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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2007 Traffic Safety Commission AgendaCITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: December 13, 2007 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Guichard, Kane, and Kirk Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on December 6, 2007. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. Oral &r Written Communication Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for October 11, 2007 Sheriff's Report to the Commission Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #195 — Mary Bosco - Continued from meeting on October 11, 2007 Issue: Request for red curb for driveway at 14611 Big Basin Way Action: TSC will make recommendation New Business 2. Traffic Matrix #210 - Sara Okuno, Jeff Barco Issue: Discussion of creation of Task Force Action: TSC will make recommendation 3. Traffic Matrix #203 - Barry Ford Issue: Request Yield or Stop sign on Hill Avenue at Bonnie Brae Action: TSC will make recommendation 4. Traffic Matrix #204 - Ryan Han Issue: Requests red curb at the corner of Douglass Lane just off Fruitvale Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation 5. Traffic Matrix #205 - Paul Ginouves Issue: Request review of safety concerns on St. Charles Street Action: TSC will make recommendation 6. Traffic Matrix #207 - Aaron Woo Issue: Requests 3-way Stop at corner of DeSanka and Knollwood Action: TSC will make recommendation 7. Traffic Matrix #209 - Rob Harvel Issue: Requests Stop sign at corner of Quito and McCoy Action: TSC will make recommendation Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Bicycle Lane Project Update - Franziska Holtzman Election discussion TSC representation at Council Meetings Schedule discussion Adjournment to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, February 14, 2008 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability -related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 408.868.1269 or ctclerk@sarato ag ca.us Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Public Works Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on December 6, 2007 at the office of the City of Saratoga,13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Draft Action Minutes DATE: October 11, 2007 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order - Meeting called to order at 6:32 P.M. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter Absent: Bustamante and Kane Staff. Kane, and Staff: Traffic Engineer Rashid, Traffic Planner HoltzmanKirk Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant and Analyst Bore] meeting was ro erl t, Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for P Properly posted on October 42007. Borel reports on posting. this Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added ursua 54954.2. No changes. P nt to Government Code Section Oral &r Written Communication Any member of the public may address the Commission about a meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment o any matter not on the agenda for this place the topic on a future agenda. n the matter but may choose to Fran Anderson - concerns with RR crossing at Saratoga -Sunnyvale Approval of Draft Minutes g nyvale Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes fortune 12, 2007 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for August 9, 2007 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for September 13, 2007 All minutes APPROVED 4-0-1(Kirk Abstained) Sheriff's Report to the Commission Captain Calderone reviews September data Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #195 - Mary Bosco (Continued from meeting on August 9, 2007) Issue: Request for red curb for driveway at 14611 Big Basin Wa Action: TSC will make recommendation y MOTION: Recommends red curb for 20 feet to the east of the (BallmgaIl opposes, Coulter and Kirk abstain) driveway. 'MOTION: Move to continue this item to be reviewed b t y' MOTION FAILS 2-1-2 2007. APPROVED 5-0 y he full Commission on December 13, 2. Traffic Matrix #181-Bill Hardy Continued from meeting on June 7, 2007) Issue: Speeding concerns on Ravenswood Drive Action: TSC will make recommendation the existing speed limit sign, schedule a seven day MOTION: New 25 mph street legends, move , and install one knockdown sign. APPROVED 5- speed scarve y n June 7, 2007) 3, Traffic Matrix #186 (Continued from meetingCourt and Herriman Avenue Issue: Request for follow up on Lexington Action: TSC will make recommendatio ar trailer, placement of speed limit pavement legends, Act Ballin all Abstains) MOTION: Recommend use of the speed radar and enforce ment from the Sheriff's office. APPROVED 4-0-1( g 07 4. Traffic Matrix #190 - Michael McCann (Continued from meeting on June 7, 20 Issue: Speeding concerns n Brook recommendation Action TSC will be laced on Brookglen in location to be determined MOTION: Recommends two median schokers p Engineer and notices sent to neighbors. APPROVED 5-0 by the Traffic Engl New Business 5. Traffic Matrix #197 - LaRoue Kirwin Issue: Speeding concerns ke recommendation Ve nt from the Sheriff's office, add chatter Action: TSC will m TION: Recommend use of the radar trailer, enforceme MO ook perform counts for stop sign warrants, and ask resident bars on corner of Braemar of physical remedies. APPROVED 5-0 about neighborhood support 6. Traffic Matrix #202 - Ali Rejaie e: Speeding concerns on Cox Avenue, Ve on ,requests speed bump street. Issue. p Action: TSC Willa n eSpee I hump consistent with type use on neighboring MOTION: Recommen APPROVED 5-0 rovement Program (CIP) Rating ON: Recommend TSC CIP Items ranked as follows: 7. Capital Imp MOTI -Asphalt Option (This would remove Herriman Crosses alk Herriman Avenue improvements improvementfrom Median P) McCoy Pedestrian Saratoga Elementary School Driveway Modification Komina Walking Path improvements Quito Road Sidewalk Imp Herriman Sidewalk Improvements (Options 1 & 2) Glen Brae Median Choker APPROVED 5-0 Announcements by CommissionersssionerChaa Ballingall welcome New Commi Bic cle Lane Progress Report - Rashid Reports on progress y 5 p.m. to Study Session Meeting Adjournment at 10: 4 Thursday, November 8, 200 Traffic Matrix #195 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION — Traffic complaint Form DATE: 7/9/07 NAME: Mary Bosco ADDRESS: 14605 Big Basin Way (14611 uses same driveway) PHONE: 867-2266 EMAIL: DISCUSSION SCHEDULED FOR TSC MEETING: 8/9/07 DESCRIPTION OF TRAFFIC ISSUE: Request red curbs to the left of her driveway due to lack of site distance. This driveway serves several residences. STON��IN.E 14611 Big Basin Way Saratoga, California 408-867-2266 July 25, 2007 To: Traffic Commissioner for Saratoga Fr: Stone Pine Homeowners Association Re: Changing two parking spaces to red zones at 14611 Big Basin Way We are long-time (and concerned) Saratoga residents and we are requesting the two parking spaces one to the left and the one to the right of the condominium complex driveway to be changed to red zones. On a daily basis cars/SUV/trucks park as close as they can to the driveway, making it nearly impossible to see clearly to gain safe access on to Big Basin. The residents of Stone Pine must approach nearly half way into the lane before they obtain clear visibility. We have complained about this in the past but now we are formally requesting this change before someone living here or visiting here is serious injured from an oncoming car speeding through the Village. Homeowners of Stone Pine are elderly, middle aged and families with children. We strongly request and urge the Saratoga Traffic Commission to change this zoning to avoid any future accidents. We are available to discuss our concerns and request with you at your earliest convenience. On behalf of the residents of Stone Pine we thank you, in advance, for your careful review and consideration. Sincerely, Mary Boscoe President Stone Pine Homeowners Association Traffic Safety Commission Checklist Previous Req Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 1 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation Further Action: Traffic Matrix #210 Ot SAA9 City of Saratoga ese Public Works Department CgLIFORTll� MEMO TO: Traffic Safety Commissioners FROM: Kristin Borel DATE: December 7, 2007 RE: Matrix Item #210 The City had been contacted by concerned parents attending Saratoga Elementary School about safety on the streets surrounding the school. They were interested in the recommendations made by the Traffic Safety Commission last year that was included on the City's CIP list (Capital Improvements Projects). Many residents attended the City Council Meeting on November 7, 2007 and cited their concerns about safety in this area. Due to the high level of interest shown at the Council meeting, John Cherbone is recommending that an AdHoc group be formed to address the concerns of all the stakeholders on this issue. The Commission is being asked to discuss the creation of this AdHoc, the make up of this group, scheduling, etc. The TSC will not be asked to form solutions to the safety issues at this time, but only to the creation of the AdHoc group. Traffic Safetv Commission Checklist Previous Req Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 2 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation Further Action: Traffic Matrix #203 Kristin Borel From: barry ford [bford73224@yahoo.com] Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2007 11:03 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Lynda Ford Subject: Re: TSC Meeting Hi Kristen, The problem is traffic coming down Hill towards Bonnie Brae at high speed without yielding at Bonnie Brae. We get 1 - 3 near misses every week. The culprits are mostly teenagers and moms taking their kids to school and are running late. What I would like to see is a yield or stop sign that clearly states who has the right of way. Also a mirror would be helpful so that traffic can see each other round the corner. It will be only time before there is a nasty accident there based on our observations so far. Regards, Barry Ford 20100 Bonnie Brae Lane Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: Hi Barry, The City has a Traffic Safety Commission that reviews requests traffic related items. The next availability on the Agenda is for the December meeting. In the meantime can you send me an email with a synopsis of your concern and observations? This really helps the review process. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408-868-1258 Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. 12/6/2007 Traffic Safety Commission Checklist Nrevious Kequ, Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 3 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation Further Action: Tasks eFM eFM eFM Cases New Request Advanced Search The y. Customers eFeedbackManager Setup FAQ Help New Features! u Back to Case List ESP Case Details View Print Version Case Number: 15132 make confidential Customer: Han, Ryan external customer 14403 Black Walnut Ct Saratoga CA 95070 ma 408-867-6813 ryan.han@gmail.com Traffic Matrix #204 r \% Welcome, Kristin Borel - LOGOUT status: Pending change Location of Request: Douglass Ln Saratoga CA 95070 Douglass Ln, near the Douglass Ln and Fruitvale Ave intersection edit ma Preferred Contact Method: Email Request Type: Suggestion Submitted By: Han, Ryan Primary Owner: Borel, Kristin customer reassign Topic: Traffic>Stop Sign Date/Time Created: 09/20/2007 16:53 Request/Red Curb Requests change Datefrime Closed: Original Request My suggestion is for increased Red Curb on Douglass Ln near the Douglass Ln and Fruitvale Ave intersection. My observation is that several people who play tennis at the WVC courts are using Douglass Ln for parking to avoid parking fees, and this occurs the most during evening hours on weekdays. It is particularly dangerous when cars park westbound on Douglass Ln right near Fruitvale Ave, as cars turning right onto Douglass Ln from southbound Fruitvale Ave have poor visibility and little room to navigate around a parked car right at the corner. In addition, Douglass Ln narrows towards Fruitvale Ave, so if cars are parked on both sides of the street and cars are traveling in both directions, there is little room. Also, a concern is that red curbing in this area will just move the car parking further west on Douglass Ln. It doesn't make sense because WVC's parking area adjacent to the tennis court are rarely, if ever, full. Thank you for your time and any review. ........ ......... ............. .................. ............ .- Customer Communications Log Communication I Send an Email Mail Merge Create FAQ Date from ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Text 10/09/2007 Borel, Details » Hi Ryan, I am going to schedule this for the December Traffic Safety 15:41 Kristin Commission meeting on December13. This Commission reviews and analyzes safety concerns raised by the public. The TSC and the Traffic Engineer will make a recommendation on this issue. If you would like to give me a call, I can tell you more details about the meeting and the TSC process. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408-868-1258 09/27/2007 Borel, Details » Hi Ryan, I went out and looked at the situation this week to 11:05 Kristin familiarize myself with the area. I have schedule time with the Street Supervisor on Tuesday and will contact you after our site visit. Thanks for your patience. Kristin Bore[ Public Works Analyst f 2 11/21/2007 11:28 AM ity of Saratoga: EFMHome i111L15.//G11G11W.1.vlu�.aw.�,�uui�.Yai�uo�L��uu'Y++Y'+�+ ��•+�•� I City of Saratoga , Comcate 09/24/2007 Customer Email transferred via Outlook Module by Kristin Borel: Hi Kristin, Thank you for 14:06 the email. I agree that removing parking in front of someone's house is a sensitive issue. My main concern is that someone traveling southbound on Fruitvale Ave will turn right, onto Douglass Ln, and collide with a parked car placed right after the turn. There would not be enough time and space to react and stop, particularly in the evening darkness and with no street lamps. I think the residents in the area are familiar with cars parking there, but for guests and those not familiar with the area, the chances of an accident occurring are higher. I figure just 20-25 feet of red curbing would remove a car placed blindly right after the corner and increase safety. When the weather is good, the number of parked cars reaches approximately 20 (and does not reach past Black Walnut Ct), but as we approach the colder months, there is less tennis being played thus fewer cars. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Ryan Han 14403 Black Walnut Ct. On Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:59:01 UT, HYPERLINK "maiIto:kborel@saratoga.ca.us"kborel@saratoga.ca.us wrote: Hi Ryan, I will have to look into this issue next week.??I want to go out there and see how this may effect residences. ??Removing parking in front of someone's house is a sensitive issue.??Let me do some initial investigation next week and get back to. you. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408-868-1258 09/20/2007 Borel, Details » Hi Ryan, I will have to look into this issue next week. I want to go out 16:58 Kristin there and see how this may effect residences. Removing parking in front of someone's house is a sensitive issue. Let me do some initial investigation next week and get back to you. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408-868-1258 Internal Activity Add/Email Notes New Task Internal Notes No records for internal activities found ................................. ...................... ............. ............................... ..........._.................. Tasks Complete Due Subject Assigned By Assigned To Status Attachments Add Attachment No attachments found ................................................................................... Activity History Date Event Description .......... __.._............ ---......... ........_......__....._._._... _...__..... _...... .._... _........_--.... ........ .._........ _--....._... 09/20/2007 16:58 Change Status status change during send email © 2007 Comcate, Inc of 2 11/21/2007 11:28 AM Traffic Safety Commission Checklist Previous Request Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 4 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input -- TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation Fu,-., ier Action Traffic Matrix #205 Kristin Borel From: Ginouves, Paul [Paul.Ginouves@coherent.com] Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:36 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Would like to get on the agenda for the next TSC meeting in December Kristen, You may or may not recognize my name from about a year back. I presented on my concerns about speeding and traffic on 6th Street. I have another concern that I think merits some consideration from the commission, and that is the worsening traffic situation on Saint Charles Street. Every morning, a substantial group of local residents have to shield their children from traffic dangers as they walk up Saint Charles to the Saratoga Elementary School on Oak. My wife and daughter are among them. The reason why I say "shield" is that there's what I believe is unreasonable competition for the 10 foot street among pedestrians parked cars, and traffic going both directions. With a construction project about to be initiated on the street to add to the confusion, I think this is a recipe for disaster. I would very much like to make the council aware of this situation, and present some possible resolutions for their consideration. Additionally, I would be glad to provide documentation in advance for them to review. Thanks in advance. Paul Ginouves 14700 Saint Charles Street 408 666 7393 12/6/2007 Traffic Safety Commission Checklist Previous Request Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 5 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation =uru ier Action Traffic Matrix #207 Kristin Borel From: Aaron Woo [Aaron@esiweb.com] Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 4:13 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Kelly Kaneko Subject: Stop Sign Request for the intersection at De Sanka and Knollwood to mitigate high potential for future traffic accidents near Blue Hills Elementary School in Saratoga... Kristin, Thank you again for your time today. Per our conversation today, I would like to request consideration by the City of Saratoga to install 3 way stop signs at the intersection of De Sanka and Knollwood near Blue Hills Elementary School. Each school day from about 7:50am to 8:05am (worst time is 7:55 to 8:00am), there is a high potential for a traffic accident by cars going straight on knollwood crossing De Sanka (left to right as you face Knollwood from De Sanka). The primary issue is that a majority of the cars turning right onto De Sanka from Knollwood during peak times do not use their right turn signals. If you are in a car turning left onto Knollwood from DeSanka, you run a chance of getting hit by another vehicle going straight (left to right) on Knollwood thru the intersection. The reason is that as a driver at the De Sanka stop sign turning left it is very hard to tell which car is going straight vs turning right since a majority of the vehicles do not use their right turn signals as described above. Many times the drivers going straight thru the intersection are frustrated due to the traffic and all of the kids crossing the straight during the peak times such that they speed thru the intersection even with school kids walking thru the streets... amazing... Please note that ALL of the traffic associated with children's drop-offs in the main school parking lot in the morning is diverted to this intersection just outside of Blue Hills Elementary. We recently transferred our daughter to Blue Hills this school year. Since the beginning of the school year, I have almost been hit by two vehicles crossing the intersection ... I am known to be a very cautious driver. I would be happy to present my concerns during the Saratoga City Council Meeting on Thursday, December 13 at 6:30pm. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or require further information. Aaron Woo Essential Solutions www.esiweb.com 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 430 San Jose, CA 95129 Cell. (408) 888-7374 Dir. (408) 850-2527 Fax (408) 985-1700 11/15/2007 Traffic Safety Commission Checklist Previous Request Date 12/13/07 Yes No Agenda Item # 6 Issue Safety Issue Yes No Traffic Engineer Input Warrants 85th percentile Volume Community Input TSC Discussion Public Works Input Cost: Neighborhood Impact Community Involvement Recommendation -U1-U er Action: Traffic Matrix #209 Kristin Borel From: Harvel, Robert [Robert_Harvel@maximhq.com] Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 4:44 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Stop Sign Request Kristin Here's the problems we're seeing at this intersection. 1. During the morning and evening commute hours it is extremely difficult to get across Quito from McCoy Ave given the amount of traffic. On numerous occasions I have had close calls when trying to make a left turn towards Pollard Ave and did not see a car coming because traffic was backed up so bad. 2. There is a school, church and YMCA on McCoy Ave and the foot traffic is constant. I worry a pedestrian will get hit trying to cross Quito during the busy parts of the day. Again I've had my share of problems trying to cross Quito on foot. 3. On average there is some sort of accident at this intersection every other week. The vast majority of these are minor fender benders in which people exchange insurance information and go on their way. My Father in law saw a major accident where a mini van flipped over at this intersection. If you check the police records you may find more accidents on file. I know stop signs cost money and Saratoga has looked at this spot before. I would just hate to see a fatality here and know it could have been prevented with a simple 4 way stop. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your meeting. Rob Harvel Product Line Manager Supervisor 120 San Gabriel Drive Sunnyvale, California 94086 408-530-6283 -----Original Message ----- From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel@saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 5:36 PM To: Harvel, Robert Subject: RE: Stop Sign Request Hi Rob, The meeting is on December 13th at 6:30 pm in the Administrative Conference room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. What I need from you is an email outlining your concerns and experience, or why you think that there is a need for the Stop sign at that intersection. This really helps the Commissioners and the Traffic Engineer understand your concerns. Can you get this to me by Monday? I am just putting together my agenda for the meeting. Once I have the Agenda finalized I can send you a copy and give you an idea of what time to show up. 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May reduce some parking. Narrow travel lanes in next restriping project to increase parking capacity. "• Disclaimer: Signage exists on Prospect Ave, Harriman Ave and Quito Rd, but those sign locations are not shown on the map. Additional N signs may exist, but were not identified in this NOT TO SCALE survey. City of Saratoga F E H R & PEERS DRAFT BICYCLE FACILITY TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS December 2007 FIGURE 2 1025-446\Phase 1 DATE: December 10, 2007 l TO: Saratoga City Council, City Manager Anderson, City Attorney Taylo DEG 1 2007 CC: SUSD School Board, Superintendent Weiss, Principal Smalley FROM: Saratoga School Residents RE: Future of the Saratoga School Neighborhood The undersigned residents of the neighborhood surrounding Saratoga School would like to communicate our deep disappointment with the handling by the City and the School of recent proposals for physical alterations to the streets and/or traffic flow in our neighborhood. The goal of this petition is to halt any discussion of alterations to the Saratoga School neighborhood until the entire problem of School traffic and parking has been professionally studied (including pedestrian and vehicular safety, district enrollment policies, and the optimization of existing drop-off systems all within the context of a historic neighborhood), root causes identified, solutions found, unintended consequences examined, and residents properly engaged. Background We have recently learned that a volunteer of the Saratoga School PTA has been engaged with the Traffic Safety Commission regarding changes to our streets. We have further learned that on November 3, the district informed the Saratoga School parent community that modifications to Oak Street and Komina Avenue would be discussed at the November 7 City Council meeting. Residents were not informed by the City or the School. A few neighbors heard about the meeting and attended. At the meeting, they were assured by a council member that this was a very preliminary discussion. However, that night, cost estimates were presented for street/sidewalk modifications despite the fact that: • No safety study had been conducted • No due diligence had been performed • Residents had not been notified or solicited for input. Since that time, the scope of the projects under consideration by the School has been expanded to include modifications to virtually every street in our neighborhood. In most cases, the proposal is to add walking paths, defined in the case of Komina as a 5-foot- wide, raised, red -curbed walkway, with parking eliminated on that side of the street. Resident Concerns There are numerous concerns as well as unintended consequences that this brings up for our neighborhood: • Is this how our city government ought to operate? • How does the School perceive its role as our neighbor? • How are our rights as citizens and homeowners respected? • Is the City, by fostering this project, actually decreasing safety for the vehicular traffic in this neighborhood and creating a liability for itself? Consequences of narrowing already -substandard streets in a congested, high -traffic area include reductions in clearance with oncoming traffic and with stationary objects such as telephone poles thereby increasing hazards for motorists. • Is there further legal exposure by both the City and the School for obstructing fire, emergency and rescue vehicle access to the neighborhood and School? • Is it really safer to add sidewalks alongside the school -designated traffic lanes? Will parents who are frustrated with the drop-off queue drop their kids onto these proposed sidewalks in the midst of the traffic flow thereby avoiding the prescribed procedure of dropping off under adult supervision on school grounds? • If half of the near -by parking spaces are eliminated, won't this further discourage parents who currently park and walk their children to school? Won't an unintended consequence be a longer drop-off queue and/or more illegal sidewalk drop-offs? • Has the School's expansion exceeded the traffic and parking constraints of this neighborhood and of the physical limitations of the school itself? We encourage the School to find internal solutions (for example, enlarging the drop-off area, incentives for carpoolers, starting kindergarten 10 minutes later so that kindergarten parents who park near the kindergarten area can walk their children after the drop-off queue has disappeared, rather than through the queue, etc.). All of these issues fall under the larger umbrella of how our neighborhood, the City, and the School should interact. Our History as Advocates for Child Safety Our neighborhood has been active for decades in promoting the safety of children. When the School was under construction, we worked with the School and City to widen Oak Street to allow for a safe, off -road car line and drop-off area. We also witnessed many near -misses in the kindergarten area when kindergarteners were being dropped off in the midst of a moving car line. The neighbors, City and School worked together to disallow that situation. We recently advocated for the safety bump on Komina which was installed last year. We want safety for children. We want it done right. We do not support measures put forth that have not fully identified the problem to be solved, the root cause of the problem, the appropriate solution and the exploration of any possible unintended consequences of altering one aspect of the school traffic and safety ecosystem. Our request Our request is simple. Stop. Stop a process that has run amok. Bring back governance by the City, introspection by the School, and courtesy both by the City toward its citizens and by the School toward its neighbors. Involve those with an intimate knowledge of the complex issues that exist within microcosms around the School: the neighbors. Start over with an inclusive approach that fully embraces the knowledge and needs of those who live in this historic neighborhood. Neighbors of Saratoga School Who Opposed TSC/ PTA Priority Proposals and Support a New Inclusive Neighborhood Strategy Neighborhood: Aloha Avenue Forrest Hills Oak Street Komina Avenue St. Charles Lomita Avenue 3 rd Street 6th Street December 13, 2007 Resident Signatures 4"t OPA40104" z &-L� Resident Signatures �Ple�D 2t4 C- P �.t cfi-6 GkocLoE - Ft�j Y ��, cc) Resident Signatures . ....... ... 7-- 7-L-, Resident Signatures -- TSC Item Protocol . Introduce Item . Ask Traffic Engineer to give report (withholding recommendation) Open Public comment — limit speaker time to 3 minutes . Close Public comment TSC discussion - with Traffic Engineer and PW input if needed Motion, 2nd , discussion, vote