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MINUTES - 05082007 - C.64
TO: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM: John B. Cullen _ =� Contra Executive Director .; .:_ ,a Costa County DATE: May 8, 2007 rq d6 SUBJECT: North Richmond Truck Route Project SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. As the Redevelopment Agency, ACCEPT the North Richmond Truck Route Study: Alternative Route Concepts, Final Report (February 2007) prepared by Carter & Burgess, Inc. for the Caltrans Environmental Justice Grant. 2. As the Board of Supervisors, AUTHORIZE a General Plan Amendment Study to add the alignment of the "Preferred Alternative Route" into the circulation element of the General Plan. 3. As the Board of Supervisors, ACKNOWLEDGE that granting authorization for this General Plan Amendment Study does not imply any support to amend the General Plan, but only that this matter is appropriate for study. FISCAL IMPACT: None CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YE SIGNATURE ECOMM ENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMD ION OF OARD CO ITTEE ,f APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE (S): ACTION OF BOA43IJ ON k APPROVED AS RE O MENDED _& OTHER (K&iD6V6L&104ZT 74&,4)jcy V0AW-D) VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE UNANIMOUS (ABSENT bar ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE ABSENT: ABSTAIN: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact: D'Andre Wells 0 S-/o V 0 (925/335-1236) ATTESTED JOHN CULLEN, CLERK OF cc: CAO THE BOA Q* CIE SUPERVISORS Community Development AND CO Y ADMINISTRATOR Redevelopment Agency BY , DEPUTY SUBJECT LINE BOARD OR COMMITTEE DATE Page 2 BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS One of the major initiatives of the North Richmond community is the need to divert Big Rig Truck traffic out of the residential neighborhood. Many residents have complained about an unusually high volume of trucks traveling precariously along residential streets, major corridors, and near local school Verde Elementary. Many truckers take short cuts through the community and industrial destinations on their way to transport goods, and make deliveries. The presence of trucks in North Richmond has been a growing problem since the completion of the Richmond Parkway in 1990. A shortage of effective complimentary routes in the area, coupled with large scale developments like KB Homes and furniture manufacturer Palecek Imports, Inc. only exacerbates this problem. The elimination of unnecessary truck traffic will create safer roadways, reduce diesel emissions, and protect walkways along main streets like Chesley, Market and Third Avenue. The Redevelopment Agency(Agency) has long identified this need as one of major projects under its capital improvement program. On April 4, 2006, the Agency retained engineering consultant Carter-Burgess, Inc. to implement a$100,100 Environmental Justice Grant from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This grant was provided to develop a community-supported plan to devise and implement an alternative route for Big Rig trucks to use traveling to and from the North Richmond community. The planning process resulted in a "Preferred Alternative Report" for a route which will be parallel and immediately adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks through North Richmond. This will be accomplished by extending a short dead-end street called Soto Street northward to connect with Parr Boulevard. The Soto-Parr connection will enable trucks to move back and forth between the regional highway network(Richmond Parkway) and industrial destinations without passing through the neighborhood's Town Center or comirg.near Verde Elementary. In addition, the new route will improve access to several industrial businesses along Market Avenue and 7 t Street which encourages economic development and employment opportunities. This route also underscores the shift and segmentation between the residential neighborhood, business community, and housing developments being planned for area. As more of the industrial area converts to residential uses like KB Homes and Signature Properties, it will become even more important to provide a truck route that bypasses the residential areas of the community. The Agency implemented this process as part of phase I of its AB1290 Implementation Plan along with the following community based organizations: North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council, West County Toxics Coalition, Neighborhood House of North Richmond, Community Healthy Initiative, and the Contra Costa County Asthma Coalition. Phase I which is now completed involved a community planning process, design, and selection of a community supported preferred alternative. Phase II calls for securing funding to implement the "Preferred Alternative." A funding application to proceed forward with the next steps has already been submitted to Caltrans under its Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program for environmental review and preliminary design. The next phase also calls for a General Plan Amendment Study in order to include the `Preferred Alternative Route" into the circulation element of the general plan. This request is warranted given that the proposed route crosses both Wildcat and San Pablo Creek, uses many underutilized parcels, and requires an enormous amount of capital investment in the North Richmond community. Therefore, staff recommends that the study be authorized. Authorization of this study does not imply the board's support or endorsement to amend the General Plan, but only that this matter is appropriate to study. SUBJECT LINE BOARD OR COMMITTEE DATE Page 3 The overall goal of this report was, and is, to find real solutions to address the abundance of trucks traveling through the North Richmond community. Other benefits include: ■ Improving the efficiency of the transportation system ■ Reducing the impacts of transportation on the environment ■ Providing efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade, and ■ Examining community development patterns and identify strategies to encourage private sector development The project schedule for the North Richmond Truck Route Project, including design, engineering, general plan amendment, right—a-way acquisitions and construction, is anticipated to take approximately five to seven years, from the start of environmental review to completion of the construction project. The Redevelopment Agency is asking that the Board accept the outcomes of this report, and the "Preferred Alternative," and to authorize the Agency to proceed forward with phase II to explore funding options and other methods of finance to construct the necessary improvements to the Soto-Parr extension to relieve the North Richmond community of the endless amount of truck congestion in the residential neighborhood. ' I � I f � I I I , I I; NORTH RICHMOND TRUCK ROUTE STUDY Alternative Route Concepts Final Report February 2007 ,Yd i Prepared For; I Agency The Contra Costa County Redevelopment SII ,Prepared By; iCarter & Burgess, Inc. , 1,300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 10 4 III Oakland, CA 94612 In Association With : Craig Commun, ications �f Dowling Asso ��lates Pittman & Associates i Funded b a all ornia Department of Transportation Planning Grant y I I __ _ ---------.._.__.-________-.-- .___...._.- .___________._-------�_.._.._-_ i I� I NORTH RICHMOND TRUCK ROUTE STUDY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alternative Route Concept PARTICIPATING AGENCIES CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Dennis Barry, Community Development Director James Kennedy, Redevelopment Director D'Andre Wells, Redevelopment Project Manager Steven Goetz, Community Development Department Transportation Planning Division John Greitzer, Community Development Department Transportation Planning Division Mark De La O, Public Works Department Luz Gomez, Deputy Chief of Staff, District 1 CONTRA COSTA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS John M. Gioia, District 1 Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Mary N. Plepho, District III (Chair) Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Federal D. Glover, District V CITY OF RICHMOND Rich Davidson, City Engineer Steven Tam, Assistant City Engineer CITY OF SAN PABLO Adele Ho, Public Works Director Kelsey Worthy, Community Services Director San Pablo Police Department OTHER AGENCIES WEST CONTRA COSTA 7-RANSPORTA770N ADVISORY COMMITTEE Lisa Hammon, Managing Director John Rudolph, Management Assistant BAYAREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Darrell Walker, Public Information Officer, II COMMUNITY FOCUS Jim Smith, Associate Director FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RJCHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alternative Route Concept LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF NORTH RICHMOND Don Gilmore, Executive Director Lola Ejiwunmi, Community Services Coordinator JoAnna Griffith, Project Manager OVERAA CONSTRUCTION Jerry Overaa, Chief Executive Officer WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Rosemary Mauldin, Principal, Verde Elementary School NORTH RICHMOND SENIOR HERITAGE APARTMENTS PROJECT TEAM CARTER& BURGESS, INC, Dina Potter, Vice President, Transportation Programs Division Judis G. Santos, Program & Planning Manager Jake McMurtry, Project Coordinator Patricia Cantley, Marketing Manager DOWLING ASSOCIATES, INC. Marty Beene, Principal PITTMAN&ASSOCIATES Donna Pittman, Principal CRAIG COMMUNICATIONS Tracy Craig, Principal Marie Rainwater, Facilitator COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS NORTH RICHMOND MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL Lee Jones (Chair) Henry Clark Maricela Navarro Cliff Hammond Erick Lopez Joe Wallace Don Gilmore FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSAlternative Route Concept COMMUNITY HEALTH INTIATIIUE Johnny White WEST COUNTY TOXICS COALMON Henry Clark, Executive Director Rosa Acosta NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE OF NORTH RICHMOND Barbara Becnel, Executive Director Jannat Muhammad, Transportation,,Coordinator CONTRA COSTA COUNTYASTHMA COALMON Michael Kent, Contra Costa Health Services Department Cedrita Claiborne, Contra Costa Health Services Department Ann Song, Contra Costa Health Services Department 3( FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • TRU K ROUTE TABLE OF CONTENTS Alternative Route oncept EXECUTWE SUMMARY..................................................................1 ProjectPurpose........................................................................................ 1 ProjectSummary...................................................................................... 1 PublicParticipation....................................................................................2 NextSteps...............................................................................................2 MajorFindings........:.................................................................................2 Preferred Alternative(REVISED 312007j..................................................... 3 1 . INTRODUCTION..................:.....................................................5 1.1 Study Purpose and Goals..:.......'........................................................ 5 1.2 Background and Planning Context..:::................................................ 5 1.2.1 Caltrans Environmental Justice Planning Grant (2004)............... 6 1.3 Project Location........................................:....................................... 6 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS ............... 7 2.1 Transportation................................................................................... 7 2.1 .1 Engineering................................................... .......................... 7 2.1 .2 Traffic Operations....................................... *.......................,.... 9 2.1.3 Conclusions .......................................................................... 13 2.2 Land Use and Development..............................................'.............. 14 2.2.1 Policy Framework and Planning Efforts..... 14 2.3 Environment........................................................................... ........20 2.3.1 Environmental Conditions...............................................`....... 20 2.3.2 Air Quality.............................................. 20 2.3.3 Noise Environment.................................. 20 2.3.4 Hazardous Materials.............................................................. 22 2.3.5 Biological Resources............................................................. 22 2.3.6 Trails and Open Space........................... 23 2.3.7 Conclusions ......................................................................... 23 3. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT 3.1 Feasibility Issues..............................................................................24 3.1 .1 Creek Crossings.................................... 26 3.1 .2 Verde Elementary School ....................... 26 3.1 .3 Residential Areas ..........................:.I...... 28 3.1 .4 Right-of-Way ......................................... 29 3.2 Potential Environmental Impactsllssues............................................ 31 3.3 Considerations for Route Design...................................................... 31 3.3.1 Topography............................................. ............................. 31 3.3.2 Connectivity to Existing Dedicated Truck Routes 31 3.3.3 Public Health and Safety ........................ 31 3.3.4 Discourage Trucks on Local.Streets....................................... 32 3.3.5 Plan for Future Improvements ................................................ 33 FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH i ROUTE TABLE OF • Alternative Route Concept 4. TRUCK ROUTE CONCEPTS 4.1 Route Design Concepts.................................................................. 35 4.1 .1 Preferred Alternative - Alternative 1 , Soto to Parr and _Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside (Phase 1).............................. 36 4.1 .2 Preferred Alternative - Alternative 1 , Soto to Parr (Phase 2)...... 39 4.1 .3 Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside (Phase 2)..............................41 4.2 Capital Costs and Funding..............................................................43 5. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT.....................................45 5.1 Objectives..................................:.................................................... 45 5.2 Process..........................................................................................45 5.2.1 Community Based Organizations........................................... 45 5.2.2 Major Outreach Activities.................:...........11.1...................... 46 5.3 Key Themes....................................................................................48 5.4 Community Meetings....................................... .............................48 5.4.1 Community Meeting No. 1 - Project Overview 49 5.4.2 Community Meeting No. 2 - Preliminary Alternatives ............... 50 5.4.3 Community Meeting No. 3 - Presentation of Alternative TruckRoute.......................................................................... 52 5.5 Key Stakeholder Presentations and Meetings....... 53 5.5.1 Stakeholder Meetings ................... ..,.................... ...... 53 5.5.2 Meeting with Local Businesses................. 54 5.5.3 Meeting with Cities of Richmond and San Pablo...............'...... 55 5.5.4 Project Area Mailing List ........................................................ 56 5.5.5 Community Meeting Agendas, Presentations and Comments 56 6. NEXT STEPS ..........................................................................57 6.1 Planning......................................................................................... 57 6.2 Preliminary Engineering.................................................................... 57 6.3 Policy Body Actions.........................................................................57 6.4 Low Cost improvements.................................................................. 57 6.5 Environmental Review/Clearance.....................................................57 6.5.1 NEPA/CEQA Requirements.................................................1. 57 6.5,2 Permits................................................................................. 58 6.5.3 Other Technical Studies ........................................................ 58 APPENDIX Attached in separate document FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH •N RUCK ROUTE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Alternative Route oncept PROJECT PURPOSE The purpose of the North Richmond Truck Route Study was to develop an alternative route for trucks to connect to existing designated truck routes that would 1) reduce truck traffic in the residential area of North Richmond and Verde Elementary School, and 2) establish a link to major transportation corridors, including Richmond Parkway. The final route and related roadway concepts will reflect relevant community values, be supported by the community, be technically feasible and cost-effective. YX The study accomplished these goals through technical investigations and an inclusive community-based planning process that integrated land use, transportation and community values., The Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency(RDA) partnered with four local community based organizations (CBOs) to gain valuable residential and business community input that helped shape preliminaryalternatives to meet the needs and values of the local community. PROJECT SUMMARY The project was divided into three components: 1) a preliminary ---- ____ assessment of truck route design alternatives,2) a community planning process that involved members of the business and residential, community providing input on the preliminary alternatives, and 3) - development of a final alternative(s) based on community input and an action plan for further project development. The overriding project goal is to improve pedestrian travel in North Richmond particularly for school children;-improve community livability; reduce diesel related risks 41, asthma and other respiratory illness; promote economic development; and, link routes to planned/programmed infrastructure improvements:. The existing conditions analysis includes a preliminary review of land use, traffic and transportation, environment, public health and safety issues. The findings of the analysis were used in conjunction with the findings from the preliminary assessment to develop alternative routes and inform the public participation process. This preliminary assessment identifies technical issues that pose significant risks to the efficient, expeditious, and economical implementation of the project. The assessment takes into account environmental constraints in crossing Wildcat Creek or San Pablo Creek { _ that must be met. It has been concluded from the preliminary assessment that construction over the creeks is feasible at the proposed connection. 1 The alternative route concepts chapter describes the route concepts that were developed as part of the North Richmond Truck Route Study. The development of the route concepts was based on findings of the preliminary assessment and the input from community stakeholders and participants in three public meetings. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE AlternativeRoute Concept PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Public participation in the project was vital to the successful design of an alternative route-a route that has the full support of the business and residential community because of it's consistency with community values. To this end, the Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency(RDA) subcontracted with four'local CBOs to execute the public participation portion of this project. The C$Os were selected based on their presence and trust in the North Richmond community. The CBOs were tasked with identifying the residential and business community, helping to craft outreach material, distributing outreach material and project information to key stakeholders, and organizing and executing community meetings. Three community meetings were held in support of this project: a project kick-off meeting, a planning meeting with break-out sessions where members of the community discussed preliminary alternatives,identified issues and provided input on what they liked and didn't like about each of the alternatives, and a final community meeting that presented the final alternative that was shaped by community input. NEXT STEPS The next steps for the development of the North Richmond Alternative Truck Route include Planning, Preliminary Engineering, Policy Body Actions, Low-Cost Improvements, Environmental Review/Final Design, and Construction. The RDA will continue to manage the project through the planning and preliminary engineering stages,in close coordination with multi-agencies and community stakeholders. MAJOR FINDINGS The following are the major findings and outcomes from the North Richmond Truck Route Study: • Construction of an alternative route that allows trucks to connect with existing designated truck routes while located away from residential streets is feasible.The concentration of truck-dependent businesses at the eastern end of Market Avenue provides an opportunity for. channeling the legitimately present trucks to such a route. Feasibility issues and route design considerations include creek crossings, proximity to Verde Elementary School,proximity to residential areas, obtaining permit/easement for railroad right-of-way and acquiring additional right-of-way for Soto Street, topography issues, and 2. connectivity to existing designated truck routes. • The proposed connection to existing truck routes is not a "designated" truck route but rather a non-restrictive route that accommodates for trucks. The connection is not an expressway but a two-lane road with curb/gutters and a sidewalk. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Alternative Route Concept o There is a near-term need to improve enforcement and signage in the project area immediately on residential streets especially on Third Street, Hensley Street, ChesleyAvenue and Gertrude Avenue. These residential streets will have street elements that will restrict truck usage_.in the form of truck restriction signage, corner bulb-outs, and speed humps. Enforcement methods to explore include the City of San Pablo Police Department assuming enforcement via a memorandum of agreement. o The local community and businesses played a key role in shaping route concepts and strongly support the project. Community members strongly support better enforcement and alternative routes the farthest away from Verde Elementary School and residential areas. Public health and safety are an ongoing concern of the local community, as well as diesel emissions coming from big rig trucks. Special design features to address enforcement were also included in alternative route development. Two alternative route connections with two phases,were developed: Alternative 1, Soto to Parr; and Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside. Phase 1 is the same for Alternatives 1 and 2 and includes signage, enforcement, and street design elements. Alternative 1,'Phase 2 extends Soto Street to Parr Boulevard linking to Richmond Parkway. Alternative 2, Phase 2 begins on Market Street, turns north on Soto Street along the railroad right-of-way,heads west on Brookside Drive, then north on Third Street connecting to Parr Boulevard. Elements of Phase 2 can be added to Phase 1 over time or if funding is available. Elements included in Phase 1 were considered by the community to Figure ES.1 - Two Alternatives Developed: Alternative 1,Soto to Parr be particularly important and Alternative 2,Soto to Brookside[REVISED 3/2007] and necessary. • The estimated capital cost�` for Phase 1 is$100,000. Phase 2 cost estimate for the Alternative 1 is approximately$22.1 million,Alternative 2 is approximately$15.6 million. • The RDA will continue to manage the project through Planning and Preliminary Engineering stages, in close coordination with multi-agencies from the 3 City of San Pablo, City of _ Existing Designated Routes Richmond, community and Proposed Connections to 6dsting Designated Router local business stakeholders. Mmmative i,sow to Parr Bbd. Assuming availability of ••• ■ ■ Alternative 2,Soto to Brookside funds, it is estimated that Phase 1 could begin in 2007. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE Alternative Route Concept PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE [REVISED 3/20071 Alternative 1, Soto to Parr,was selected as the preferred alternative based on community input. This route is the farthest away from the residential areas and Verde Elementary School. The route also avoids topography issues on Brookside, and directly connects with existing designated truck routes. Alternative 2,Soto to Brookside was not determined to be the preferred alternative based on community input and a residential area Figure ES.2- Preferred Alternative: Soto Street To Parr Boulevard to be developed On 500 Pittsburg Phase 1,Signage, Enforcement And Street Design Elements, Avenue, a Signature Properties cONYERM _ site. The site is bounded by the VEHICLE Es TRUCK K Richmond Parkway to the west, PROHIBITED ROUTE t Pittsburg Avenue on the north, and Wildcat Creek on the south. LOCA EXllGEPTED °C' D On February 23, 3007, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved a General Plan u� amendment and Preliminary and final Development Plan related to the Nove Property Residential Project (Signature P'r'operties). Existing Designated Truck Routes Phase 2 for Preferred Alternative I—New , Construction at Soto to Parr Boulevard Figure ES.3- Preferred Alternative: Soto Street To Parr Boulevard Phase 2,New Construction 1 1 Existing Designated Truck Routes O Phase I for Preferred Alternative 1-Signage, 0*0 _ Enforcement,Street Design Elements Residential Streets Where Trucks Discouraged- Signage,Enforcement,Street Design Elements n T Signage FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE AlternativeRoute CoPcept CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1 .1 STUDY PURPOSE AND GOALS The purpose of the North Richmond Truck Route Study is to examine and develop alternative roadway system concepts that will reduce disruptive truck traffic from the residential area of North Richmond and the Verde Elementary School and to establish a link for residents and local industries to major transportation corridors including Richmond Parkway. The study will accomplish this through technical investigations and an inclusive community-based planning process. The study includes a preliminary assessment of truck route design alternatives, extensive community input, and an action plan for further project development. The project ultimately seeks to improve pedestrian travel in North Richmond particularly for school children; improve community livability; reduce diesel related risks of asthma and other respiratory illness; promote economic development; and, link routes to planned/ programmed infrastructure improvements. The study was conducted by the Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency(RDA), in collaboration with local and state agencies. Funded primarily by a California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) environmental justice planning grant, the study was designed to promote public involvement in the design of the alternative truck route that strengthens the economy, protects the environment, promotes jobs and affordable housing balance, and increases community livability. Anticipated project benefits include improved pedestrian travel in North Richmond particularly for school children; improved community livability; reduced diesel related risks of asthma and other respiratory illness; economic development; and, establish linkages to planned/ programmed infrastructure improvements. The study process included` extensive public outreach to engage the North Richmond community, including community based organizations, to become active stakeholders in project planning and decision making. 1 .2 BACKGROUND AND PLANNING CONTEXT The North Richmond Truck Route Study has evolved from over years of community interest in improving livability by reducing truck traffic, thereby improving air quality, reducing noise and improving safety for residents. The concept was first introduced in the 2001 Truck Route/ Weight Limitations Survey for West Contra Costa County(December 2001, Dowling Associates) that examined truck regional access to/from and within West County jurisdictions while minimizing trucking impacts 5 to sensitive land uses. Subsequently in 2004, Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency submitted an application and received funding from Caltrans' Environmental Justice Grant for the "North Richmond Truck Route Project." FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE INTRODUCTION Alternative Route Concept 12.1 CALTRANS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PLANNING GRANT(2004) Environmental justice is a public policy goal of promoting the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the decision- making for transportation. Satisfying this goal means ensuring that low-income and minority communities receive an equitable distribution of the benefits of transportation activities without suffering disproportionate adverse impacts.Achieving environmental justice requires both analytical techniques as well as the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making,process. The goal of this particular grant is to'assist with the development of a plan utilizing community involvement to redirect the truck traffic away from residences and an elementary school in the North Richmond area to improve safety and air quality. 1 .3 PROJECT LOCATION The project location is shown in Figure 1.1. The project`"area is bordered on the west by the Richmond Parkway, on the east by two"sets of railroad tracks (with industrial land uses in the space between them,on the south by the Richmond City Limit line, and on the north by Parr Boulevard. The area includes the North Richmond residential population of about 2,300 people and an industrial area just north of the residential area. The only school in the community is Verde Elementary School. Figure 1.1 -Project Location tat, V<s at k p r b '•� [� 7/�1- # 1"4 �'"h7(f t 7" k"� $ ?v. G-1 PedestriwVBigde Pathsq. i oY Bus Routes(AC Transit) Residential Areas ()_ -`--+ #V _. _ _ ,E .�'t• ( "—, - Prospecnve Casino Site Z7 a �Cri taw I ,tt=' (1 i.j� tl��b rc s4.4 ' of u 3apr� ' IS j1� dri il`'� � a"t'' �,���+#» '' 4 tt .t+ys i7>3 T �.�� • i ,{� .. . ylL1�Ct i". .all. y '� t �11I t� r r t� tt¢I I, ...,#o:r e..i i l.`•3 ,111h o1 t i 'r M:a �l. `f' r-A y,., AIN 1' `;;Cj j'p . ..at ^�,. �1 y m V XSiirj 3 t 1 �} r k. 11f.Ut��F �iv:1' ~rlrc � t q `91j�yprY a. �'� r ti F ly a t i �C ` c � � 3 _ � E I ,r �. i� I(��:Y ,,"Y{ 5 � LL. { �� •�. 1'' � C YC�1 3'+',0:.htvaF7� f \:�R, '$ K7((1�.�„�1�J 1"rr3l� 7.p � 1 (I. „t, q 4r ��1 a ,tr ..E \y. P montrr t0 FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept CHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS This summary describes the existing conditions analysis for the project study area. The existing conditions analysis included preliminary review of land use, transportation, environmental, and public safety and health issues and are described below. The findings of the analysis were used to inform the preliminary feasibility assessment that identified concepts for possible truck routes and to inform the public participation process. 2.1 TRANSPORTATION 2,1,1 ENGINEERING 2.1.1.1 Existing Designated''Truck Routes The North Richmond study area is an unincorporated community in western Contra Costa.County.The study area includes a residential area of approximately 2,300 people bounded by industrial areas to the north;,east and south. The presence of truck traffic in this residential area has occurred historically since the Richmond Parkway was,completed in 1990 as a bypass for trucks and autos to accessI-580 and 1-80. A number of trucks currently cut through this neighborhood as a means to access main transportation corridors as.discussed in the following sections. There are a lack of truck routes between Richmond Parkway and the San Pablo Avenue and I-80 corridors as well as a lack of signage to direct trucks to existing designated routes. Figure 2.1 on the following page illustrates the few truck routes that are designated through western Contra Costa, the lack of connectivity and the location of the study. area. 2.1.1.2 Street Layout and Design The study area is bordered on the west by the Richmond Parkway, on the north, east and south by the few remaining light industrial facilities in the area. In addition the Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads further define and the study area and separate it from adjacent neighborhoods and cities. Rumrill Boulevard is located east of the railroads and is an urban arterial along the western edge of the City of San Pablo.While the study area's technical southern border is the Richmond City limit, its natural border is slightly south where the Santa Fe railroad curves to divide the mostly residential study area from an industrial area.Two east-west creeks bisect the study area--Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek. The 7 residential portion of the study area is located south of Wildcat Creek while industrial uses are to the north. San Pablo Creek is adjacent and south of Parr Boulevard. Parr Boulevard is a designated truck route, serves as the north border of the study FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMONDITRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS Alternative Route Concept ,,i- i`�>tl-t n! -+- c,! •"' ''" " ,- y c�c_ r1 r( ;. > 1 }� 'i� -.'b t ; '�U� t'�\ r^Y. ;i/'fi'nS4 c .k., #.` Y� , �✓. �,t-' r�: � �^F�'�'�� -.-,moi .. r7. / �- �c#� � :�'� 9 '��'�'.r.N nom,;s✓I-r�� �-t� �� '�6.+- � � � Y i } � Y� �� 1��•i •Yfi ��t' �� a ,Y � i.i�t`,.\C }'.r.d c .0 1 �t4 i�' ✓. ,t.;f �_�,o;"'. i 2.A�' ..'`' Sj'"�..1 Sr r: t sf i, t.,P.�F..+1 3h311!�i'���;�.�i.. `tl a- f ft yid 4� ^t/�'�t(V.�,j � '1�'� � ✓ 1 �-� ti� ,. ti it '��j`2 c.. .+ .� �.� t y.�, ,�' f ''�,S a� �$�.t��� gt >��S'� i •Y'� �.� t�58np t cy�, 1 Z ii?t:.�...i`�� I��y ' � ��{�ly� i.. � „� , �pp�� { 'cr' � _ ° •�f1�! ICL(°tl p/s � � _"' �i' �.4%�� /�:T/ •ihr i�U 1Q � `C` t tl�`i'__Y r 1. �$ `�"'�: b' t �,..; *c-p - v �,t�^ .ke�,,,3 .i� ,^:�,� r� ���j�4i / �4 �� Y 1 �•1- i tt '' _]' � l��i�' >+t ?fir C, �tyT�i 1 'y��+��' '6'JYsa 4.11 � �',�, e -a� � � t �r,�`r 3 1� �•• � }t t t+^ 23rd St r \l 1' RR_�,{:..�. la �• us� to � s. m' r �, a ' t .�`J ,j F t U�ge�cr��ti�i's-�6r� .�•����%Q�yy�+''r�i' �? 0 NORTH RICHNIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept There are several"typical"roadway sections in the study. They include right-of-way widths that vary between 52 and 68 feet; roadway widths between 32 and 48 feet; and corner radii of 10 feet. Most streets provide one lane of traffic in each direction with parking on both sides. 2.1.2 TRAFFIC OPERATIONS 2.1.2.1 Traffic Counts Traffic counts,manyof which included truck counts,were provided by Contra Costa,County staff for several locations. Counts at the following locations were found most relevant to the study, and are shown in Figures 2.2 and 2.3: o Market/3rd o Parr/3rd o Gertrude, East of Richmond Parkway, o Gertrude/3rd © Pittsburg/3rd o Market,West of railroad tracks o Chesley/5th Some of the heavier truck percentages are shown on Figure 2.3 at key locations, and range from 8-14%. In completely residential areas, truck percentages are typically from 0-2%. Percentages should be higher than 2%because of the.truck dependent businesses that are part of the community,but 8-14% seems somewhat high-this in itself probably indicates that there is some cut-through truck activity unrelated to the legitimate businesses. Focus was then placed on morning peak travel time truck counts, and observing certain patterns of truck traffic. o About 1/3 of westbound trucks on Market Avenue seem to be passing through the community from San Pablo to the Richmond Parkway. o As many as 3/4 of the trucks traveling south on 3rd Street come from Chesley Street and probably from beyond the eastern edge of the study area. o About 1/3 of trucks traveling on Gertrude Avenue travel to or from the Richmond Parkway. 9 FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS AlternativeRoute Concept Figure 2.2-Traffic Counts(vehicles per hour) Pittsburg/3rd Parr/3 rd 4-136(93) Legend 52(37) N W xxx=AM peak hour j I ( (18)7- -14194 70 (xxx) = PM peak hour u')M t N R (73)251 I a (55)29--, — M c0 N 67 Market/3rd 6l M CD CD t - 'I M v,___27(49) 24(47) �s„ Ae—31 73 (22)12 i nrg , '' Market, W of RR Tracks (57)21 k s. l Q o rn ! 1 men Si' % 142(266) :r r Gertrude, E of R. Pkwy ,� i { 129(214) 135(106) MONQAW 57(206) rn� co 00 0 N 3(2) 11(26) 4--1(9) ) Ii� —81(113) �C A�4 3 Ae'--20 32 (54)171 t (25)41 (20)6— I (158)67—+ t (15)8 c°m (6)4 o Sao - � V V Gertrude/3rd Chesley/51h lamb, 10 Legend Source of data: Contra Costa County xxx = AM peak hour Map base created with TOPO!®©2006 National Geographic (xxx) = PM peak hour FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept Figure 2.3-Truck Counts(trucks per hour) rd Pittsburg/3rd Parr/3 (--11 vv M M r r Market/3rd 14% 11(5) i f—1(0) . X10 (o)of Market,'W of RR Tracks (8)0— (0)0 N rde 1 ImemyI. 3 13% + i 5(13) 8% 4, ---- Gertrude, E of R. Pkw ! 11% 2(11) 11(10) T, - 90 M _ O �O v I� X4(0)� IIM~7(0) 1 -9(2) At 0 0 Ar (o)8�► I (2)4 (1)2 Gertrude/3rd Chesley/51h 11 Legend xxx = AM peak hour (xxx) = PM peak hour Source of data: Contra Costa County 8% = 2-Way peak hour truck percentage Map base created with TOPO!®©2006 National Geographic -- = No count collected FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS Alternative Route Concept 2.1.2.2 Previous Reports from Study Area The previous report most relevant to truck traffic in the study area is the truck count report developed by the Contra Costa County Public Works Department in 2004 which identified locations of major truck-dependent businesses. Observations and analysis of existing truck counts noted above found that today's conditions are consistent with the information from that report. This is important because if major truck-dependent businesses had recently moved into or out of the study area, truck patterns on which the purpose of this study are based; could have changed enough-to make the study unnecessary. 2.1.2.3 Anecdotal Observations from Area Residents Area residents have stated that there;are too many trucks, that they drive too fast, and that they do not belong in the neighborhood.Anecdotal observations are important because perception of traffic conditions is a key component of neighborhood livability, even if the factual numbers and percentages are inconsistent with the observations. In this case, the observations of"lots of trucks" by some residents do seem to be consistent with the counts, as percentages from 8-14% usually are perceived as high truck volumes. Some area residents also claim to have witnessed trucks using the neighborhood as a shortcut.This, too, appears to be consistent with our analysis,which found some likelihood of shortcutting. 2.2.2.4 Field Surveys of Truck Activities by Residents In order to obtain additional observations of truck travel patterns and to engage community members in the study, a program of data collection was conducted. The data collection plan involved positioning residents at key entry points to the study area so that they could follow trucks to determine if they were through trucks or trucks with legitimate business in the area, and, if they were legitimately present,where they were stopping. The residents were not able to follow the program precisely as planned, due to the unavailability of automobiles to follow the trucks, but the data that was collected clearly demonstrated 12 the perception of excessive truck traffic in the neighborhood. None of the data collected conflicted with conclusions drawn from other data sources, and one of the key results of the effort was that participants informed other community members about the process-this information assisted in bringing more residents into the public participation process. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept The Appendix to this report includes the data collection form and instructions given to the residents-the actual data they collected is on file with the Contra Costa County Redevelopment Department. 2.1.2.5 Trucking Operations Based on our review of the available data, reports, and our own field observations,we found that there are three primary types of trucking operations that occur in the study area: o Trucks servicing study area residents or businesses. Examples of this type of trucking activity includes a delivery of furniture to a resident's home; a recycling or garbage truck picking up recycling materials or garbage from a home or business; a soft drink delivery made by trucks to a convenience store. Trucks directly related to study area businesses.These activities involve trucks making deliveries of raw materials to manufacturers, as well as trucks picking up manufactured materials to transport them to another location. Trucks using study area streets as a shortcut to their destination. Examples of this activity could include a truck traveling from San Rafael to a business near I-80 that exits I-580 at Richmond Parkway and travels up to the study area, then crosses North Richmond and San Pablo to reach its destination; a garbage truck that picks up a dumpster from a site in San Pablo, then crosses the study area to reach the landfill. 2.1.3 CONCLUSIONS The first two types of trucking operations listed above are clearly legitimate,while the third type is likely not (i.e., a truck traveling between the Richmond Parkway and a destination in eastern San Pablo might be taking the shortest route by traveling through the study area, thus the usage of the phrase "likely not" instead of "definitely not"). For the first two types of trucking operations, it is generally agreed among the project stakeholders that there is no desire to reduce the utilization of trucks for legitimate purposes,but there may be a way to channel legitimate trucks to a specific existing or new route 13 to minimize impacts on the community.The concentration of truck-dependent businesses at the eastern end of Market Avenue provides an opportunity for channeling these legitimately present trucks to such a route. For the third type, it is generally agreed by the stakeholders that there should be an attempt to eliminate this type of activity. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND TRUCK ROUTE STUDY CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept 2.2 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT -Another characteristic of the area is the location of truck-intensive businesses both inside the study area and along the eastern and southern edges of the study area.Within the border of the study area, there are light industrial uses located near the eastern edge of the study area between Market Avenue and Chesley Street that frequently receive and/ or send materials by truck.There are more businesses on the north side of Market Avenue that appear to be somewhat less dependent on truck deliveries. North of Wildcat Creek,,almost all of the land use is of types utilizing trucks (or buses), such as the recycling center at 3rd/Pittsburg and the school bus company at 3rd/Parr. ti Areas surrounding the study area also include somewhat intensive truck usage.West of the study area is the Contra Costa County Landfill,which generates significant truck traffic. South of the railroad, south of the study area is a large industrial complex that also generates a significant amount of truck traffic. East of the study area, between the railroads, is another industrial area. Field observations did not reveal large volumes of truck traffic,but the nature of the area is such that high truck volumes could be present there at times. Even if our observations were completely accurate in this regard,future truck-dependent businesses could move into this area. 2.2.1 POLJCYFR,4MEh1/ORKAND PLANNING EFFORTS a Policy documents and on-going planning efforts assisted in guiding the direction of North Richmond Truck Route Study. These documents and efforts include: 1. Contra Costa County FY 2006/07 Action Plan,May 10,2006 2. Five Year Implementation Plan FY 2004/05 to FY 2008/09, Siefel Consulting, November 2005 3. North Richmond Redevelopment Project Area Study, EPS, February 2006 4. Contra Costa General Plan 2005-2020,January 2005 5. Deluged by Diesel: Health Solutions for West County,July 2005 6. Metropolitan Transportation Commission,Richmond Area Community-Based Transportation Plan, Nelson/Nygaard, February 2004 7. 2005 Update of the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP),TJKM Transportation Consultants, May 2006 14 FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE CONDITIONS Alternative Route Con, cept 2.2.1.1 Contra Costa County FY 2006/07 Action Plan In FY 1999/2000, the community of North Richmond prepared a Community Action Plan. The Plan conveyed the following: o Vision Statement: North Richmond will be a national example of a vibrant, multi-cultural, unified community that takes pride in its safe, clean environment and educational opportunities where people want to live plan and raise families. o Three Year Goals (2001-2003): 1) Improve community safety; 2) develop retail,businesses that meet the employment and service needs of the community; 3) improve the quality of education; 4) clean up and beautify the environment; and 5) increase services, activities, and employment for youth. o Policy described under`Non-housing Community Development Needs' of the Action Plan identified the following goal in the FY 2005/09 Consolidated Plan adopted by the Board for programs and projects funded with CDBG and ESG funds: — Policy CD-8: "Infrastructure/Public Facilities: Maintain quality public facilities and adequate infrastructure and ensure access for the mobility impaired by addressing physical access barriers to public facilities. Objective: Creating Suitable Living Environments Outcome: . V Availability/Accessibility Indicator: Public Facility and Infrastructure Activities" 2.2.1.2 Five Year Implementation Plan FY 2004/05 to FY 2008/09 The Plan identifies Project Area goals and objectives intended to guide Agency actions for the Five Year Implementation Plan period, as required by Community Redevelopment Law(CRL). Goals and objectives relevant to the North Richmond Truck Route Study are identified below: Redevelopment Plan Goals o Revitalize the northern portion of the Project Area through light industrial infrastructure improvements and land use policy changes. o Strengthen the existing residential neighborhood in the, southern portion of the project area through developmnt 1�5 of a neighborhood commercial district, park and open space development, street improvement and landscaping, and expansion of community facilities, and infill residential. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept Community Improvement and Economic Development Goals o Improve road, drainage, and sewer infrastructure and construct public utility facilities in the industrial section of the Project Area. (These improvements are required to provide full and safe access to industrial land made developable by the completion of the Richmond Parkway.) © Encourage and support citizen participation through the North Richmond,Municipal Advisory Council. Projected Five Year Non-Housing Projects and Activities • Support efforts to plan and implement efforts to divert trucks away from the residential streets in the project area. • Plan and implement roadway,drainage and utility improvements within the industrial portion of the project area to facilitate development. 2.2.1.3 2006 North Richmond Redevelopment Project Area Study This study evaluates infrastructure needs, costs,;and financing options for the industrial portion of North Richmond. The report also defined real estate market forces,land use policy issues, and infrastructure challenges. Under the "Infrastructure Phasing and Costs" section, the report acknowledges "the need to provide an alternative route for trucks accessing the light industrial areas south of Wildcat Creek and along the eastern boundary of the project area." Existing Conditions - The 2006 North Richmond Redevelopment Project Area Study examined existing land use and land ownership on a parcel-by-parcel basis as shown in Figure 2.4. Area A refers to the area to the north of Parr Boulevard,Area B refers to the area to the west of Richmond Parkway and south of Parr Boulevard,Area C refers to the area between Wildcat Creek and Parr Boulevard to the east of Richmond Parkway,Area D refers to the area to the south of Wildcat Creek and to the east of Richmond Pablo Creek, and Area E refers to the area south of Parr Boulevard and north of San Pablo Creek. Area A: Area A totals approximately 314 acres and is a mix of industrial and storage uses as well as vacant land. A large proportion of the land (80 acres) to the west of Richmond 16 Parkway is the West Contra Costa Sanitary Land Fill. Most of the remaining land is privately owned with about 30 acres directly to the west of Richmond Parkway and 160 acres to the east. Existing private uses include a construction company; construction equipment seller; recreational vehicle storage center; a rock and soil wholesaler;heavy equipment rental .FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS AlternativeRoute Concept Figure 2.4 -North Richmond Area Land-Uses _ (2006 North Richmond Redevelopment Project Area Study) , _ aaattT 4 _ PIMS lkY 15 - y }}" Legend I r J _ ;. .- _ r j �, '. ctstErRta�i 3 i ��nase u a , ir.'�rrc-t; e,�eita� a 'Tri r rL0 ®PFdsp2P3tMe f:86trt0 BICE J ' — ._ — - facility; crane rental facility; boiler and burner sales, service and installation company; a distribution services company; a metal fabricator; and nurseries. A prospective casino site is also, located in area A. Area B: Area B totals approximately 170 acres. A significant proportion of this area is owned by the West County Wastewater District,with additional acreage in recreational and open space designations. Private uses in this area include a baking company, nurseries and greenhouses,tow storage yards and dismantlers,wood recyclers and metal works. Area C: Area C totals approximately 250 acres. This area is also industrial in nature with a number of vacant sites, but includes ` some newer construction. Public uses occupy about 40 acres and include the North Richmond Water Reclamation Center at the northwest of the area and the West County transfer station (Integrated Resource Recovery Facility) to the southeast. They also include the A's Luck North Richmond Baseball Field. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH ROUTE Alternative Route Concept 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Private uses include nurseries; a plastic, glass, and metal recycling center; a steel drum container manufacturer; and new industrial distribution/warehouse spaces on Central Street. Area D: Area D is primarily a residential neighborhood and totals approximately 200 acres. There are hundreds of housing units in the core of the neighborhood consisting of single-family detached homes, multifamily complexes, and apartment buildings. Vacant lots are prevalent throughoduarea D in addition to sites on the eastern edge of the area. New single-family detached housing has been developed on the western side of the area at Parkway Estates. KB Homes is in the process of developing a 20-acre site adjacent at the corner of Richmond Parkway and Wildcat Creek. Area E: Area E total's approximately 65 acres and is located south of Parr Boulevard and north of San Pablo Creek. The area is a mix of developed and vacant parcels. Privately-owned land in this area has uses similar to those in Area B. Potential Development: The North Richmond Redevelopment Project Area Study examined current development in the North Richmond area. Key findings that are relevant to this study include: • The existing northern, industrial portion of North Richmond area is currently underutilized. • North Richmond has a number of competitive advantages that could help spur the attraction of significant amounts of new industrial development. Primary challenges of achieving this are addressing infrastructure needs and community image. • Residential developers are particularly interested in developing housing in the northern portion of North Richmond. KB Homes and Signature Properties are currently interested in developing housing in the industrial portion of North Richmond. • The redevelopment of the north portion of the North Richmond area faces infrastructure challenges for attracting new development. Significant road improvements are required to provide east-west linkages throughout the study 18 area and with Richmond Parkway. 2.2.1.4 Contra Costa County General Plan 2005-2020 The Contra Costa County General Plan established transportation goals and policies to serve planned grow through the year 2020. The"Transportation and Circulation Element" FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE CONDITIONS Alternative Route Coincept section prepared pursuant to Section 65302(b) of the California Government Code, is a mandatory component of General Plans since 1955. The following goals relate to the North Richmond Truck Route Study: 0 5=A. To provide a safe, efficient and balanced transportation system. o 5-13. To coordinate the provision of streets, roads, transit and trails with other jurisdictions. 0 5-C. To balance transportation and circulation needs with .the desired character of the community. 0 5-D. To maintain and improve air quality standards. o 5-F. To reduce cumulative regional traffic impacts of development through participation in cooperative, multi- jurisdictional planning processes and forums. 0 5-G. To provide access to new development while minimizing conflict between circulation�facilities and land uses. The following are policies that relate to this Project.as described in the General Plan: o Policy 5-28. New arterial roadways shall be routed around, rather than through neighborhoods, to minimize traffic impacts on residential streets. �`•� o Policy 5-29. Street systems shall be designed and/or modified to discourage additional through traffic in existing residential areas, but not at the expense of efficient bus transit. 2.2.1.5 Deluged by Diesel: Health Solutions for West County; July 2005 See "S ction 3.3.2 - Public Health and Safety" section of this report. 2.2.1. Metropolitan Transportation Commission,Richmond Area Community-Based Transportation Plan This planning effort's goal was to identify strategies that will close 1he transportation gaps in local neighborhoods. Findings of this plan were used to build upon the results of MTC's 2001 Lifeli Ie Transportation Network Report which outlined a safety 19 net of transit routes for low-income people. 2.2.1. 2005 Update of the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) (See a so Section 4.3 - Capital Costs and Funding Section) The 2005 STMP update includes an updated project list with FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE CONDITIONS cost es imates for all improvement projects to be potentially funde by STMP fees. This report identifies the North Richm nd Road Connection Project as part of the STMP Progra 2.3 ENVIRONM NT 2.3.1 ENt/1 ONMENTAL CONDITIONS Existing env ronmental conditions were reviewed to identify key environme tal constraints in.the study area. Environmental factors that were co sidered include Air Quality, Noise, Hazardous Materials, Biological R sources, and Trails and,Open Space. 2.3.2 AIR UALI Y Outdoor air ollution is a major concern throughout western Contra Cost County, including North Richmond. The three major categories o outdoor air pollution are stationary,sources (e.g.,power plants,refin ries, and industries); area sources (e'g.,residential heating and paints); and mobile sources (e.g., cars,busses and trucks that operat on gasoline or diesel fuel). North Rich and is in the Bay Area Air Basin, in which air,quality is monitored nd measured by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (B QMD). The BAAQMD measures the concentration of sulfur dioxide (S02),particulate matter(PM), nitrogen dioxide(NO2), and ozone. Although pollution levels have declined, the Bay Area as a whole continues to be a non-attainment area for the state standards for ozone a d particulate matter. With respec to this study,particulate matter from the exhaust of trucks that perate on diesel fuel is a pollutant of particular concern:, There are d cumented health risks associated with diesel particulate, matter emi sions in the North Richmond community. (Refer to Section 3.3. -Public Health and Safety for a detailed discussion of public health issues.) Also, research indicates that diesel particulate matter has the highest impact on people who live,work, or have daily activities (e.g., attending school) near the emission source so there is a disprop rtionate burden associated with diesel particulate in comparisor to other types of pollutants that disperse throughout the Bay Area aii basin (Contra Costa Asthma Coalition, 2006). 2.3.3 NOS E ENVIRONMENT 20 Traffic,par icularly truck traffic, on the Richmond Parkway is the major sour e of noise in the project study area. According to the Noise Elem nt of the Contra Costa County(CCC) General Plan, the Richmond arkway in the vicinity of the project area is within the 65 and 70 DN noise contour which exceeds the normally acceptable and land us compatibility standards of the General Plan. Future FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept noise levels long the Richmond Parkway are expected to exceed 70 dBA due to increased traffic volumes. Residents in the study area can be exposed to noise levels that exceed 70 db when rucks travel on residential streets. Noise levels from trucks depend on the type of truck vehicles, and are produced by a combinatio of noise from tires, engine, and exhaust. Noise levels emitted from medium trucks such as UPS and Federal Express trucks, large diesel engine trucks, and U-haul-type moving vans have typical noise levels of 80 to 82 dBA at 55 mph at a distance of 50 feet. Heavy trucks (e.g., dump trucks, tractor-trailers),which would be less frequent onresidential streets in the study area,have typical noise - levels of 84 o 86 dBA at 55 in at a distance of 50 feet. Noise-sensi ive land uses in the study area that could be affected by new truck routes include residences, senior housing, schools, day- care centers, a public health center, churches, parks and designated open space (see Figure 2.5-Existing Environmental Conditions). Figure 2.5 -Existing Environmental Conditions i b Y Sensitive Receptors SanpabGreek Residences, Schools, Parks, Senior Centers, Health Centers t�+ •�+ e; x. Truck Hot Spots N Richmond — Verde Nove Residential Park Elementary (Proposed) $ Potential Land Use Conflicts Diesel Particulate Emissions : Wi1d°atcreek Increased Traffic Noise Levels " Bay Trail KB Homes Proposed/Incomplete (Approved> t. aN 21 F t Center for Health � ' Hiking Trail County Bicycle Route Shield Reid Park FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Alternative Route Concept 2.3.4 HAZE IRDOUS MATERIALS As discussed previously in section 2.3.1.3 2006 North Richmond . Project Area Study, Land Use, except for Area D which is primarily residential, the study area contains mostly industrial uses. These industrial'uses may be associated with the handling, storage, or transport of hazardous materials. Based on publicly available information there are a number of locations in the study area where either known or suspected hazardous materials are present. Project planning and design will require identification of the presence of hazardoumaterials, and development of an appropriate remediation or mitigation program. In compliance with Government Code Section 65962.5, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control issues a list ofhazardous waste and substances sites. A total of 11 sites are listed which are located in or along the periphery of the study area. Most sites are located in the industrial areas north of Pittsburg Avenue and east of Third Street; north of Parr Boulevard; and immediately south of Chesley Avenue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,in cooperation with the City of Richmond Planning Department, and Contra Costa County Health Agency, conducted an inventory of potential Brownfield sites in North Richmond. Brownfield sites are generally industrial,or commercial properties that are abandoned or underused, and'often environmentally contaminated, especially sites with potential site for redevelopment and clean up with federal assistance. That inventory identified two sites in the study area: The EBMUD property at Brookside and North Richmond Parkway, and a group of parcels east of Seventh Street, between Chesley and Silver Avenues. Minor concentrations of chemicals and metals were found on the site of the proposed Nove (Signature Properties) residential project. There is also a known underground storage tank present on the site. That project will incorporate appropriate mitigation measures for hazardous materials handling and transport, and for underground tank containment or removal. 2.3.5 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Reaches of Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek are located in the study area. The sections of Wildcat and San Pablo Creeks located 2�2 in the study area are not identified in the CCC General Plan as significant ecological resource areas. (The bayside marshes associated with both Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek, west of the Richmond Parkway, are identified as significant ecological resources.) However,Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek are considered important urban creeks. Their streambeds and banks provide FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHNIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS RouteAlternative Concept habitat that supports a variety of riparian plant,wildlife and aquatic resources. Alternative truck routes located in the vicinity of Wildcat Creek or San Pablo Creeks will need to minimize or avoid effects on biological resources 2.3.6 TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE The Bay Trail extends north-south along the Richmond Parkway. Wildcat Creek Trail, an existing connector trail, extends west and east of the Richmond Parkway and currently terminates at Seventh Street. The continuation of the Wildcat Creek connector is proposed east of Seventh Street across Soto Street to Rumrill Boulevard,where it would connect to an existing leg ofthe trail in the City of San Pablo. Identification of potential truck routes will need to consider access to existing and proposed trails along Wildcat Creek and the Richmond Parkway in the study area. 2.3.7 CONCLUSIONS It is clear that a number of planning initiatives and policy decisions support this study. As referenced in previous planning projects, development projects are prevalent within the study area and need to be accounted for in developing the route connection. Existing environmental conditions and factors that could be impacted will need to be considered during development of the route design alternatives. 2�3 FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 3 - PRELIMINARY Alternative Route Concept CHAPTER 3 - PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT This chapter cites findings of the preliminary assessment for alternate solutions that will reduce the number of trucks on neighborhood streets in North Richmond. The objective of the preliminary assessment is to identify potential solutions and the technical issues that pose significant risks to the efficient,expeditious, and economical implementation of those solutions. It has been concluded from the preliminary assessment that there are two long-term solutions with a near-term improvement solution. 3.1 FEASIBILITY ISSUES The following is a discussion of the various=technical issues that affect the feasibility of reducing truck traffic on neighborhood streets. Feasibility issues in the form of site/infrastructure constraints and route design considerations are described below in Table 3.1 and illustrated in Figure 3.1 on the following page. Table 3.1 presents the various issues/conflicts that were identified in this assessment and indicates whether the constraint impacts the alternative concepts. The numbers assigned to each issue in the table correspond to those in the figure. The following section describes these issues in detail. Table 3.1 -Issues and Considerations Preferred Alternative Alternative 2, Ref. Feasibility Issues Alternative 1, Soto to Parr Soto to Brookside Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 1 Phase 2 1 Creek Crossings 1a-Crosses Wildcat Creek X X 1 b-Crosses San Pablo Creek X 2 Near Verde Elementary School X X 3 Near Residential Areas X X X 4 Right-of-Way 4a- Requires UP Railroad Easement/Permit X X 4b- Requires Right-of-Way Acquisition Between At Brookside Brookside and Parr Preferred Alternative Alternative 2, Ref. Considerations for Route Design Alternative 1, Soto to Parr Soto to Parr to Brookside Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 1 Phase 2 5 Topography-Avoids Significant Vertical Dip/ X X X X Hump at Brookside/Railroad 6 Connects to Existing Designated Truck Route 24 6a- Parr Boulevard and Richmond Parkway Via 3rd St Direct Via 3rd St Via 3rd St Connection 6b-Giant Road X X X X FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RIC'HIVIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 3 - PRELIMINARY Alternative Route Concept . ! ba O LLJ +-kms � � Q lC �. � t, ( ✓.J 1 ,3h .� 4'� �yi !r, 3 � Z �,i yei>._ - \ �� iy � v O � � ` 1� E{ :�•r's ��Ct�t ti"._,� 1. s s, ' Fn f '_� .!`-'VSst \ �- 1; u � C r w :. " '1- .�. 4 '-'('}s 7 t 1;' 11;.a f � `e� 'y"t�•i.sl h F,� �7..1` (�, e-�t ��it �,w,% 'k„4 iy I tia�y , 0I ' 'i i" ` 1s•S «1„";�',� y l F ip - �� IT � `) �n �r � � Q i t S � ,.," � a �s 'Yx d eu� • �.'�{�aq! �q uta • _ �t k,M�. +�',!�" �1 .=W'.. ...,_y.' •, A��,# 7"r.il.0�� �ii, � +I.Y- �$. ' •v �W 4 !- 141, 1447 0.s to Y, '`� � r• 441IT � "�wpd. � �_�y�rF?�,�{JS '! �t� - I it {(• .'�� �� .a.�,' Er�V"__ __ � ' 1 -N'e �`- '�}` s '�I', FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE Alternative Route Concept 3 - PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT 3.9.1 CREEK CROSSINGS There are two east-west creeks,Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek, located in the project area that are parallel to each other as illustrated in Figure 3.2 on the following page. Both the Preferred Alternative- Alternative 1, Soto to Parr and Alternative 2, Brookside to Parr would cross Wildcat Creek,but only Preferred Alternative -Alternative 1, Soto to Parr would also cross San Pablo Creek.Although the presence of significant vegetation or wildlife habitat is unlikely(especially-at San Pablo Creek), a biological assessment will need to be conducted to officially determine whethersignificant biological resources are present and if so, to identify appropriate mitigation measures. As both alternatives cross Wildcat Creek,,,they would also cross the Wildcat Creek Regional Trail extension to'the City of San Pablo. While initial coordination indicated that maintaining 12 feet vertical clearance from the trail to the bottom of the bridge would allow for the proposed trail extension, additional coordination is needed with the East Bay Regional Park District concerning the 'alignment and design of this trail. Recommendation: Preliminary engineering indicated that the following horizontal and vertical requirements would accommodate the creek crossings, including: Wildcat Creek © 4%vertical grade to provide required vertical clearance 600 feet vertical curve to provide adequate stopping sight distance © 40 miles/hour design speed; however, the roadway would be posted at 20 or 30 miles/hour to be consistent with adjacent streets 200 feet long bridge to span the creek ® 6 feet bridge structure depth with 12 feet vertical clearance to allow trail extension San Pablo Creek 8%vertical grade to conform to existing Parr Boulevard ® 320 feet vertical curve to provide adequate stopping sight distance o 30 miles/hour design speed;however, the roadway would be 26 posted between 20 and 30 miles/hour to be consistent with adjacent streets 200 feet long bridge to span the creek with 6 feet structure depth 6 feet bridge structure depth with 12 feet vertical clearance to provide access flood control structures FINAL REPORT February 2007 W W (n nr�r • _ f �•- :.P �!. flu i�,. l•f 4�1QG111, �• -s, a``�Ir�' ' 'r•.77 l' •._� � cy: �,. ,'F+a- 6 (� Z r. . ie- i l-• �. C 7 Of 7 11 • .ir! ►• rfl'tel �-=s7 ` J- J cc a rr7il a*J .3r li ;fr n4z®ir iJ } •. u it co fp Uk H-4 FM Vmo; 1 E��,�jt�}d t• rrSs y M IR C� U 1rp�''yy l G o ��N�bf",• .P�r� !rte �;,fr:p.}• 1 rC C `a A OTT f w, • Tr Ylp Lf to i-���`'t����� ` ,- ,4 ... (; • t. j } a' q ; i (gt}v JI fir' • .._ , :• Vj CC p p 1 t 91 Z • '3 r , Cc • zQ x � NORTH • ROUTE PRELIMINARY Alternative Route Concept 3.1.2 VERDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL zc Verde Elementary School is the primary elementary - 'Y (kindergarten through sixth grade) school in North Richmond with a current enrollment of 328 students. The school is just north of Wildcat Creek with light industrial uses on the other sides. Recommendation: Restrict truck usage throughout North Richmond; except for local deliveries. Provide direct routes to existing designated truck routes as far from Verde Elementary School as possible. 3.1.3 RESIDENTIAL AREAS North Richmond has a rich history of opportunity for African Americans, including employment in the Kaiser Shipyards during the WWII boom years along with the opportunity to purchase new homes in the newly established Parchester Village subdivision. This ethnically diverse residential community now has one of the region's highest poverty levels, and is home to a variety of light,and heavy industries,junkyards, a decommissioned landfill, and numerous vacant brownfield sites. There are approximately 2,300 residents with a median household income of approximately$8,700. The community is 51%African American, 40% Latino, 6%Asian/Pacific Islander, and 3%Other (mostly mixed race). North Richmond straddles both unincorporated Contra Costa County and the City of Richmond and is adjacent to the City of San Pablo. South of Chesley and Gertrude avenues is the City of Richmond jurisdiction while north of these avenues is-Contra Costa County jurisdiction. Several physical conditions have led to an increased number of trucks on residential streets and near the --- — elementary school compounding the area's noise, air pollution, and public health problems. The residential area is bordered by multiple railroad tracks with at-grade crossings, the major industrial area that is constrained }' ~^ by a major flood control channel, and truck weight ht limits� g w'� ! are aggressively enforced on adjacent City of San Pablo streets. 28 Recommendation: Restrict truck usage throughout North Richmond; except for local deliveries. Provide direct routes to existing designated truck routes away from residential streets. FINAL REPORT February 2007 • • Y ASSESSMENT Alternative Route Coincept 3.7.4 RIGHT-OF-WAY There are a limited number of streets that would provide efficient connectivity to adjacent truck routes, cross the variety of barriers and constraints, and are sufficiently removed from Verde Elementary School and residential streets. The most promising is a north- south 30 feet wide right-of-way designated as Soto Street (owned by State Easement Board) adjacent to the Union Pacific railroad between Market Avenue and south of Brookside Drive. Soto Street would provide a direct north-south connector for local truck traffic between Market Avenue and Parr Boulevard,which is one of the few designated truck routes in the area. In addition Soto Avenue would provide almost direct access to all the light industrial uses along the Union Pacific Railroad south of Market Avenue as well as to any trucks that inadvertently crossing.,into North Richmond trying to "find" the Richmond Parkway or Parr Boulevard. The main constraints are (1) obtaining a permit or easement to utilize from 5 to 7 feet of railroad right-of-way and (2) acquiring the additional right- of-way needed to connect to Brookside Drive or Parr Boulevard. The costs associated with transferring Soto Street ownership, obtaining a railroad permit/easement, and acquiring additional right-of-way are unknown at this time and will need further research and'clarification. Contra Costa County staff is obtaining more detail about the ownership of, and transfer requirements, the Soto Street right-of-way. Recommendation: Transfer ownership of Soto Street, obtain permit or easement from UP RR, and acquire additional right-of-way. 3.2 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS/ISSUES The table on the following pages summarizes potential environmental impacts that could result from full build-out of the Preferred Alternative -Alternative 1, Soto to Parr and Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside. Impact categories are identified that could be potentially significant, followed by a discussion of the environmental impact and recommendations to avoid or minimize potentially significant impacts. s X29. x>4. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE STUDY PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT Alternative Route Co -• Table 3.2- Potential Environmental Impacts/Issues Impact Category Potential Impact//Recommendation Land-Use The Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1, Soto to Parr, and Alternative 2,Soto to Brookside would each have long-term beneficial impacts on land use compatibility. Encouraging local trucks to these streets would divert truck traffic away from residential streets and sensitive land use receptors, including Verde Elementary School,the Center for Health, and senior housing located at 1555 3rd Street. Depending on the engineering and design of the Soto Street alignment,the County may need to acquire right-of-way from private property owners. None of the potential acquisition would involve acquisition or displacement of existing residential property. Any acquisition by the County would be subject to state or federal relocation assistance laws and requirements. Implementation of Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside would introduce a truck turning intersection adjacent to a Head Start Preschool and Day Care Center located.at 847 Brookside Drive and could indirectly increase truck traffic on truck weight restricted streets in the City of San Pablo. Further study of these potential impacts should be conducted prior to implementation of this alternative. Air Quality Because the proposed alternatives restrict non-local trucks and specifically route local truck traffic, long-term air quality emissions would be expected to decrease. The emission of diesel particulate matter,a known contributor to health risks in North Richmond, would be reduced and located away from major residential areas and Verde Elementary School which would have a Tong-term beneficial health impact. Construction activities could cause a temporary increase in ambient levels of dust and fine particulates commonly associated with earth movement and construction. Best practices; including applicable County permit requirements, as well as mitigation measures,could reduce these impacts to acceptable levels. Noise Noise levels attributable to trucks traveling on residential streets would be substantially decreased with the restriction of non-local trucks,weight restrictions, and truck routing. Traffic&Circulation Construction of a new Soto Street, with appropriate vertical clearances at the creeks,will improve access by the CCC Flood Control District to its property located immediately west of Soto Street. Currently,the Flood Control District has no direct access, and is required to approach its property j from Third Street for maintenance and operations. Both alternatives would improve pedestrian safety by restricting truck traffic to local deliveries only`\ and directing the local truck traffic away from residential areas and Verde Elementary School, and by incorporating traffic calming features such as corner bulb-outs. Traffic safety would be improved by designing the new roadway to meet current engineering design standards, including lane widths and turning movement geometries appropriate for trucks. Biological Resources Construction of a new Soto Street could require removal of mature trees. Removal of certain trees is prohibited and regulated by Section 8 of the CCC Administrative Code. A tree survey by a certified arborist and mitigation plan will be required as part of environmental review. Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1, Soto to Parr, and Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside would both cross Wildcat Creek. Only the Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1, Soto to Parr would cross San Pablo Creek, whereas the Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside alignment would extend west on Brookside Avenue, and eliminate a second crossing at San Pablo Creek. Although the presence of significant vegetation or wildlife habitat is unlikely(especially at San Pablo Creek), a biological assessment will need to be conducted to determine the presence of significant biological resources and to develop appropriate mitigation measures. Hazardous Materials There is a potential for hazardous materials to be encountered during construction activities because 30 of previous land uses and adjacent light industrial uses, including the UP Railroad and underground pipeline within the railroad right-of-way. The handling and transport of these materials could increase the risk of exposure to hazardous materials for residents and workers in the study area. A Phase I Environmental Assessment would be conducted as part of the environmental review to determine the potential for hazardous materials, including any distrubances that could increase the risk of exposure for residents and workers, and to develop a cost-effective mitigation. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE PRELIMINARYAlternative '• • -• Impact Category Potential Impact//Recommendation Recreation&Open Construction;of a new Soto Street would cross the proposed western extension of the Wildcat Space Creek Regional Trail to the City of San Pablo. Construction of a road bridge at Wildcat Creek would not preclude future development f the trail extension, but should be coordinated with the East Bay Regional Park District concerning the alignment and design of this trail. 3.3 CONSIDERATIONS FOR ROUTE DESIGN The following are considerations that were evaluated during the concept development phase based on issues identified in the preliminary assessment and the analysis of existing and future conditions. Input from City and County stakeholders,local businesses and from community members obtained at public meetings were also incorporated into the design concepts. 3.3.1 TOPOGRAPHY Brookside Drive is one of only four east-west streets that cross the railroad. It is the only street that could provide connectivity between Soto Street and Parr Boulevard via Third Street-and is removed from Verde Elementary School and existing residential streets. There is an extreme dip and hump along Brookside between Giant Road and the railroad tracks that would make it extremely difficult for trucks to navigate. The section of Giant Road between Brookside,Drive and Parr Boulevard is NOT part of a designated truck route and includes truck weight restrictions; therefore, providing connectivity on Brookside Drive east of Soto Street would not be acceptabl6to the City of San Pablo. �i Recommendation: Avoid developing a connection for trucks to access Brookside Drive east of Soto Street. 3.3.2 CONNEC77VTY TO EXISTING DEDICATED TRUCK ROUTES The Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1, Soto to Parr includes restricting non-local trucks in the North Richmond as is currently done on adjacent City of San Pablo streets, constructing a street for local truck access to and from existing designated truck routes such as Parr Boulevard, Richmond Parkway, and Giant Road illustrated in Figure 3.1. This route will provide geometry for truck maneuverability to encourage truck use while allowing private vehicle use as well. Providing this type of connectivity presents an opportunity for enhancing economic vitality by becoming connected with the region. 31 3.3.3 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Increasing the perceived and actual personal safety of the community is a critical component of enhancing neighborhood vitality. Good lighting,wide sidewalks, curb bulb outs, truck signage and wayfinding,high visibility school crossings, and adequate turning FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE PRELIMINARY Alternative Route Concept radii are essential to improving the quality of life for residents while enhancing access for local businesses and industries. Public health concerns regarding diesel emissions (from nearby factories,industry, railroads, and trucks) is a prominent issue in North Richmond. The report"Deluged by Diesel: Healthy Solutions for West County"\dated July 2005 identifies the variety of origins of diesel emissions and provides recommendations for reducing diesel air pollution. The following is a list of recommendations from the report relevant to this project: © Focus initiatives to fund diesel:pollution reduction projects in Inner West County - Agencies should focus funding in Inner West County to install diesel particulate matter filters for trucks or idle limiting technology for locomotives (retrofits);=replace older diesel engines with newer and cleaner diesel engines (repowers); and subsidize the purchase of newer vehicles/equipment to replace older units (replacements). o Enforce truck routes and restrictions - Trucks should be kept away from residential areas as much as possible. - Agencies should enforce truck restrictions and increase penalties on prohibited routes. Agencies should conduct a workshop to train truckers on the designated and prohibited streets. o Develop regional truck route to keep trucks away from people - Local and county-wide agencies and elected officials should develop a regional truck route and truck prohibitions,with input from all stakeholders, so that one city's truck routes do not cause truckers to travel through neighborhoods in another area. 3.3.4 DISCOURAGE TRUCKS ON LOCAL STREETS Diesel trucks should be kept away from residential areas as much as possible. To that end, local and countywide agencies, as well as elected officials, should develop a regional truck route network as recommended in the "Deluged by Diesel" report. This will prevent one city's truck restrictions from forcing trucks to residential neighborhoods in adjacent communities. Trucks are currently utilizing North Richmond neighborhood streets to access adjacent 32 truck routes including: Parr Boulevard, Richmond Parkway, and Giant Road because there is no clear wayfinding and most of the adjacent streets already include truck restrictions. Various street design elements can be used to encourage or restrict truck usage of streets. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND RUCK ROUTE STUDY 3 - PRELIMINARY Alternative Route C4cept 3.3.5 PLAN FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS A number redevelopment projects are in various stages of proposals, planning and implementation. These projects are summarized below because they have the ability to impact this project byincreasing the area population, increasing the number fo trucks in the area (both short-term and'long-term) and contributing to increased vehicle traffic on area roads. They include: o Third Street Streetscape Project-Phase II of this streetscape project will continue making Third Street more pedestrian and visually appealing by installing center mediums,widening sidewalks,planting street trees installing pedestrian bulbouts at corners, adding curb ramps, improving street lighting, and adding gateway entry markers to the`southern end of the bridge over Wildcat Creek. The project consists of three blocks on Third Street,from Grove Avenue north to Wildcat Creek. It will be contiguous with the recently completed streetscape project in the central block of Third Street between Grove Avenue and Chesley Avenue. One of the main impacts of Third Street is the traffic flow between the City of Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa County. Third Street is the major transportation corridor that connects the two jurisdictions. It also links the residential neighborhood with the industrial job generating section while serving as the primary street for public transportation (bus service) for residents traveling to and from the area. Funding for is still being sought for this project '; • Kauffman&Broad Homes - KB Home is a major subdivision;of 173 single family homes located on the east side of the Richmond Parkway, bordered by Wildcat Creek along the north side, and accessed by Malcolm Avenue and Martin Drive (near Gertrude Avenue) along the south, and Market Avenue to the east. • Las Deltas Public Housing- Directly east of KB Home is the Contra Costa County Housing Authority's (Authority) Las Deltas Public Housing Development.This area consists of 224 units of public housing. In 2005, the Redevelopment Agency � a and Authority commissioned a study to evaluate alternative approaches for the reuse, revitalization, and/or redevelopment of this site. Local consultant, Bay Area Economics, has been retained to lead a community planning process to discuss alternative uses, scattered site development, relocation of current occupants and opportunities for business and job development. 33 The significance of KB Home and Las Deltas Housing Development is its proximity to Market Avenue which intersects Third Street two blocks north from the phase I streetscape improvements at Grove Avenue. Market is one of the main access points into the community as well as one of the direct entry points for KB and Las Deltas. This street will be used heavily FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE PRELIMINARY Alternative '• -p by KB and Las Deltas homeowners commuting daily to work. Plans are also underway to address grade deficiencies at the Market Avenue railroad crossing with the City of Richmond. A coordinated strategy between the City, County, and truck route project will be required to effectively improve this entry point into the community, as well as the pathways into KB and Las Deltas. o Signature Properties - Signature Properties is another major subdivision consisting of 370 residential units located at 500 Pittsburg Avenue. The site is bounded by the Richmond Parkway to the west, Pittsburg Avenue on the north, and Wildcat Creek on the south.The project is the first major residential development north of Wildcat Creek. The impact of this subdivision is major street improvements to Pittsburg Avenue between Third Street and the Richmond Parkway. Pittsburg is one of the major arteries used by truckers traveling to and from the,business community. Major street improvements by the developer enhances the area and compliments redevelopment plans already underway by supporting the preferred alternative route derived from community meetings#1, 2, &3. '�, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Casino -The Scotts Valley Band of the Pomo Indians propose to establish urban gaming (casino) at the northeast corner of Parr Boulevard and the Richmond Parkway. The 30 acre site and project are currently being reviewed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs which is a division of the Federal Department of Interior. The proposed project calls for a 225,000 square foot building, 25,000 square feet events center, 3,500 parking spaces, and associated gaming. The potential impact of this project is parking and traffic congestion along the Richmond Parkway and Parr Boulevard. It's also the unknown of a project that could conceivably generate huge adverse impacts on a community that needs stability. The intersection of Parr Boulevard and the Richmond Parkway is one of only three County entrances on to the Parkway that connects the trucking community with the outside business world. Any compromise to vehicular traffic on to Parkway, or to the preferred alternative truck route,would be detrimental to the community as a whole and undermine the growth and redevelopment activities being planned for the area. kms.. §34. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH •ND TRUCK ROUTE TRUCKROUTE CONCEPTS Alternative Route Concept CHAPTER 4 - TRUCK ROUTE CONCEPTS This chapter describes the concepts developed to significantly reduce the use of.neighborhood streets by trucks trying to get to either Richmond Parkway or Parr Boulevard. These concepts were developed using the preliminary assessment (Chapter 3) and input from community/ business stakeholders_,and participants in three public meetings. The public provided key input on design elements and other issues, such as economic development and security. A summary of the community outreach process and major themes of feedback received is provided in Chapter 5 of this report. The route was designed in three steps. First, following the preliminary assessment, a route configuration was identified that best met the project's goals: • Minimizing trucks on residential streets and near Verde Elementary • Providing efficient truck access to and from the area • Accommodating for future improvements to the area that could be served. Next an alternative route layout was developed, and finally the street sections were designed. 4.1 ROUTE DESIGN CONCEPTS Two alternatives were identified that include near and long-term improvements. Both design concepts incorporate Contra Costa County's design standards. They include: • Alternative 1, Soto to Parr - Phase 1,(near term) -Signage, Street Design Elements, Enforcement Methods - Phase 2 (long term) -New Construction: Soto Street to Parr Boulevard • Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside - Phase 1 (near term) -Signage, Street Design Elements, Enforcement Methods - Phase 2 (long term) -New Construction: Soto Street to Brookside Street to Third Street to Parr Boulevard 05= FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHIVIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 4 - TRUCK ROUTE CONCEPTS AlternativeRoute Concept 4.1.1 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE-ALTERNATVE 1, SOTO TO PARR AND ALTERNATIVE 2, SOTO TO BROOKSIDE(PHASE 1) Both alternatives include a two phases: Phase 1 (Signage, Street Design Elements, Enforcement) and Phase 2 (New Construction). Phase 1 (Signage, Street Design elements, Enforcement) considered by the community to be particularly important and necessary. Elements of Phase 2 can be added to Phase 1 over time or when funding is available. Phase 1 for both alternatives is illustrated in Figure 4.1 on the following page. Phase 1 involves no new construction and includes utilizing accommodating or restricting street design elements for truck usage. The orange lines indicate the preferred route local trucks are permitted to use for local deliveries. The red lines indicate residential streets that trucks are discouraged to use. Orange lined streets will include the following\street design elements as illustrated in Figure 4.2 below. Elements to accommodate local delivery trucks include route signing, increased corner radii of 20 feet or 30 feet, no parking restrictions near turning corners, and high visibility school crossing intersection sidewalks. Possible locations for such elements include Third Street and Market Street. All other trucks are directed to utilize existing designated truck routes. Figure 4.2-Street Design Elements To Accommodate Local Delivery Trucks. i 36 FINAL REPORT February 2007 4 - T'RUC K RO UTE coral TS D TRUGK RDUTE STUDY -�' MON �r NGRT4 i RiGR to Concep hern e out ativ A ♦ w ^;,T •p.�o-�Y..-i•t• f�fla,.... t�. � !t{�f (���p+�,r_ ��iy �'. ✓ '1�_, }g,. ;-4 C� :. t yr S p y ..,,� 4 riJA1�' "f ar`. S^ t!i� tfi Y'`7%r4�• sar <:_r V , jv fix � � �, -�v s� '� t4�ltt:r}� t tt C/' �}�����: E �'• - � ; y d k •fir �' Vin. �� r };tE�µ�#,fit{� t � ,'� , `` �' --�. ��� t � }t �� •;31 �� � � YS, LE 1� -i( ,xu ��{" � .. .ref wilt !" # ( _L� r�` ,�� �, .. ice• yt.� y�. � .'"• s�-r'. St s��"t`,}+y ,,; • 'iP� � � •i� �t� t", �,r "'r<.....�� �. '�� �� � �'_J � �� , a...-q> ,,,.�°` } •7.� {e ti y �-' r�+'a .._ [ � �'F�'°' � :..tit ����'rk-•.T�t�r� � "_ 'X' �M:- �'`��`t � '��� .a� .�t���>,�•F. ..°.a �.�g y,� �' ai' �• +i;^t..dR+Y} •-.ct -.. C�q-; � �`'y; -I G j� • t In'_"�y.�.--` L,-• � ',� �,,,�„�ri� r ..tx, s,'xfs��'`'`�� 's�t� Y>rt �* s� Lt 1 •. - C"" ,- ."'.,->(-^`" t 1 4 e:� 1l _.K .. 34v _,ti� + }�.� � �;.. e� 1 ��.,+��� y�>'1 "� ,.t � y" ''rt � � � t.�'tib •, � +�. v01 r' ^r . }fat tsr } .y>.,_..� i0 �.' krr `� 1 i "vim' .f�.• ✓` ,..-... l ss f -r Y -'�' /� it a Y �t: •!'' 5 �. ,t` ++. _q. �1s h Y ,'. ,'�; "k, c Fs_ f, tt- �'.a«.� '•� t �J �'�Xl ��� '�' ,ae r`t �,y �2 � ,�v`�-•- 1 +t{ '"'� �:��• � � t�-,k y 4.` � q ..Y� t Ssc.+ t• .. T'L ': a t }r :w. -, �J .".-�' a./ z.r `'~ I• s N.h 3 ....► j c+ •l'�w* ;.- H 1 LA r,67,; va '} --- S = i kh .'�1 1. ;•�.�a _ �' S ���r' 1,l{�• .' i4 � � NORTH RICHNIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 4 - Alternative Route Concept - - • • An example of directional signage to an existing designated truck route is illustrated in Figure 4.3 to the left. TO Red lined streets will include the following street design elements as illustrated in Figure 4.4 below. Elements to restrict trucks through residential streets involve installing truck restriction signing (see TRUCK Figure 4.5) and constructing corner curb bulb-outs with 10 feet ROUTE radii at key residential streets to restrict truck turning movements. Possible locations for such elements include Chesley Street and Hensley Street. Figure 4.4-Street Design Elements To Restrict Non-Local Truck Deliveries Through Residential Streets Figure 4.3-Directional Signage COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OVER 3 TONS PROHIBITED Lt-i LOCAL DELIVERIES EXCEPTED Figure 4.5-Restrictive Signage An example of truck restriction signage for commercial vehicles 3.g through residential areas is illustrated in Figure 4.5 to the left. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICH N40N D�'TRUCK ROUTE STUDY i - TRUCK ROUTE CONCEPTS Alternative Route Concept 4.9.2 PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE-ALTERNATIVE 1, SOTO TO PARR (PHASE 2) The Preferred Alternative -Alternative 1, Soto to Parr (Phase 2) involves new construction from Soto Street to Parr Boulevard. The alignment be on the eastern side of Market Avenue then north.on Soto Street long-the railroad right-of-way, crosses Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek connecting to Parr Boulevard to Richmond Parkway. The following are required for the new construction: • Obtain Soto Street right-of-way from State of California • Obtain easement or permit for additional right-of-way from Union Pacific railroad • Construct a two-lane roadway withlone lane in each direction and sidewalk on west side between Market Street and Parr Boulevard • Construct bridges across Wildcat and San,Pablo Creeks Figure 4.6 on the following page illustrates the alignment and typical sections of Preferred Alternative -Alternative 1, Soto to Parr (Phase 2). Figure 4.7 below illustrates the typical section in detail. The section illustrates two 12 ft. lanes in each direction, a 5 ft. sidewalk, and an 8 ft shoulder. This design provides for a 25 ft. minimum clearance from the railroad tracks to the shoulder. The following are needed to cross San Pablo Creek: Figure 4.7- Typical Section for Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1 Soto to Parr Phase 2 R.R.TRACK 25'MIN 45' CLEARANCE SOTO STREET EXTENSION 3' 8' 112' 12' SHLDR TRAVEL WAY TRAVEL WAY SHLDR SIDE WALK AC DIKE 4"PCC M% 2.0% 2.0% n PNo v PR 1.05'AB,Class 2 0.65'AC,Type A 1.40'ASB,Class 4 D TYPICAL SECTION NOT TO SCALE o 8% grade from Parr Boulevard to reach the required bridge height o 320 ft. long vertical curve for the required stopping sight distance o 200 ft.long bridge span to cross/clear the creek. 39„� o 29 mph speed limit when crossing the bridge. o 12 feet vertical clearance to access flood control structures. The following are needed to cross Wildcat Creek: 0 3.7 to 4%percent grade to reach the required bridge height o 600 ft. long vertical curve for the required stopping sight distance FINAL REPORT February 2007 CL any 1e3fl6w Z _ r _.m=,-_ ,'.— """•"_ {off-rt".. 3 �c� '_�--.'s--,� *!5 - r y 44-1 its cc r, ..e$ L' c �l1:�•":a ���� �+ j ,�l3-.. tit �u. • ac y 1 r 3415; t. , Gi c r. 1 J T i" t•" l t } i s } K 4. Nom{"+' 4 { tit 4• 1 ti yY} M1 ` -}. S* pp.�� Z"dC i j' ten+��`�•?- F 5 t9 71 F a- i lit r Y at pi J 44 LA f 1 � � t C/)Ir LU CL Cc ON QIV- N IgoPAJ u LN J?rari� w z Q ( , NORTH RICHMUNIJ 11 HLICK ROUTE STUDY • ROUTE CONCEPTS Alternative Route Concept o 200 ft. long bridge span to cross/clear the creek. o 42 mph speed limit when crossing the bridge. Alternative 1, Soto to Parr,was selected as the preferred alternative based on community input. This route is the farthest away from the residential areas and Verde Elementary School. The route also avoids topography issues on Brookside, and directly connects with existing designated truck routes. 4.1.3 ALTERNATII/E 2, SOTO TO BROOKSIDE(PHASE 2) Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside (Phase 2) involves new construction from Soto Street to Brookside Drive to Third Street to Parr Boulevard. The alignment begins on the eastern side of Market Avenue then north on Soto Street long the railroad right-of-way, crosses Wildcat Creek turns west onto Brookside Drive, then north to Third Street crossing San Pablo Creek and connecting to Parr Boulevard. The following are required for the new construction ofAlternative 2, Soto to Brookside (Phase 2): o Obtain Soto Street right-of-way from State of California o Obtain easement or permit for additional right-of-way from Union Pacific railroad o Construct two-lane roadway with one lane in each direction and sidewalks on west and east sides between Market Street and Brookside Drive with a bridge across Wildcat Creek o Reconstruct Brookside Drive between Soto Street and Third Street. Figure 4.8 on the following page illustrates the alignment and typical sections of Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside (Phase 2). Figure 4.9 below illustrates the typical section in detail. The section illustrates two 12 ft. lanes in each direction, a 5 ft. sidewalk on both sides, and a 4 to 8 ft shoulder on both sides. Figure 4.9- Typical Section for Alternative 2 Soto to Brookside Phase 2 42'-50' BROOKSIDE/3RD STREET OVERLAY 5' 4'-8' 12' 12' 4'-8' 5' SIDE SHLDR TRAVEL WAY TRAVEL WAY SHLDR SIDE WALK WALK 41 2.0% 2.0% 2-0% 2.0% 0.65'AC,Type A `Existing Pavement TYPICAL SECTION NOT TO SCALE FINAL REPORT February 2007 C/) • E- • a LU U ' Z O U w D O cc Y U cc N Wi `kp_,:�ja - �` �•�,� ,' )) � �"�� � • -�_ (I(n , �� at r�.4+<rP 4��15i� rY � f f`5 ��r-..,.-...t�.__._•E ll,.. Y,J' ,. -f'-,W,r''-,� �` ye L 5 Tit ie �'{@ "' [ �'j'� � �_ U�1• r",®0.E I � S" � ' Y h p „ Eli W r , •._ t_--...._ ad ,�,�p� ----" '_"-' �.,�.y„r....ill w 1 1 1 � r '' ---�-.� ��a_ i, .�■^$! �;�fx �-�tf .�"mss*` _ P! r. iAMPER � s �IM��1 �..,. l� .. . �-,�.`.• 1 ' ., iP .�.,� ..'�;r'� a Vii,^ ��I `?� f��ilk ! ,, ✓/' �s�r � � 1'=�y��¢'�r '��r�r � LU i l�II' LI IV ryi= a �- L- 4•� - :; - Y —,.,-_____-�-- f •-�.._...` -� r:g � � �1 n�¢tr �. .�r,_'_r`% ►��u�i cn��� � sr d NORTH • ROUTE • ROUTE CONCEPTS Alternative Route Concept The following are needed to cross Wildcat Creek: 3.7 to 4% percent grade to reach the required bridge height 600 ft. long vertical curve for the required stopping sight distance o 200 ft. long bridge span to cross/clear the creek. o 42 mph average to cross the bridge. Alternative 2 was not determined to be the preferred alternative based on community input and a residential area to be developed on 500 Pittsburg Avenue, a Signature Properties site. The site is bounded by the Richmond Parkway to the west, Pittsburg Avenue on the north, and Wildcat Creek on the'south. On February 23, 2007, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved a General Plan amendment and Preliminary and Final Development and Residential Plan related to the Nove Property Residential Project (Signature Properties). 4.2 PRELIMINARY CAPITAL COSTS AND FUNDING The preliminary capital cost estimate for the connection to existing designated truck routes is between$15.6 and$22.1 million(2006$) and is included in the Appendix. These estimates are at the project planning level of detail, and are not detailed cost estimates.This preliminary estimate includes construction costs, preliminary and final engineering, environmental studies, and cost of right-of-way acquisition. Cost` estimating assumptions include: • STAA Semi-trailer trucks with 60' turning radius • Match existing profile of Soto Street at Market Avenue • Retaining walls required at both ends of the structures • Utility, drainage and lighting required Figure 4.10-Estimated Breakdown of Capital Costs Preferred Alternative-Alternative 1,Soto to Parr (Phases 1 and 2,Two Bridges) Total Approximate Cost: $22.1 million $6,470,048 .� ❑Construction ❑Planning/Engineering/ Environmental/ROW $15,504,946 Alternative 2,Soto to Brookside 43' (Phases 1 and 2,One Bridge) Total Approximate Cost: $15.6 million $5,116,525 ❑Construction ❑Planning/Engineering/ $10,348,668 Environmental/ROW FINAL REPORT February 2007 TRUCKNORTH RICH I TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 4 - ROUTE CONCEPTS Alternative Route oncept The 2005 Update of the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) provides for$4.0 million for the development of the truck route connection. The North Richmond Road Connection Project is among those whose justification is related to existing conditions and deficiencies as well as needs caused by future growth. This project mainly aims to serve growth in truck traffic resulting from new development in the area. The remaining costs could be,funded by additional Proposition 1B funds are other sources that are yet to be determined. In November 2006, California voters approved Proposition 113, the Highway Safety,Traffic Reduction,Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006. The$19.9 billion transportation infrastructure bond promises to deliver tremendous benefits to the region. Over,a 10-year period, MTC estimates that the Bay Area will receive the following amounts: o Public Transportation Modernization and Improvement: $1.3 billion o Local Streets and Roads: $375 million 0 STIP: $348 million o Proposition 113 provides a potential source of funds that can be used for improvements in North Richmond. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE Alternative Route Co I ncept 5 - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CHAPTER 5 - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 5.1 OBJECTIVES The objective of the outreach process was to actively engage residential, school, faith-based and business communities in a community-based planning process that integrates land use, transportation and community values,with an end result of the development of an alternative truck route that is fully supported by the community and reflective of community values. This goal was accomplished by: © Ensuring that the local community was provided with timely and accurate information about the project and how to participate in the decision making process; • Encouraging representatives from the local community to share their concerns and identify interests and issues'associated with preliminary alternatives; • Utilizing small focus groups and interactive workshop techniques to promote informal, free flowing discussion and collaborative problem solving in a safe environment; ' • Proactively involving under represented groups in the,planning process including the local Hispanic and Vietnamese communities, the senior community and individual residents in a low socio- economic bracket; and • Formally documenting community issues and concerns and tailoring alternative truck route decisions to local community needs. 5.2 PROCESS The project included an intensive and focused public outreach process. Three community meetings were held to formally explain the project, solicit and document public opinion, and gain project support: • Meeting No. 1 - Project Overview and Kick-Off • Meeting No. 2 - Presentation of Preliminary Alternatives and breakout sessions to accept and document public input and comment • Meeting No. 3 - Presentation of the Preferred Alternative. In addition to the community meetings, meetings and interviews were conducted with residents, business owners and representatives,local government officials, and other key stakeholders in order to attract a wide variety of viewpoints. 5.2.1 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS 45 Fifteen percent of the project fees were used to hire community based organizations (CBOs) to assist with organizing,planning, and executing community-wide meetings; crafting of fact sheets and postcards; information dissemination; consensus building, FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 5 - SUMMARY OF PARTICIPATION Alternative Route Concept education and outreach; and the preparation of a final written plan that the local community supports. Four CBOs were contracted with: West County Toxics Coalition, Neighborhood House of North Richmond, Health Neighborhoods Initiative, andAsthma Coalition. These groups were selected because of their extensive local knowledge and day-to-day presence within the North Richmond area, and because community members know and trust these groups. Additionally, the County and consultant team worked closely with the North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council (North Richmond MAC) which is the local advisory body to the CCC Board of Supervisors. The North Richmond MAC was founded in 1986 and consists of six members: four area residents and two business representatives. The CBOs worked with the consultant team to'design an outreach process to educate, engage and involve local residents, local businesses owners and staff,local school representatives, faith-based organizations, local government officials (including adjacent cities), union officials and social organizations, and other key\stakeholders in the truck route decision making process. To ensure local citizenry were adequately notified project information was disseminated via traditional and non-traditional methods that included written project fact sheets and postcards; briefings and presentations to local organizations and homeowners associations; posting in local venues; distribution at community, meetings/local soccer fields/local supermarkets and hospitals; uploads to local city and community organization websites; and dissemination of project information via"word-of-mouth" grapevines. 5.2.2 MAJOR OUTREACH ACT IVMES Table 5.1 presents a summary of the major community outreach activities that were conducted from April 2006 to January 2007. Table 5.1 - Major Outreach Activities Community Outreach Task Date Responsible Party Consultant team kick off meeting May 9,2006 Consultant team, CCC staff Brief North Richmond MAC on project status May 9,2006 Consultant team, CCC staff Develop project mailing list Ongoing Consultant team, CBOs Develop project kick-off fact sheet May 2006 Consultant team, CCC staff 46 Project team kick-off meeting: identify tasks and schedule May 31, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs Key stakeholder meeting: identify project issues, local information Jun 9, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff, key stakeholder groups 2nd project team meeting Jul 19, 2006 Consultant team, CEOs 3rd project team meeting Aug 11,2006 Consultant team, CBOs FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE OF PARTICIPATION Alternative Route Concept Community Outreach Task Date Responsible Party Key stakeholder meeting: draft fact sheet elements; meeting logistics Aug 11, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff, key stakeholder groups 4th project team meeting Aug 15, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs Develop project community fact sheet Aug/Sep 2006 Consultant team, CBOs . 5th project team meeting Aug 21,2006 Consultant team, CBOs Personal letters/invitations to community meeting sent to WCCTAC, Sep 8, 2006 Consultant team Richmond and San Pablo city managers, council members and key project staff informing them of the project, community involvement process and timeline Distribute project fact sheet via email, US mail,Verde Elementary, drop- Sep 8, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs offs at community centers/churches/hospitals, upload to City websites, distribute at other community meetings 6th project team meeting Sep 13, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs Presentation to Verde Elementary parents group Sep 13, 2006 Consultant team 7th project team meeting-dry run Sep 14,2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff Meeting reminder calls to residents and local businesses Sep 18-20, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs Community meeting logistics: room set-up,food, hand-outs, Sep 23, 2006 CBOs breakdown a, Community Meeting No. 1 -Project Kick-off Sep 23,2006 Consultant team;,CBOs, CCC staff 8th project team meeting-debrief Sep 26,2006 Consultant team, LBOs, CCC staff Initiate campaign to increase local business participation; contact 120 Sep/Oct 2006 Consultant team, CBO local businesses via telephone and email;work with San Pablo and Richmond to identify area businesses that use trucks Presentation to local businesses at Overaa Construction offices in North Oct 18, 2006 Consultant team, CCC staff Richmond 9th project team meeting Oct 25, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs Develop 2nd project fact sheet/postcard: one for local residences and Oct 2006 Consultant team, CBOs one for local businesses Meeting announcement sent to WCCTAC, Richmond and San Pablo city Oct 23, 2006 Consultant team managers, council members and key project staff informing them of the project,community involvement process and timeline Distribute 2nd project fact sheet via email, US mail, Verde Elementary, Oct 23, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs drop-offs at community centers/churches/hospitals, upload to City websites, distribute at other community meetings Community members collect truck route data in field Oct 17-23,2006 Consultant team, CBOs Richmond Chamber of Commerce briefing Oct 2006 Consultant team Community meeting logistics: room set-up,food, hand-outs, Nov 6, 2006 CBOs breakdown 2nd community meeting-preliminary alternatives and breakout Nov 6, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff sessions 10th project team meeting-debriefing Nov 9, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff 11th project team meeting Nov 29, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff 47 Develop 3rd project fact sheet/postcard Dec 2006 Consultant team CBOs Meeting with City of Richmond, City of San Pablo,WCCTAC Dec 13, 2006 Consultant team, CCC staff Presentation to Richmond Shoreline Community Advisory Group Dec 19,2006 Consultant team Point Richmond Business Council briefing Jan 2006 Consultant team Article in West County Times about January 22nd meeting Jan 4,2006 Consultant team FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE , . OF PUBLIC . , • Alternative '• - •ncept Community Outreach Task Date Responsible Party Brief North Richmond MAC on project status Jan 9, 2007 Consultant team Meeting with Verde parent group/brief school staff Jan 10, 2006 Consultant team, CBO 12th project team meeting—agenda planning; meeting logistics Jan 11, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff Meeting announcement sent to WCCTAC, Richmond and°San Pablo city Jan 11, 2006 Consultant team managers, council members and key project staff informing them of the project, community involvement process and timeline Distribute 3rd project fact sheet via email, US mail,Verde Elementary, Jan 11, 2006 Consultant team, CBOs drop-offs at community centers/churches/hospitals/stores, deliver to local soccer fields, upload to City websites, distribute at community meetings Community meeting logistics: room set-up,food, hand-outs, Jan 22, 2006 CBOs breakdown 3rd community meeting—presentation of final alternative truck route Jan 22, 2007 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff Meeting with Hispanic community Feb 2007 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff Preparation of final project report Feb 2007 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff Presentation of selected alternative to CCC Board of Supervisors Apr 10, 2007 Consultant team, CBOs, CCC staff 5.3 KEY THEMES The following key themes related to alternative concepts were identified during Community Meetings and Stakeholder Outreach Interviews: • A regional approach must be taken to solve truck traffic issues and the involvement and cooperation of the cities of San Pablo and Richmond is critical to long term success • The community needs immediate relief such as signage and enforcement, while long term truck route options are being funded and constructed • Continual and meaningful enforcement is needed to keep trucks out of the neighborhoods • Easily identifiable signage needs to be implemented on a regional basis (weight limits, ordinances, etc.) • Area residents and local businesses must work collaboratively to solve truck traffic issues • Future planning must consider and weigh both residential and business needs • Local businesses operate in North Richmond and add much to the local economy 5.4 COMMUNITY MEETINGS 48 Three community meetings were held to inform and engage members of the community throughout the study. Meeting announcements, including a project summary,were mailed in Spanish and English to area residents,civic organizations, faith-based groups,local businesses and city/county government. Additionally, the postcards were sent out to a local email list, posted on the City of Richmond and San Pablo's websites, FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMONDI TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 5 - SUMMARY OF • Alternative '• CoIncept handed out to individuals at other community meetings, sent home with Verde Elementary School students, posted in local stores, hospitals, churches and community meeting places, and distributed at other community and local homeowners association meetings. 5.4.1 COMMUNITY MEETING NO. 1 -PROJECT OVERVIEW Saturday, September 23, 2006- 1:00 to 3:00 pm Community Heritage Senior Apartments in North Richmond The purpose of this meeting was to present an overview of the project, solicit local knowledge about area truck traffic and provide an opportunity for the community to provide comments on the project and be involved in the planning process. The first in a series of project fact sheets was sent out to community members prior to the meeting announcing the time, date, and location and explaining the purpose of the study. About 30 membemlof the public attended the meeting, in addition to County, City, and consultant staff. The meeting was facilitated and began with a welcome statement followed by introductions of the project staff and audience members. This was followed by an overview of current and anticipated redevelopment in the North Richmond area. A 15- minute presentation about the truck route study project followed and summarized project objectives, scope,timeline, and existing conditions. The meeting was then opened up for public comments. Members of the public commented for about one-half hour and comments were graphically recorded. Additionally, project comment cards and meeting evaluation forms were provided to all individuals. Key comments include: • North Richmond has a high rate of asthma and any solution needs to be multi-dimensional with both short and long-term solutions. © The project team needs to coordinate with the cities of Richmond and San Pablo and take a regional approach to this project. • Traffic needs to be pushed back to the Richmond Parkway. © There is a need to get local businesses to the table. They don't want to participate in discussions or be part of the solution. • There is a lack of enforcement on trucks going into the 49 neighborhood FINAL.REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND TRUCK HUU I L STUDY 5 - SUMMARY OF . , . • Alternative Route Concept Issues identified include: 1. Need to increase the participation of local businesses. 2. Need to take a regional approach and actively involve the cities of San Pablo and Richmond. 3. Need to look at immediate, short-term solutions as well as long- term fixes. 5.4.2 COMMUNE YMEETING NO. 2 - PRELJMINARYALTERNA77VES Monday,November 6, 2006-4:00 to 7.00 pm Community Heritage SeniorApartments in North Richmond The second meeting for the North Richmond Truck Route Study project was held on a Monday evening.,, The date and time was selected in response to public comments that Saturday meetings were difficult to attend and were not conducive to local business participation. The purpose of Meeting No.2 was to present preliminary assessment information and preliminary truck route alternatives. The meeting was facilitated and opened with a welcome statement followed by introductions of the project staff and audience members. A twenty minute presentation provided a brief project overview, traffic data gathered to date, and information on vehicle emissions. Two alternative truck routes were presented during Community Meeting No. 2 which included the following: • Alternative 1-No New Construction, Market Avenue to Third Street, includes signage, street design elements, and enforcement measures. • Alternative 2-New Construction, Market Avenue to Soto Street,' to Brookside (with extension to Giant) to Third Street to Parr Boulevard and/or to Pittsburgh heading west to Richmond Parkway. Meeting attendees were divided into two breakout groups to discuss the following: o What are the pros and cons of the potential alternatives? o Do the potential alternatives provide efficient local truck access? ® Are their changes that will make the potential alternatives better? o Which alternative, or combination of alternatives, can you 50 support and why? 5.5.2.1 Breakout Session Findings Representatives of the County, City of San Pablo and Richmond, community and local businesses and each CBO were present at each table. The pros and cons of each alternative were FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHMOND I TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 5 - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Alternative Route Concept Figure 5.1 -Community Meeting No.2 discussed amongst the table members and comments were graphically recorded by a facilitator. One member from l each of the breakout sessions reported back to the group on u the table's discussion. Both groups agreed that elements in Alternative One could be easily implemented h and would offer some �immediate relief from truck traffic. It was seen as a good starting place, with signage and more enforcement serving as interirri�,measures. Alternative Two was seen as a favorable concept by both groups. This extension would get truck traffic off of Market Avenue and would be attractive and easily navigable for big-rig trucks. Both groups agreed that this solution should be developed,further as part of this project, funding opportunities identified, and next steps developed. In the interim,Alternative 1-Market Avenue to Third Street,which included signage and enforcement, options should be pursued. Key comments include: ® Alternative 2,Market Avenue to Soto Street, to Brookside (with extension to Giant) to Third Street to Parr Boulevard`,. and/or to Pittsburgh heading west to Richmond Parkway, is preferred compared to Alternative 1, Signage/Street Design Elements/Enforcement on Market Street to Third Street because it keeps trucks away from residential areas and children. • Alternative 2 is easy to drive and attractive but expensive. • Need a combination of Alternative 1 (immediate relief from signage/enforcement) and Alternative 2 (long-term fix). Education and alternative fuel options need to be explored as well. • Develop alternatives into phases 51 • Incorporate safe crossing improvements in Alternative 1 • Funding options include WCCTAC,Measure J, and additional Caltrans grants. • Alternative 1 is inexpensive and easy to implement,but still includes Market Street which is utilized by small children FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH RICHIVIOND�TRUCK ROUTE STUDY 5 - SUMMARY OF • Alternative Route Concept Issues identified: 1. Residential safety and lessening impacts, particularly keeping local children safe, is the number one priority. 2:.Combination of Alternatives 1 and 2 are the most attractive: need short- and long-term relief. 3. Residential and business community need to support project to ensure future funding. 5.4.3 COMMUNITY MEETING NO. 3-PRESENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE TRUCK ROUTE Monday,January 22,2006-5:00 pm to 7.00 pm Community Heritage SeniorApartments in North Richmond The purpose of the third and final meetingwas to provide the community with a final opportunity to discuss and comment on the alternatives that were developed based on technical data, as informed by community input. As a result of Meeting No. 2, two revised alternatives were presented which included: • Alternative 1, Soto to Parr-This alternative includes favorable concepts discussed in meeting#2 such as signage,'street design elements and enforcement. The connection also involves new construction along Soto Street,viewed as a favorable connection to Parr Boulevard. - Phase 1 - Market Street to Third Street (Signage, Street•Design Elements, and Enforcement) - Phase 2 - New Construction on Soto to Parr Boulevard • Alternative 2, Soto to Brookside -This alternative includes favorable concepts discussed in meeting#2 such as signage, street design elements and enforcement. The connection also involves new construction along Soto Street, to Brookside Avenue to Third Street to Parr Boulevard. The Pittsburg Avenue segment was not included based on plans for future development in the area. The extension from Brookside Avenue to Rumrill Boulevard was not included based on topography issues at Brookside and along the railroad tracks. - Phase 1 - Market Street to Third Street (Signage, Street Design Elements, and Enforcement) - Phase 2 - New Construction on Soto Street to Brookside Avenue to Third Street to Parr Boulevard 52 About 30 members of the public attended the meeting, in addition to County, City, and consultant staff. The meeting was facilitated and began with a welcome statement followed by introductions of the project staff and audience members. This was followed by a 15-minute presentation about the selected truck route,design parameters, and implementation schedule. FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE Alternative Route Concept 5 - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The meeting was then opened up for public comments. Members of the public commented for about one-half hour and comments were graphically recorded. Additionally, project comment cards and meeting evaluation forms were provided to all individuals. Alternative 1,Soto Street to Parr Boulevard was identified as the preferred alternative based on distance from Verde Elementary School and residential areas. Alternative 2, Soto Street to Brookside Avenue is near a future residential area (Signature Properties). Key Comments: ® Bay Trail might benefit/receive enhancements for access to trail o New Soto Road extension; lots of foot traffic and sidewalks should be considered for safety. ® Soto Road extension would be used by pedestrians and semi- trucks. Design parameters so trucks and pedestrians can co-exist and operate safely. ® Alternative 1 and 2 pass by the Head Start dayc re, facility located at the intersection of Soto and Brookside. Need to"'account for children's safety and health. ® There will be an increase in truck traffic with new developments and businesses in the area. Trucks associated with new developments need to use designated truck routes. o County has a responsibility to local businesses to make North Richmond a viable place to work. o WCCTAC has earmarked$4 million for the design and construction of the North Richmond Truck Route project. This, will not coverall the costs which.are anticipated to be$20-25 million-but transportation projects have multiple funding sources and projects that have funds usually receive more. 5.5 KEY STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS The project team met with various community stakeholders throughout the project to gain insight into local concerns and provide progress updates. A summary of these meetings and/or presentations is provided below: 5.5.1 STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS June 9,August 11, October 20,January 5,2006 53 Meetings were held with key stakeholders throughout the project. Attendees at the key stakeholder meetings included CCC staff, Supervisor Gioia's office, project team staff, and representatives of the following organizations: CCC Asthma Coalition,Pacific Institute, CCC Health Services, Community Health Initiative, North Richmond MAC, Neighborhood House of North Richmond, Community FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE • • Alternative '• - •ncept Housing Development, Richmond Interfaith Council, and St. Mary's College. At the first meeting it was agreed at that community outreach would consist of three general tasks: 1. Identify all`aspects of the community that need to be informed so they have an opportunity to participate 2. Work with CBOs to execute portions of the work, 3. Educate all segments of the community(businesses,local jurisdictions, residents) on why this study is being conducted and the importance of community involvement. Project fact sheet content and design were discussed and written and design elements for all communiques were agreed upon. Community outreach tasks were then identified and roles assigned, action items and an associated schedule were agreed upon, and a future meeting was set. At the second meeting the project fact sheet was reviewed and a distribution plan for the fact sheet was discussed. CBOs reported back to the group on plans for the community meeting including information on the meeting location, set-up, food, and hand-outs. A date for the first community meeting was agreed upon and action items summarized. �y Subsequent meetings were held to plan and organize for community meetings. 5.5.2 MEETING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES Wednesday, October 18,2006-12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Overaa Construction Headquarters in North Richmond In response to community requests, the project team increased outreach efforts to local businesses. As part of this effort, 120 businesses that operate in the North Richmond area were contacted via telephone and email and asked to participate in a noon meeting to discuss the project and provide input from a local business perspective. The meeting location and time was selected to facilitate local business attendance. Ten representatives of local businesses attended the meeting and provided input as well as assurances that they would let other local businesses know about the project. Key issues identified included: 54 1. Meetings need to be held on weekdays to increase business attendance 2. Local businesses provide value to the community and need to learn to co-exist with residential areas FINAL REPORT February 2007 ROUTE NORTH RICHN5 - SUMMARY OF PUBLIC Alternative Route Concept 3. Local businesses are supportive of an alternative truck route but the route needs to be made clear to truckers 4. Truckers often get lost in the North Richmond area and cannot find an immediate way out 5. Richmond Parkway is often congested and the lights make it hard to navigate=`lights should be coordinated to be seamless to make this alternative route more attractive 6. Local signage needs to be improved especially on I-580 7. Local businesses want to be good neighbors but often the technology is not there to lower emissions 8. Local businesses want.to participate but need to do so in a forum that feels "safe" and not like they are,the "bad guys." 5.5.3 MEE77NG WITH CMES OF RICHMOND AND SAN PABLO A meeting with the City of Richmond, City of San Pablo, and the Contra Costa County Flood District occurred on December 13, 2006. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on this project. A brief overview was presented as well as the results from Community Meetings#1 and#2. The two alternatives were presented as a result of Community Meeting#2. Comments from the meeting revolved around enforcement issues,jurisdiction collaboration, and additional funding sources. Comments included: o There is little traffic enforcement in North Richmond. There needs to be a regional traffic enforcement approach. One idea involves identifying officers that need training and having officers focus on North Richmond. Need people to train. The City of'', Richmond does not have enforcement. The California Highway Patrol currently is responsible for this but their focus is on the highway. Cameras will not work as individuals will shoot them down. o Regarding the alternatives - Both alternatives sound like good options. Be aware that the street is steep off of Brookside Drive near the railroad. Trucks get caught on the tracks and there is little room to accommodate for trucks. o Regarding environmental impacts -The alternative with extending Soto Street to cross the creek is feasible. Building a bridge would provide an access road for the creek channel. There is not much vegetation so this should not be an issue. 5 Participants included staff from the City of Richmond, City of San Pablo, Contra Costa County Flood District, and the San Pablo Police Department. FINAL REPORT February 2007 i NORTH RICHMOND TRUCK ROUTE STUDY Alternative Route Co ncept 5.5.4 PROJECT AREA MAILJNG UST As part of this project, a comprehensive mailing list that includes over 2,.000 entries has been developed. This list includes property owners and residents within the unincorporated area of North Richmond, area businesses,local schools, churches, and special interest groups; public agencies; environmental groups; and city, state, and federal elected officials. Information for the mailing list was obtained through a title company, Contra Costa County and the cities of Richmond and San Pablo, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, internet research, a vicinity tour, input from community members, community meeting sign-in sheets, and property information from the county assessor's office. The mailing list will be updated prior to each mailing to ensure the information is current. Additionally, the list,will be updated continually with the names and contact information of individuals that specifically request to be added to the list. An email list with close to 50 addresses has been prepared for the project and includes representatives of the county and neighboring cities, local businesses, community members and local social service and faith organizations. 5.5.5 COMMUNITY MEETING AGENDAS, PRESENTA71ONS AND COMMENTS Copies of the agendas, presentations, and graphically recorded public comments for each of the three community meetings are included in the Appendix. 1' 56 FINAL REPORT February 2007 '• NORTH • Alternative Route Concept CHAPTER 6 - NEXT STEPS The following is a description of the next steps for the development of a route for trucks to connect to existing designated truck routes. 6.1 PLANNING- ,,_ To supplement the-information in the North Richmond Alternative Truck Route Study, additional planning information will be collected and analyzed. A preliminary funding plan will be developed based on the STMP, and related prioritization programs for this project. 6.2 PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING Once planning tasks are complete, preliminary engineering and environmental assessment of Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be conducted. This includes: o Route/Street Layout and Design-Develop route/street layout with enough detail for environmental assessment. o Enforcement Methods-Investigate possible arrangements,with City of San Pablo Police for providing enforcement. o Execute required policy and code changes 6.3 POLICY BODY ACTIONS Following the refinement of route layout/street designs, cost estimates, and funding plans, the project will be presented to various policy boards, including the City of Richmond, City of San Pablo and West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee,for policy-level approval to proceed with the route connection development and funding plans. The CBOs will continue to support the project and future funding through a letter writing campaign and by attending the Board of Supervisors meeting in April. 6.4 LOW COST IMPROVEMENTS Low-cost signage and street design elements will be developed and could be implemented following policy body approvals while environmental studies and final design of the route connection are underway. 6.5 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW/CLEARANCE 6.5.1 NEPAJCEQA REQUIREMENTS Based on the scope of the identified environmental issues, it is 57 anticipated that an Initial Study/Expanded Negative Declaration could be prepared for state environmental review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and that an Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact could be prepared for federal requirements under the National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA). FINAL REPORT February 2007 NORTH • ROUTE 6 - NEXT STEPS Alternative Route Concept 6.5.2 PERMITS As part of the environmental review and project approval process, the County would potentially need to secure the following permits. Table 6.1 -Permit Requirements i Permits/Approvals Jurisdiction Purpose/Regulation Department of Fish and Game State Streambed Alteration Agreement Regional Water Quality Control Board Regional National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Army Corps of Engineers Federal Nationwide Permit Operations and Maintenance Branch UP Railroad Private Encroachment Permit and/ or transfer of right-of-way ownership to County Contra Costa County County Construction permits;street dedication Private Property Owners State Possible transfer of right-of-way ownership to County 6.5.3 OTHER TECHNICAL STUDIES Technical background studies may be required for the project to support the conclusions or recommendations of environmental documents or to secure permits. These include a biological assessment, tree survey, and Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. Other studies could also be required for preliminary and final engineering purposes. 58- FINAL REPORT February 2007