1. Pedestrian Circulation Plan for Futures Area 7

In December 2000, Council requested a study to examine the potential for rezoning industrial sites north of US-101, south of SR 237 and west of Lawrence Expressway to residential and commercial zones (Futures Site 7). In addition, Council requested consideration of the feasibility of a retail center in this area.

Since that time; numerous retail providers have been consulted; a Traffic Impact Analysis for various circulation scenarios has been completed; public outreach has been conducted; and, the new Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-element was certified by the State of California’s Housing and Community Development Department.

On July 16, 2002 Council considered alternative scenarios addressing issues of housing and retail services in the subject area. Among the actions taken by Council was to direct staff to "Work with retailers to encourage commercial development in this area and to identify commercial sites and linkages to the residential area". This action recognized the need for pedestrian linkages throughout the study area due to unique access to multi-modal options; specifically, the Fair Oaks Light Rail Station.

PEDESTRIAN ORIENTATION

Over the last year, interest in the development of residential property in the study area has become quite intense. Two major residential developments were approved and are currently under construction: Sobrato Development Company for 272 apartments located 1150-1152 Morse Avenue and 1139 Karlstad Drive; and, Pulte Home Corporation for 168 condominiums located at 1141 North Fair Oaks Avenue. Enhanced pedestrian access/circulation has been incorporated into these projects including enlarged sidewalks, detailed street tree planting and enhanced street light fixtures. These improvements have been required along Morse Avenue, Karlstad Drive and Tasman Drive.

Currently, pedestrian issues related to land development proposed within the study area are being addressed by Public Works and Community Development Department staff utilizing existing City-wide Design Guidelines and related documents. Staff believes that long-term coordination of such issues within the study area would best be served by detailed guidelines unique to the opportunities and constraints of the study area. Staff has proposed the development of such guidelines.

TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is closely related to enhanced pedestrian access by designing development that maximize pedestrian access/circulation and optimize multi-modal options. TOD techniques have been employed in the design of recent developments in the study area as evidenced by the pedestrian plaza designed into the Pulte project at the southwest corner of the intersection of Tasman Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue. The Pulte design provides open space and enhanced pedestrian features at a significant street intersection that will encourage the use of multi-modal options by Pulte residents.

Similar to pedestrian orientation, TOD techniques are currently based on available guidelines and related materials. Staff believes that long term coordination of TOD techniques could be optimized by specific guidelines unique to the study area.

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION AND ENHANCEMENTS PLAN

Staff has initiated the preparation of a pedestrian plan and TOD guidelines specific to the study area (Enclosure). The general goals of this plan are to:

1. Enhance quality of life for residents within the Fair Oaks ITR through improved pedestrian access to parks and open space, retail and grocery amenities and pubic transportation.

2. Encourage increased pedestrian and transit use through streetscape improvements, land use planning and architectural design.

The plan discusses circulation improvements throughout the study area, as well as improvements to access the study area from outside the site. The plan also analyzes project design, streetscape standards and potential grant funding that will apply to the study area.

Staff asks that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee review the working draft of the Pedestrian Circulation and Enhancements Plan for Futures Site 7 and endorse the concepts developed within it.

1. Endorse the Pedestrian Circulation and Enhancements Plan for Futures Site 7

2. Endorse the Pedestrian Circulation and Enhancements Plan for Futures Site 7 with modifications.

3. Take no action

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

1. Approved November 20, 2003 Meeting Minutes

   Attached (Attachment 2).

2. BPAC Active Items Report

   Attached (Attachment 3).

3. BPAC Email

   Attached (Attachment 4).

4. 2004 BPAC Calendar

       Attached (Attachment 5).

 5. BPAC Work Plan Request - Memo from City Attorney

Attached (Attachment 6)