Loading...
SCTF 10-02-01Approved Minutes of Meeting Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Study Areas C &D - Trail Alignment Recommendations Tuesday, October 2, 2001 ATTENDANCE: Task Force Members Present Jeanne Bradford, Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Susie Brain, Friends of Stevens Creek Trail Craig Breon, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (departed early) John Buenz, Meadows Home Owners Association David Greenstein, Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Mary Jo Gunderson, Linda Vista Neighborhood Scott Hathaway, Deep Cliff Golf Course Steve Haze, Cupertino Historical Society Beez Jones, Stevens Creek Canyon Homeowners John Kolski, Stevens Creek Quarry Richard Lowenthal, Cupertino City Council Task Force Members Absent Ann Cleaver, Meadows Home Owners Association Dave Constant, Cupertino Swim & Racquet Club John Giovanola, Hanson Permanente Cement Chuck Noble, Scenic Circle Neighborhood Staff Members Therese Ambrosi Smith, Director, Parks and Recreation Mike O'Dowd, Recreation Supervisor, Blackberry Farm Marie Preston, Parks and Recreation Admin. Secretary Consultants Jana Sokale, Environmental Planner Bruce Hill, Landscape Architect II. III. Call to Order David Greenstein, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Meeting Minutes The minutes of July 24, 2001 were unanimously approved Oral Communications (items not on the agenda) - None City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2, 2001 Page 2 IV. Old Business The CEQA process was discussed. The draft environmental document is expected sometime in January/February 2002. It will be circulated to the public for a 30-day review period. The Planning Commission and the City Council will need to review the document. All public comments are required to be responded to in a final environmental document, which is accompanied by a mitigation-monitoring plan. The Task Force could disband as planned in November, or they could decide in November to recess until the draft environment document is ready and review it. Parks and Recreation Commission will be receiving the draft feasibility report for their December 6, 2001 meeting. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed that the Task Force would convene one more time, after the November meeting, to provide input to the environmental review process, but not to interfere or slow down the review process with the Planning Commission. The meeting would be scheduled to fit into the process so that the Task Force's comments would still be applicable and could be forwarded on to the Planning Commission. Study Area C - Selection of Trail Alignments - Linda Vista Park through McClellan Ranch to Blackberry Farm Jana Sokale and Bruce Hill gave overviews of Study Area C, described the changes to the recommended alignments, and gave details of trail alignment construction aspects. Updated maps and text from the Linda Vista Park neighborhood meetings were made available to attending public. Jana Sokale reported that the Linda Vista Park neighbors, attending two community meetings, were 50/50 in support of the trail. There was overwhelming support for a grade-separated undercrossing at McClellan Road. Most neighbors would be more supportive of a single-use trail, although there were some neighbors who wanted a multi-purpose trail through Linda Vista Park. Mary Jo stated that the Linda Vista Park neighbors approved of the trail design solutions used along the haul. She stated that their concerns about security, privacy, and views were addressed very well. There is a general feeling that the recommended alignment through the park is positive and City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2. 2001 Page preserves much of the park's character. The surface material still needs to be addressed. Parking issues remain a major concern to the neighbors. The concern is that the trail will bring in more vehicular traffic. She also stated that if there was a walking path over the arroyo at least south of McClellan Ranch that the neighborhood could live with that. Jana Sokale and Bruce Hill answered clarifying questions of the Task Force. Public Comments Barry Feeley, 22043 Baxley Ct., does not support the trail. He believes there is a trail that already connects the bay to the ocean, making this trail unnecessary. He believes most residents will not to use the trail because bicyclists will overwhelm the trail. He supports only a walk-only trail through the Linda Vista Park. Usage of bathrooms will increase; security will have to be developed. Henry PastoreIli, 1207 Lisa Ct., Los Altos (Los Altos Bicycle Advisory Committee), spoke of the benefits of the trail to the community and homeowners' property values that live nearby the trail. Paul Metz spoke in favor of grade separations and off-street alignments. He likes the idea of the raised walkway if it means saving trees. The surface traction needs to be considered to prevent slippery surface after rain. He likes the idea of paving Areas C and D. He asked that consideration be given to closing the dirt section south of Linda Vista Park to mountain bicyclists on weekends only - this could help alleviate some parking problems on weekends. Craig Cummings stated that the trail through Linda Vista Park will be walking only to minimize parking and traffic problems. Until these problems are addressed, he does no believe the trail is feasible through this area at this time. He suggested a traffic study be made of possible trail usage in this area. In response to Jeanne Bradford's question, Mr. Cummings agreed that the opinion of the Linda Vista neighborhood is that if the trail were single-use, the parking problem would be considered solved, or at the very least, it would be helped a great deal. Fred Stanke, 22873 Longdown Rd., supports multi-use trails. He believes the trail would be a wonderful addition to Cupertino. If bike access is allowed in both directions, he would not use his car to get to the trail; he and his family City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2, 2001 Page 4 would either walk, bike, or roller blade. He suggested including curves to reduce speed on trails Cornelia Woodworth, lives near Linda Vista Park and fully supports a multi- use Stevens Creek Trail. Aaron Grossman, Mountain View resident, stated that his experience of living near the Stevens Creek Trail has been positive. By his observations, undesirables leave the area because of the trail users. Multi-use trails benefit the whole community. Steven Patt, uses Linda Vista Park and is supportive of multi-trail use alignments. He would like the Task Force to approach the County of Santa Clara to eliminate the park use fee at Stevens Creek County Park. He would like to see a soft trail surface. He would like trail near haul road to be 5' to make it easier to wind around trees. He believes boardwalk might be intrusive to the view of the golfers. |udy Hogin, 11067 Linda Vista Dr., promotes a single-use only pathway. This type of path would hold down traffic and parked cars. She doesn't want Linda Vista Park to have a staging area. Virginia Fanelli, Canyon Heights Academy, stated they feel the trail is a wonderful community opportunity and are willing to work with the Linda Vista neighbors to make sure it is a benefit to the neighborhood. To help alleviate some parking concerns, Canyon Heights Academy has offered a staging area on their property. Access to this area would be via Stevens Canyon Road. Dana Drysdale, 21767 Terrace Dr., spoke in favor of a multi-use trail. He has visited all County parks on the west side of Cupertino and discovered that the majority of people are not from any adjoining community. He also found out that at Rancho San Antonio County Park, parking is nearly impossible during the week. Elizabeth Barkley, Linda Vista Park resident, met with a group of six other homeowners on Linda Vista Drive who feel strongly that they are opposed to the trail. However, they feel that they have made and are willing to make a compromise by making it a single-use trail. They understand that mountain bikers are an under-represented and under-served community, but from their City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2, 2001 Page 5 perspective, it is too difficult for parking and safety issues to have a multi-use trail. lim Hall, lives in Linda Vista Park area, stated the Linda Vista Park originally was a community park, not a neighborhood park. He supports a multi-use trail. He likes the idea of the boardwalk design by the haul road. Kevin Jackson, 1557 Fraser Drive, SunnyvaleL fully supports the trail. Believes giving people transportation choices is the way to go, and is supportive of the Task Force. Alex Tsui, 21975 San Fernando Ave. (lives next to Blackberry Farm entrance), raised many concerns about a possible alignment going by his home (Study Area D). He would like a neighborhood outreach meeting for his neighborhood. Jana Sokale and Therese addressed clarifying questions by the public and Task Force. ACTION: A motion was made and second and unanimously approved to accept the proposed alignment changes; that the boardwalk option of the trail be accepted; that the decision about the surface and usage of the trail in Study Area C be postponed until we have facts derived from a study; and that we seek an alternative to the underpass to McClellan Road that would avoid the loss of large trees. Study Area D - Blackberry Farm Entrance and Trail Fencing Jana Sokale gave an overview of the Study Area D alignment changes. She reported that the property ownership surrounding Varian Park has been researched and the property and/or easements thought to belong to the city were privately owned. With this information, the Varian Park spur has been eliminated from all maps and further consideration. Bruce Hill described preliminary design options for the Blackberry Farm entrance. He also answered clarifying questions regarding proposed designs. Mr. Tsai, neighbor to Blackberry Farm, stated his concerns that the proposed bridge would interfere with his home's view and sense of security. Even though it was City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2, 2001 Page 6 explained that the design is such that the bridge is below the home, Mr. Tsai had serious doubts. Jana Sokale summarized the consultants' recommendations about the design options as: Accept the modifications to the Blackberry Farm entrance, which includes a new kiosk, trail access out to Byrne, the trestle bridge as a grade separated crossing to preserve both vehicle entries into the park, portions of the boardwalk concept up to the trestle · Accept the idea that we will probably be double fencing, which means fencing along the level portion of the trail very similar to that which is potentially along the haul road with curved fencing, a screen fence with stone columns, and wire screening with vines growing on it. Any height can be specified, probably needs to be approximately 36". · Reiterated the elimination of the Varian Park spur from any further considerations · Recommend that Blackberry Farm be used as a staging area · Additional details can be provided regarding the trestle design and trail screening · Will look at possible alternative crossing of Stevens Creek Blvd. at Mann Drive - there is an old road that goes within 50' of Mann Drive intersection. Public Comment Lynn Bonicelli, 10191 Phar Lap Dr., does not believe that a signal light at Phar Lap would be appropriate, as the street crossing would be at the bottom of a steep hill. Many cars are speeding due to the steep grade, and a light would only create traffic problems and would potentially cause accidents. Would prefer that the Task Force look at another alternative to this street crossing location. Also, since the Varian Spur has been eliminated, the street crossing light may not be necessary at that spot. Lyman Black, Scenic Blvd., speaking for a group living near Scenic Blvd., stated the following: · Believes there has been a rush to validate predetermined conclusions without time to look at other alternatives · Believes there has not been much outreach to the Phar Lap, Meadows, Scenic Circle, Scenic Blvd., and San Fernando · Stated that the Task Force has stated it cannot deviate from its predefined alignments. City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes of October 2, 2001 Page 7 · Reported that a petition of approximately 140 residents asking the city to give authorization and direct the Task Force to look at other alignments was presented to the City Council. · Gave overhead presentation that was given to the City Council the night before · Group is not against the trail - many use trails, streets, and parks for recreation · Concerned with safety, privacy, rights of the creek side property owners, and environmental impacts · Offered alternatives, which were on private land and city streets · Stated that when homeowners adjacent to Blackberry purchased property, there was no mention of this kind of public trail - this raises the potential for liability and litigation. · Requested concerns are addressed before any more recommendations are made. Dale Compton, is not supportive of creating a separation of users at Blackberry Farm. Traffic around Blackberry Farm is at slower speeds than on other streets. Recommends there should be another way to address the Blackberry Farm structure/separation. lim Hall, supportive of trail alignments. Jana Sokale clarified the Task Force's scope of work, which was to look at the feasibility of a trail, essentially within the public open space along the creek corridor, and then to look at streets if an alignment or sections of the alignment within the corridor were not technically feasible. It didn't mean Cupertino was going to build the trail, but the City Council wanted to know if it was possible to build a trail. In response to the presentation by Mr. Lyman, which he also gave at the October 1 City Council meeting, Richard Lowenthal described the course for petitions that are presented to the City Council. He stated that staff would review the petition. If it were decided to return it for council for action, it would take approximately one month to get it on the city council's agenda and then another month for them to act on it. Therese offered an opportunity to meet with Area D residents to hear their concerns. Action: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to have Therese set up a meeting with the petition signers and explain the history and hear their views. City of Cupertino Stevens Creek Trail Task Force Minutes o£ October 2, 2001 Page 8 Action: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed that there be no further discussion on the Varian Park spur and that it be eliminated and abandoned. Announcements Jeanne Bradford reported on the Parks and Recreation Commission walked portions of the Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View, as well as portions of Study Areas C and D in Cupertino. Jeanne would like to ask S~. Shervin~on to share his report on trail crime statistics and securi~ issues to the Task Force at a future meeting. VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. to the next trail meeting will be held October 30 at 7:00 PM at he Cupertino Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Marie Preston, Recording Secretary