Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Letter to the Public Works Commission, Thank you and Pedestrian Access on 9th Ave.


 Dear Public Works Commission,

I wanted to write and thank you for your support of the Sustainable Streets Plan. San Mateo has an ideal climate for walking and cycling. I look forward to seeing more alternative transit development as befitting of our fair City.

In addition, let me please elaborate on the importance of the 9th Ave. passage way for pedestrians trying to access downtown from the Sunnybrae neighborhood and S. Claremont area, foot traffic which we can expect to increase given the approval of Station Park Green.

Right now pedestrians crossing the tracks on 9th Ave. from the east side have the choice between two slightly challenging options. The North side has a better sidewalk overall, but one must pass a squared off curb on the West side of S. Railroad Ave, a difficulty for wheelchairs or strollers. The South side does not have a large curb like the North side, but many smaller bumps and cracks, particularly at the driveway of The Ramen Parlor.

Still, coming from S. Claremont, either of these paths are an improvement over continuing on S. Claremont to the 5th Ave. crossing. For one, there is not a complete system of sidewalk on either side of the block. Two, there have been complaints regarding the 4th Ave. Prometheus rebuild, with the charge builders are illegally blocking traffic in order to conduct business. I must lodge the same complaint against the San Mateo Lumber Company. They make considerable use of a forklift, often balancing a stack of studs, back and forth between their East and West properties. While many employees are gracious when crossing, I have observed other employees do so with a sense of entitlement that borders on reckless endangerment. It is a deterrent to vehicles, nevertheless pedestrians, who already must walk in the street to pass.

These areas I identified on 9th Ave. between the railroad and B. St. are more annoying and deterring than highly dangerous, but correcting them would go a long way towards improving the pedestrian experience.

Finally, Laurie Wananuki put forth the idea of approving loft style office space in this light industrial corridor. It makes sense to me to consider this option.  While originally on the outskirts of town, this area is now downtown itself. It is the nature of industrial to operate on the periphery of the urban core, or at least in conjunction with other uses. Without uprooting any existing businesses, the East side of Caltrain has room for some great, multiuse development including office space of the newer sort.

Kind regards,