HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_2021-01-12_MinutesPUBLIC COMMENT PROVIDED BY EMAIL
C. MANAGEMENT REPORTS
Item C-1
SUBMISSION FROM: Victoria Carranza
From: Victoria Carranza <vrcarranza@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 3:41 PM
To: City Clerk <cityclerk@atascadero.org>
Subject: Public Comment for Item C1
My name is Victoria Carranza. I am a homeowner, young mother, and bicyclist in Atascadero.
When I look at the ways in which public safety and health can be improved, I think about quality
of life and environment, equity around low cost transportation options, and accessibility to safe
and connected streets. A big challenge to recreating and commuting on foot or by bike are
traffic collisions and heat related illnesses. There is an intersection to be made between trees
and bikes. I’d like to advocate funding for streets that cool our town, quite literally, and make it
more pleasant and safe to commute long distances on. What are some low cost steps we can
take now as a city to increase and maintain tree plantings and bicycle safety and riding? What
are some long term goals as we continue to satisfy top priorities and strategically execute
already planned projects with Measure D-20 funds?
Why should bikes and street trees be a priority now? Recent content requirements for general
plan updates focus on: Inclusive Roadway Design for Multiple Users called Complete Streets
(AB 1358), Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 40% in 2030 from their 2020 levels
through land use and mobility policy and programs (AB 32, SB 97, S-13-08), and Environmental
Justice linked to Disadvantaged Communities (SB 1000). These all contribute to a healthier
community for a more walkable, safer, cleaner, and efficient way for citizens and visitors alike to
get around Atascadero.
Also, the City could concentrate on implementing goals from the existing Downtown
Enhancement Improvement Plan adopted in August 2020. The City staff have done a thorough
job seeking community input about the “road diets”, traffic and safety, and placemaking in the
plan. I believe grants are being submitted and searched for to fund some or all of the goals. Are
there specific goals in the Downtown Plan that can be funded by Measure D-20 around bike
safety and shade trees now? Are there other slated projects such as road and curbside
construction that can incorporate bike strips and tree plantings and be additionally funded
through D-20?
A “wish list” of options city-wide that I would like to see prioritized, ranging from low cost to
complex, include: painting green bike lane strips in key trafficked areas, street tree maintenance
and planting, connecting bike lanes to a safe path and extending existing bike paths (especially
the one on Hwy 41 toward High School and Downtown), kiosk of bike route maps and digital
access to them, funding self service bike tool stations in key trafficked more urban areas of
town, and looking into bike share programs with discounts for low-income.
--
Victoria Rose Carranza
(805) 459-6752
www.facebook.com/victoria.r.carranza
"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you
because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." ~Roald Dahl