH resident Edwina Cioffi, Baleri Ranch Road Nancy Couperus, Open Space Committee Janet Germane, Liddicoat Circle Ann Keremdjian, 14210 Berry Hill Road Garo Keremidjian, 14210 Berry Hill Road Dot Schreiner, Saddle Mountain Drive Ted Turner, Liddicoat Circle The agenda was approved as published. 2 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Property Reviews. The following properties were reviewed for pathway recommendations: i. 13209 West Sunset (Lands of Morgan). The reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. The parcel is on the southeast side of West Sunset (inside of the loop). The Morgans, the homeowners were present and told the PWC that West Sunset is a steep, narrow road and they have concerns about safety of pedestrians walking in the road. Although West Sunset is a private road, easements conferring public access to walk in the road exist on four other properties on the road (12915, 12800, 12781, and 13211). A roadside path exists on 13211 West Sunset, the lot on the opposite side of the road at the corner of West Sunset and Burke. The Morgan's parcel slopes up steeply from the road and construction of a roadside path would be difficult. The ownership of this portion of W Sunset was not clear (e.g., whether it is on the Morgan property or co-owned by all parcels on the street). The importance of providing connectivity to nearby paths was discussed. Sue Welch moved that the Town ask the owners of 13209 West Sunset for an easement conferring access for the public to walk on the part of West Sunset Road adjacent to their property. If it is not legally possible to grant an easement in the road, then a pathway in-lieu fee should be requested. Nick Dunckel seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. ii. 13811 Ciceroni (Lands of Wei Yen). The reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. The homeowners were not present. The parcel is on the west side of Ciceroni, a cul-de-sac serving seven parcels. This road is relatively wide, has no off-road paths connecting to it, and no other roadside paths on the street. Breene Kerr moved that the Town ask the owners of 13811 Cicerone to pay a pathway in-lieu fee. Courtenay Corrigan seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 2 iii. Lands of Nicholson Subdivision. This subdivision was reviewed on 27 Nov 2006, 28 Sep 2009 and 28 Feb 2011. At the February meeting, the PWC discussed the subdividers’ request to route the proposed off-road pathway that comes down from Dawson to the sewer easement onto the neighbor’s property (12131 Oak Park Court) for about 30 feet close to where it meets the sewer easement. This will allow the path to run around the long wall that runs along the south border of the sewer easement and drop gradually down to the sewer easement. At an earlier meeting t he PWC moved to send a notice to the affected neighbor requesting this pathway. Chairman Gibbons sent the le tter, but no reply has been received. 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Update on Pathway Maintenance. Chairman Gibbons reported on the status of paths that need maintenance; most are just clean-ups and clearing. Preliminary plans are available for the path down to Matadero Creek from Via Ventana. B. Road Barrier on Taaffe. Town engineering staff is addressing the request from a homeowner on Taaffe to place a guardrail or other barrier along Taaffe above his house. No action is needed from the PWC. C. Reports from Other meetings. i. Planning Commission Meeting 03/03/11. Sue Welch, who attended the meeting, reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the proposed Stanford Trail segment through Los Altos Hills presented by staff. A Negative Declaration is typically done for this type of project to assess the likely impacts on the environment and/or the neighborhood and possible mitigation measures for impacts. The Planning Commission was not asked to evaluate the project, but was limited to providing a recommendation to the City Council on the Negative Declaration. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend rejection of the Negative Declaration. Specifically, they found the following areas were not properly addressed: a. Anticipated traffic not addressed. Specifically, the pathway joins two popular recreation areas, Arastradero Preserve with 90,000 visitors a year with the Stanford Dish with 250,000 visitors a year. The increased foot and bicycle traffic, as well as the overflow parking was not assessed or addressed. b. The likely bicycle usage would be over a sub-standard width bridge over Matadero Creek. The danger to bicyclists was not assessed or addressed. c. The project provides ready access to LAH pathway systems in at least two points. While LAH pathways were planned for use by LAH residents, the likely impact of an unknown number of non-residents was not assessed or addressed. Commissioner Harpootlian reiterated that the PC was voting to accept or reject the Negative Declaration, not the project itself. ii. City Council Meeting 03/17/11. Chairman Gibbons attended the meeting; she reported that many people spoke at the meeting and raised concerns such as potentially increased traffic and accidents. City Council recommended that the project be sent back to the PWC and the Open Space Committee for review and to give residents a chance to present their concerns. iii. Stanford trail/Arastradero Road Improvements. Breene Kerr gave a brief summary of the history of the project. In 2000, as a requirement for their General Use Permit allowing additional development on campus, the County required Stanford to create trails connecting the campus to Arastradero Preserve. A number of potential routes were proposed and rejected over the intervening 10 years. Stanford did not want to run a trail through their land and there was opposition to some routes from neighbors, including those living on Christopher’s Lane in LAH. The current route runs along Page Mill Road and then through Stanford lands over Ramos Ranch to Purissima Road. From there it runs along Arastradero and Page Mill Roads through Los Altos Hills to the Arastradero Preserve. The section in LAH, which will provide improvements along Arastradero Road (bike lanes and pedestrian-equestrian paths) was proposed and accepted by the County FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 3 and the Town. Stanford will pay $1.2 M to make these improvements; some of the funds will pay for LAH staff time required to oversee parts of the project. Some additional Federal money may be available to improve bicycle safety along Page Mill. Stanford has jurisdiction over the Ramos Ranch portion. The pedestrian bridge was suggested by Stanford to help get pedestrians away from Baleri Ranch Road. One issue neighbors are concerned about is increased parking on local streets. Mayor Summit said that the Town will begin immediately to address this by adding barriers along Arastradero Road where cars are parking on the pathway. If necessary, the Town can require permits there and in the Liddicoat neighborhood. Palo Alto may also expand the parking lot in Arastradero Preserve; another option may be parking in the industrial lots along Deer Creek Road and Arastradero. On the weekends many cars also park along Arastradero Road towards Purissima adjacent to the Park and Ride lot. Concerns were voiced that blocking parking in one area will just move the cars to another nearby local street. The narrow highway bridge on Page Mill Road is also a concern. Breene Kerr said the Town has been discussing this with CalTrans for about a year and that $250,000 is available that could be used to improve the section where the road is collapsing into the creek. The intersection of Page Mill and I280 intersection may be redesigned if Federal money becomes available. Residents spoke about the projects: Nancy Couperus (LAH Open Space Committee) said the OSC has two major concerns: 1) the pedestrian bridge across Matadero Creek would be in major riparian wildlife area and is not necessary; 2) the effect of the retaining wall on the rural open space view shed; the OSC suggests a vegetated wall instead of a concrete wall. Stanford has said that the view from the new Ramos trail “will rival that from the dish”. If that is the case, it will attract a large number of users who will want to park in the nearby LAH streets. Dot Schreiner (Saddle Mountain Drive) said her main concerns are traffic, parking and safety. Has witnessed 4 accidents in the project area. The roads are narrow and the bicyclists don’t stay in the bike lanes. She also recommends that the PWC review all the information that neighbors and others have gathered before making a decision about the project. Recommends a special meeting with Open Space Committee, the neighbors, and staff to review all the issues in detail. Jane Germane (Safety Committee, Liddicoat neighborhood) expressed concerns about the increased traffic on Arastradero, including commuter traffic and weekend traffic and parking. Burglaries and breaking have been a problem and may increase with increased users. Suggests waiting until the Ramos Ranch trail opens and see what happens in terms of increased use. Tom Turner (Safety Committee, Liddicoat neighborhood) said his main concern is the lack of clarity and disclosure for the neighbors and also the Council. He has been following the Stanford trail project for years and did not hear anything about the new segment through LAH until 3 weeks ago. He is concerned about the loss of the quiet and natural area that he moved to LAH for. Increased parking along Arastradero and in his neighborhood in Liddicoat and increased numbers of bikes have been especially problematic in recent years. He is concerned about the Dish being closed. He is concerned based on the Council meeting that the Council apparently is not well informed about the project. John Harpootlian (Planning Commission) said he has found it difficult to understand the details of the project based on the available plans (e.g., how much Arastradero Road has to be widened to accommodate the two proposed bike lanes plus the pedestrian path). The retaining wall could be shorter than 8 feet if the road is not widened as much. He suggested the PWC consider tradeoffs such as this in reviewing the project. Garo Keremidjian (Berry Hill Court) expressed concerns about significantly increased bike and foot traffic and safety issues. There is a huge flow of bikes early on weekends. He is also concerned about a potential increase in accidents, increased parking along nearby LAH streets, increased vandalism and burglaries, and possible adverse impact on FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 4 property values. He also complained that residents who would be affected by the project had not been informed about it earlier in the process so they could have input. Anne Keremidjian (Berry Hill Court) also expressed concerns about increased bike, pedestrian traffic in their area. She asked about the status of the agreement between Stanford and the Town. When it was the contract signed and why residents who live in the area were not informed? She has served on Stanford Land Development committee for number of years and still did not know about this. Mayor Summit said that the pathway plans are being worked on and LAH met with Stanford after the CC meeting and told them that LAH is continuing the project for further study. Breene Kerr said a contract has been signed describing the terms for the project planning to move forward and for Town to be reimbursed for its expenses. The contract also set a cap on the cost ($1.2 M). Permits have not been issued yet. Dru Anderson (Saddle Court). In contrast to what has been said, no pathway currently exists along Arastradero from Stirrup to the about the Eucalytpus trees. Pedestrian walk along the shoulder here. She suggests looking at the overall traffic safety of the area, not just the paths and bike lanes. The sight-distance from Stirrup along Arastradero is not sufficient for the speed of the cars and it is dangerous to pull out of Stirrup. She asks the Town to consider putting a stop sign along Arastradero at Stirrup. She also recommends a special meeting to review and discuss this area. She also expressed concerns about possible landslides on the slope where the retaining wall is planned. She also has concerns about the weekend parking along Arastradero east of the Park and Ride. The recent trimming of the trees has not improved the visibility from Stirrup—the problem is the sight distance from the crest of the hill, given the speed of the traffic there. Edwina Cioffi (Baleri Creek Road) said she has spent a lot of time trying to understand the many issues related to the project and appreciates that the process has been slowed down for further review. She expressed concerns that of the 120 properties that could be affected by the project, none were aware of it. About 110 residents signed a petition before the CC meeting and 50 wrote letters. The local infrastructure is already stressed accommodating all the traffic and bikes and parking. Turning onto Arastradero from Stirrup or Twin Oaks is very difficult. Increased foot traffic, bikes, cars, and burglaries are also concerns. She thought that the environmental study was inadequate and also noted that many of the properties in the Baleri Ranch area have off-road pathways on multiple sides of their properties. The committee discussed the issues at length. Chairman Gibbons reiterated that improving safety is a major objective of the project. Suggestions and comments included: — Regardless of what LAH does about the Stanford path along Arastradero, the Ramos Ranch trail will be a very popular path—a lot of people will be using it and most will want to park as close as possible to the start of the path. People will park up and down the nearby LAH streets because there is no parking along Deer Trail and the Town needs to start addressing this. — Consider asking Stanford to make an effort to find a place where parking could be placed for users of the Ramos trail (e.g. along Deer Trail Road or the SAP or Tesla lot). — Consider separating the Baleri Ranch Road part of the project from the Ramos Ranch part in the planning process. Wait until the new path opens and see how many people use it and see where they are parking. Consider using some of the money to for parking to accommodate users at Ramos Ranch trail and/or if arrangements can be made for parking at the company lots there. This will keep most of the traffic away from Page Mill. — Ask Council to direct Town staff to collect information on current pattern of traffic, bike, pedestrian, and equestrian use to help with the decision. — If we had a million dollars to spend on pathways, we would probably not use it in this area. FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 5 — Consider concentrating on improving safety for pedestrians, but not building the bike lanes. The bike packs won’t use them anyway. Also elevate the footpath surface above the bike path surface, so pedestrians will be separated from the bikes. — Although LAH has historically embraced the bike community, there is huge frustration about the increased numbers of cyclists on narrow local roads, especially bike packs that do not share the road. The parking problems associated with these large organized groups are also increasing. Breene Kerr noted that a county ordinance now requires a permit for rides of more than 100 people. — Consider putting the first cross-walk and/or a stop sign at Arastradero and Page Mill Road. Consider a stop sign at Stirrup and Arastradero also. — If the Town decides not to make the improvements and someone is hurt, the Town could be sued. — The new Ramos Ranch trail may or may not bring in more pedestrians; it could be argued that there are many other better places to walk already (e.g., Byrne Preserve and local off-road paths). We will have a better idea of the impact after the Ramos Ranch trail opens. — The 70-foot bridge keeps pedestrians off the Baleri Ranch Road, which is not in good shape. Some believe this bridge is not a problem; others argue that the bridge is costly and not needed; and that environmental issues were not adequately addressed. This would mean putting a third bridge along a length or road that covers only two properties. — PWC should look more closely at details of the plan. We need better plans, and larger scale plans that we can see the details. Keep the neighbors more informed and involved in the process; they need to have a voice in the project. After input from residents and a lengthy committee discussion, Courtenay Corrigan moved that the PWC ask City Council for the following: 1) Direct Town staff to look into the possibility of placing stop signs on Arastradero Road at the intersection with Stirrup Way 2) Direct Town staff to look into the possibility of placing stop signs on Page Mill at the intersection of Arastradero Road East 3) Clean the bike lanes on Arastradero Road and on Page Mill Road 4) Wait until the new Stanford trail over Ramos Ranch opens and assess the impact in terms of parking and pedestrian use 5 Consider a vegetated segmented wall instead of a vertical concrete retaining wall Eileen Gibbons seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. 5. General Discussion A. Mary Davey Path. Signs for the Mary Davey will be placed at the entrance to Foothill College and the other end on Moody Road near Murietta. The Open Space Committee approved placement of a tree and a small plaque at a location in Byrne Preserve. B. VTA meetings. Breene Kerr noted that not much money will be available from VTA for a few years. He reported on recent Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) activity in LAH. The Town received a grant application from VTA for a Vehicle Emissions Reductions Based at Schools (VERBS) Program project. This project will install six-foot bike lanes on both sides of Fremont Road from Arastradero to Edith Road, increasing safety along a route that passes three schools. The cost will be about $1 M, 25% of which the Town will pay; a portion of the Town funds will probably come the PWC CIP budget. Staff has prepared preliminary plans. FinalPWC_Min11-0328.doc 5 /10/11 6 C. Roadside Curb Configurations. Nick Dunckel suggests that the PWC ask the Town to use rolled curbs that bikes can cross (bike-friendly curbs) instead of sharp vertical curbs, especially along narrow roads. A recommendation will be made to staff. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the February 28, 2011 meeting were approved without amendments. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM. 7. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS Next pathway walk: Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 8:30 AM at Town Hall Next regular meeting: Monday, April 25, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall Respectfully submitted, Sue Welch April 10, 2011