Exhibit CC 06-21-2016 Item No. 15 Written CommunicationsSAN T A C L ARA
Valley Transportation Authority
June 21, 2016
Mayor Barry Chang and Cupertino City Council Members
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
RE: Joint Cities Coordinated Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Dear Mayor Chang and City Council Members:
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority commends the Joint Cities Working Team, Citizens
Working Group and city staff for developing a thorough and useful feasibility study for the
extension of Stevens Creek Trail. We support the reconrn1endations of the Coordinated Stevens
Creek Trnil Fea s ibility Study, and look forward to working with Cupertino and other involved
agencies in bringing the recommendations of the feasibility study to fruition.
The existing section of Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View connects residents to jobs in
North Bay shore and provides grade-separated crossings of El Camino Real , Caltrain, Central
Expressway and Highway 101 . The trail is a major transportation asset and a main reason why
employers in North Bayshore see unusually high rates of bicycle commuting. Extending Stevens
Creek Trail south to Cupertino would make biking to work a viable alternative for thousands of
residents .
The sh1dy recommendations support VT A 's long range planning. VT A 's Countyw;de Bicycle
Plan (2008) identifies Stevens Creek Trail as a Cross County Bicycle Corridor and 1-280
between Foothill Expressway and Mary A venue as a site for a new Across Barrier Connection.
We note that the feasibility study does not make a recommendation for Segment 3: Homestead
Road to Stevens Creek Boulevard, due to the uncertain feasibility of the various options for
crossing I-280. Despite its challenges , this connection is a very important one to complete. We
recommend moving forward with additional review of this location and identification of a
preferred alternative as a near-term next step.
Sincerely,
f!owv~l/~ 0-1e~
Lauren Ledbette/, Senior Transportation Planner
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Cc: Timm Borden , Director of Public Works
David Stillman , Senior Engineer
3331 North First Str eet· San Jose, CA 95 13 4·1927 · Admini strution 408.321.5555 ·C ustomer Serv ic e 408 .321.2300
Grace Schmidt
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Pat Dowd >
Saturday, June 18, 2016 10:18 AM
City Council
Grace Schmidt
Agenda Item: SCT Feasibility Study
trail letter.doc
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council , this email includes a
letter concerning an agenda item for your 6/21/16 meeting . I will be
mailing the original , signed copy to the City Clerk for the city's
records.
Pat Dowd
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
June 17, 2016
Re: Item 15: Joint Cities Coordinated Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Dear Mayor Chang and Members of the City Council:
The purpose of this letter is to ask the City Council to clarify that the Joint Cities
Coordinated Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study before them at the 6/21116 Council
Meeting accurately reflects the recommendations of the Joint Cities Working Team. The
process regarding this study began in 2009 when a coordination committee was formed, a
funding agreement was entered into and the Joint Cities Working Team was created. In
2011 a Citizens Working Group was formed to review the teclmical findings of the
Feasibility Study and to serve in an advisory role to the JCWT. Public hearings were held
and community input was received. In 2015 the JCWT was tasked with making preferred
alignment recommendations upon the conclusion of the public input. Concerning
Segment 3 of the Study (Homestead Road to Stevens Creek Blvd.) the "JCWT did not
select one of the alternatives as a preferred route tlu·ough this area because the feasible
routes that were identified in the study had major drawbacks which included, in part: The
route required a new crossing of Interstate 280 and relied on the use of quiet residential
streets to make the connections, which was opposed by local residents . Instead, the
JCWT articulated a long-tenn vision that trail routes continue to be evaluated as
conditions change in the area or land availability changes" (statements from the 6/21116
staff report). The JCWT agreed that should circumstances change regarding the
availability of land in the area (i .e. the UPR right-of-way), further studies should be
undertaken to identify a feasible route (from page 5 of the Feasibility Study). The JCWT
also recommended that the cities reach out proactively to Caltrans and the VTA to
express that bike and pedestrian accesses tlu·ough the interchange (the I-280/State Route
85 interchange if rebuilt) is a community priority and discourage any modifications that
may limit future improvements (from page 5 of the Feasibility Study).
We would like to reiterate one of the above statements : The JCWT did not select one of
the alternatives as a preferred route tlu·ough this area . There is no preferred route in the
Feasibility Report before Council. We have seen a copy of the letter recently sent out by
the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail. In this letter they state that after tlu·ee years of work
the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study has identified a set of feasible routes to c01mect
the existing Mountain View trail segment to th e existing segment in Cupe1iino. One of
the feasible routes they identify is th e Max in e/Caro line/new b1idge or existing tunnel
crossing 280/Madera/Phar Lap. They are asking Council to accept the Stevens Creek
Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine/Caroline/bridge or tunnel/Madera/Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the
Water Dist1ict to include it in any plans to modify the 85 /280 Foothill interchange.
To say we are confused is an understatement. We thought a process had been followed to
study and review and make recommendations on the Stevens Creek Trail issue. After all
of the staff discussions, the public hearings and the public input, the final
recommendations were made by the JCWT to be presented to the four cities included in
the study. This process was followed in good faith by all involved and to include wording
and options that were reviewed but not included in the final recommendations is not
acceptable.
Thank you for your consideration of our comments.
Sincerely,
Patricia M . Dowd
John M. Gatto
(Cuperiino Mayor
1982 and 1987)
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:45 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail meeting
From: David Navarro [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2016 10:35 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail meeting
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
We need a trail route that avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure. Please accept the Stevens
Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine I Caroline I
bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 / 280 I Foothill interchange. This route attracts children and families and protects them .
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds
friendlier neighborhoods , and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration .
Sincerely,
David Navarro San Jose
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay -Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:46 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW : Stevens Creek Trail meeting
From: David Navarro [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2016 10:39 AM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail meeting
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
We need a trail route that avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure. Please accept the Stevens
Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine I Caroline I
bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to ·
modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. This route attracts children and families and protects them . This route
reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health , builds friendlier
neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming. The more creek trail we can create for our city the more growth we
encourage. It gives people something to do and helps them make healthier decisions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Navarro San Jose
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:46 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Creek trail
From: jason samson [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2016 11:10 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Creek trail
Honorable Cupertino City Council ,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it
in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances
property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds friendlier neighborhoods , and helps reduce global
warmmg.
As a local b iker I believe our city can use an improvement to our current bike trails. This proposed increase i s just the
thing we need to improve the biking potential in the San Jose area.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jason Samson San Jose
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:46 AM
City Clerk
FW: Bike trail improvements
From: Marianna Samson [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2016 12:59 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike trail improvements
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine/
Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime,
improves people's health, builds friendlier neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming.
As a local biker I believe our city can use an improvement to our current bike trails . This proposed increase is just the thing we
need to improve the biking potential in the San Jose area.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Marianna Samson
Saratoga
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:46 AM
City Clerk
FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: Paul Cothenet [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2016 1:41 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
I've been a delighted user of the Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View for the past 5 years . Last year, I started commuting to
Cupertino (on weekdays and weekends) and became really frustrated by the lack of safe options for cyclists.
I would like to ask you to please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe
and attractive Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include
it in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange.
This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of exi sting infrastructure. It would be the safest option for children, families and
residents of all kind.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime , improves people 's health, builds friendlier
neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration .
Sincerely,
Paul Cothenet, Mountain View
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:47 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Steven Creek Trail.
From: Schuyler Zandbergen [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 9:06 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Steven Creek Trail.
Cupertino City Council:
I'd like you to accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and to chose the safe Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap
route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange.
When I bike I do so on almost exclusively on dedicated trails, not in bike lanes. The cars take much of my attention as they outmass me by an
order of magnitude and move far faster than me.
I believe that a dedicated path between Homestead and Stevens Creek is the safer
and more enjoyable option.
Schuyler Zamdbergen, amateur bicyclist.
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:47 AM
City Clerk
FW : Please support the SCT study and JCWT recommendations
From: Tom Schaefer [mailto:t t]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 6:40 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please support the SCT study and JCWT recommendations
Dear Councilmembers:
As a long-time user of the Stevens Creek Trail, I have marveled at the success Mountain View has had in overcoming
one obstacle after another to extend the trail southward.
Extending the trail through Cupertino presents similar obstacles. But I believe that with patience and time these can be
overcome, and that a direct family-safe route free of traffic interactions can be achieved.
I ask you to please support the recommendations of the Joint Cities Working Team, including the recommendation to
reach out to agencies like -caltrans and VTA to make sure that Cupertino's interest in an eventual connection across the
280 freeway is on their radar.
The value of such a connection is not limited to cyclists using the trail. It will create a safe route for children in the
Maxine/Barranca neighborhood to reach the rest of Cupertino . And it will make it possible for residents of the
MaderaJPhar Lap neighborhood to access shopping at Foothill Plaza (Trader Joe's, Foothill Produce) and beyond on
foot or bike, without hopping in their cars. I predict that these conveniences will ultimately outweigh the perceived risk
of additional bicycles on those streets.
Sincerely,
Tom Schaefer
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:47 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW : Stevens Creek trail extension/gap
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 8:17 PM
To: City Council
Cc: Tim Oey
Subject: Stevens Creek trail extension/gap
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine I
Caroline/ bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 / 280 I Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects them. This route
avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds friendlier
neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming .
I have been a member of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition since moving to Sunnyvale from Bedford, Massachusetts, in
1991. Prior to that, I was active in the Boston Area Bicycle Coalition (now called MASS BIKE), serving at its President for two years,
and I later served as the Bedford representative to the Minuteman Bicycle Highway project. The Minuteman bicycle path is an 11-
mile-long rail conversion of a commuter-rail line that ceased operation in 1978 . It starts at a subway station on the outskirts of
Cambridge, MA, runs to the northwest through Arlington and Lexington, and ends in Bedford. The project was viewed favorably
by officials and residents of Cambridge, Arlington, and Bedford, but it faced intense opposition by abutters in Lexington, the most
affluent town along the route . I attended at least one meeting in the Lexington Town Hall in which abutters expressed fear of
creating "a high-speed throughway to the high-crime areas of Cambridge and Somerville."
It took over a decade for the project to be approved and move to completion, and it was a TOTAL and overwhelming success . It
added significant value to the abutters' properties. Abutting properties for sale advertise "on the Minuteman Bikeway" in their
property listings, and they even put "for sale" signs in their back yards, in view of trail users .
Thank you for your consideration .
Sincerely,
Richard Withers, Sc.D., Fellow , IEEE
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:48 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Paulson [mailto ]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 8:19 PM
To: City Council
Cc: TimOey
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Honorable Cupertino City Council Members,
I urge you to accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study. I further urge you to act now to advise Caltrans and the
Water District to include the Maxine I Caroline/bridge (or tunnel) I Madera I Phar Lap section in any plans to modify the 85
/280 I Foothill interchange.
The Maxine/Caroline/etc alternative is the only alternative that would be safe for younger children and beginning bicyclists,
as well as being attractive for all cyclists. The other alternative that takes cyclists under 280 on Foothill Expressway has a lot
of gravel trucks, and difficult merges for cyclists; it's not pleasant for any cyclist, and it's no place for beginners. The
alternative that takes people over the Mary A venue bike bridge has cyclists negotiate the tricky Highway 85 undercrossing,
another questionable spot for beginners. The point of the Stevens Creek Trail is to be an alternative to busy roads, not a
route ON busy roads.
A pleasant, safe route through Cupertino for walkers and cyclists would be an asset to our community. Every cyclist who
commutes to work, everyone who takes a nice walk through their neighborhood for exercise instead of driving to the gym,
every kid who can ride her bike to her friend's house instead of being driven by Mom or Dad is one less car on our streets .
Cupertino can enhance property values while combating global climate change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anne Paulson
Los Altos
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:48 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 9:15 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
;S_a_v_e _O_u_r _7'_ra_f /S_'..J'.1_tI-........h __ ~cibh
P r omotin g t r a il s in Santa Clara County for the ben efit and enjoyment of all
Councilmembers of the Cupertino City Council
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino CA 95014
Sent via email c/o citycouncil@cupertino.org
June 19 , 2016
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council:
Save Our Trails: Connecting Santa Clara County Communities is a California Not-for-Profit Corporation
whose mission is "To promote trails in Santa Clara County for the benefit and enjoyment of all." On behalf of
Save Our Trails, I am writing to request that the City Council endorse the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility
Study, which advocates a route for the Stevens Creek Trail using residential streets Maxine or Caroline
north of 1-280; Madera and Phar Lap south of 1-280, and crossing 1-280 via a new bridge or an existing
tunnel.
The first alternative route -via Homestead, Mary Avenue, and Stevens Creek Blvd. -entails a long detour
on streets with heavy traffic, and a crossing of the CA-85 on-ramp. The other alternative route -via
Homestead, Foothill Expressway, and Stevens Creek entails having trail users negotiate an exceedingly
dangerous freeway on-ramp with no traffic light. Just this past weekend , an adult bicyclist was killed by a
motorist on a similar County Expressway (the San Tomas). Please do not mislead innocent families who
may believe in the safety of what is designated a "trail" by routing this trail along busy streets or across
freeway on-ramps .
Please endorse the Maxine-Caroline-Madera-Phar Lap route, and direct Caltrans and the Water District to
include this option in their plans for modification of the 1-280/CA-85 interchange.
Sincerely,
1
Bill Rankin
President , Save Our Trails; Web : www.saveourtrails-scc.org
2
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:48 AM
City Clerk
FW: Stevens Creek Trail between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd .
Stevens Creek in Cupertino .pdf
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 9:36 PM
To: City Council
Cc: ; ; ; t;
;
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd.
Please forward the attached letter to the Councilmembers in time for Tuesday's meeting . I regret that travel plans do not permit
me to address the Council in person.
Thank you,
-Larry Ames
1
Councilmembers of the Cupertino City Council
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino CA 95014
Sent via email to citycouncil@cupertino .org , June 19, 2016
re: Stevens Creek Trail between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd .
Honorable Members of the City Council,
I am writing in support of the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study, which advocates for an alignment of
the future Stevens Creek Trail using residential streets Maxine and Caroline north of 1-280, Madera and
Phar Lap south of 1-280, and crossing 1-280 via a new bridge or an existing tunnel.
I understand three alternative alignments are under consideration :
• One alternative (labeled ,/' ~ <I. ......::;~··
"1" in my diagram) would r '\
•4 0
have southbound trail r
users head east on ·. •
Homestead, then south on ~~~--4q!l"" ...... ------~-=:::------
ll
Mary over 1-280, and then
west on Stevens Creek
Blvd . I appreciate the well-
marked bike lanes on
Stevens Creek Blvd ., but it
is a busy road, especially at
the Fwy 85 intersection. It
also involves well over an
extra mile of travel, and is
basically nothing more
than a couple signs saying
"trail continues two miles
ahead -good luck ."
• A second alternative
(labeled "2") also uses
existing roads: head west
on Homestead, south on
Foothill Blvd ., and then
east on Stevens Creek .
This is a somewhat shorter
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..... . ,.
• \
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• e
-MO.
...._,,
\. ,.,.. ,4
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route, but still not optimal. Also, it involves a really nasty intersection with 1-280. I've cycled this
way numerous times, and it's always challenging to be slowly going uphill while all the traffic from
southbound Foothill Expwy is trying to cross over the bike lane and get on to the freeway . And
again, other than the cost of a couple signs , this alternative adds nothing to the city's infrastructure .
• The third alternative, the one I ask that you select, involves using quiet residential streets : Ma xine
Ave., Caroline Dr., Madera Dr., and Phar Lap Dr. This alternative does require some new
infrastructure : either a br idge over 1-280 , or else improved connections to an existing tunnel that
crosses beneath the freeway, as well as
some lighting for it. This alignment would
avoid the freeway interchanges associated
with the other alternatives, and would
keep trail users off the busy streets.
While it may make take a while for Cupertino
to obtain the funding and approvals needed for
an 1-280 crossing, I urge that you adopt this
third alternative as the preferred ultimate
alignment, even if one of the other two
alternative is implemented as an interim
solution .
Thank you,
~Larry Ames
Dr. Lawrence Ames,
avid cyclist and trail advocate,
member of the County's former Los Gatos Creek Streamside Park Committee.
cc: Bill Rankin and Martin Delson, Save Our Trails
Tim Oey and Greg Unangst, Friends of Stevens Creek Trail
Shiloh Ballard and Colin Heyne, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay -Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:48 AM
City Clerk
FW : Stevens Creek Trail
From: [mailto:j ]
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2016 10:36 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail
Honorable Cupertino City Council ,
I am writing to urge you to accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans
to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange .
I have attended meetings to discuss this trail through my own neighborhood to the north . There were objections from neighbors
who felt that cyclists would bring a variety of undesirable elements to their neighborhood . Having lived near several bicycle paths ,
I have found this concern to be entirely unfounded . On the contrary , such routes add value to the neighborhood, and every
bicycle commuter on the route is another car off the streets -a benefit to the neighborhood and to drivers in our increasingly
congested area.
Regarding the options, as a cyclist living near the trail, I have tried the alternative routes on existing streets. The Foothill option
involves multiple scary ramp crossings (similar in configuration to the Alpine/280 intersection where a cyclist was killed not long
ago). The beautiful Mary Avenue Bridge unfortunately leaves cyclists on the wrong side of Highway 85. Users planning to
continue on the trail have to cross multiple ramps at the very congested 85/Stevens Creek interchange . I am a safety-conscious
cyclist and driver, and I would not want my kids to try this, ever. I hope you will support the Maxine option as the safest and best
one for our community.
Thank you .
Jonathan Blum, MD, PhD
Western Wheelers Member
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:48 AM
City Clerk
FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: Kevin Jackson [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 12:08 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Dear Council,
I have attended pretty much every meeting on this issue, so I have a very good idea of the arguments you are receiving . I
believe the best contribution I can make to this discussion is to ask you to recall the development of the Don Burnett Bicycle
Footbridge, for which I served on the Citizens Working Group . I assure you that when we started opposition from residents
was every bit as strident, convinced that such an amenity was destined to bring all manner of hardships into their
neighborhood. This is perfectly understandable, since fear of the unknown is such a powerful emotion that often
overwhelms reason.
But much to their credit Cupertino officials persisted, determined to achieve a goal that would serve the community while
addressing the legitimate concerns of nearby residents. And they succeeded admirably, creating a landmark facility that is a
source of civic pride and a testament to the triumph of determination over fear. And none of the predicted hardships have
materialized.
The parallels with the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study are inescapable. Only the family-friendly alternative utilizing
Maxine, Caroline, Madera, and Phar Lap will bridge the gap between the Cupertino and Mountain View segments of the
trail in a manner that is accessible to users of all abilities. And once again the fear-mongers will be proven wrong about
their predictions of dire consequences. But this can only happen if you act to take advantage of this rare opportunity to
bring some measure of relief from the pressures of urban living to those who increasingly need it. I sincerely hope you will.
Thanks for your consideration,
Kevin Jackson
Sunnyvale resident
"We must stop letting today be the effect of yesterday, and begin to make it the cause of tomorrow ." William Denis Kendall
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Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:49 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW : Objection to the "Friends of the Trail " recommendation
From: [mailto:l ]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 2:07 AM
To: City Council
Cc: Cupertino City Manager's Office
Subject: Objection to the "Friends of the Trail" recommendation
Dear Cupertino City Council Members,
Thank you for your efforts and leadership.
My husband, Jonathan Mantz , and I have been residing on Wallace Drive in Cupertino for 20 years. In addition, I have
been working in Cupertino for nearly 21 years.
We strongly object to the plan suggested by the "Friends of the Trail" for a Maxine/Caro line/ new bridge or
tunnel/Madera/Phar Lap .
We strongly object to their call for any feasibility studies.
Simply because existing infrastructures already exist.
There are two existing bicycle routes to get to and from Homestead Road and Stevens Creek Blvd.
Specifically indicated by the "Friends of the Trail" report :
Homestead I Foothill I Stevens Creek Blvd.
Homestead I Mary I Stevens Creek Blvd .
More accurately, Homestead Road , Mary Avenue Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge , the wide Mary Avenue
with existing bicycle lanes, to Stevens Creek Boulevard .
Clearly, by deliberately omitting to mention the already existing Mary A venue Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian
Bridge, the "Friends of Trail" wish to divert attention away from the existing logical and clearly designated routes for
bicycles.
Thus, making this "new bridge" proposal completely unnecessary.
Please remember the main reason this Mary Avenue Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge was designed, built,
then opened by the previous leaders of the City in 2009, was for that very reason -
having a safe bicycle-and-pedestrian friendly route to connect Homestead Road and Mary A venue and Stevens
Creek Blvd .
(From Wikipedia:
The Mary A venue Bridge, also called the Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge over
Interstate 280 in Cupe1iino, California can-ying bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Wikipedia)
1
Unlike the very wide Mary A venue, with its existing bicycle lanes , creating a new route by adding bicycle lanes on
Maxine and Caroline A venues, would mean further narrowing both Maxine Ave . & Caroline Ave . which are much
narrower roads than Mary A venue despite its bicycle lanes.
Narrowing the undivided streets of Maxine & Caroline Avenues , creates more obstacles and danger to all the
pedestrians, children, seniors , and disabled pedestrian such as my husband who has MS (multiple sclerosis), who walk
in our neighborhood daily. We do not need new bicycle lanes , to further narrow these streets .
Important to note that Mary A venue, even with its existing bicycle lanes , is much wider than either Maxine A venue
and Caroline A venue.
Clearly designated and safe bicycle routes already exist.
We have walked from our home to Mary Avenue to Stevens Creek Blvd, via Homestead Road and the Don Burnett
Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge, and back many times.
So, we know that the route is safe, and friendly to both pedestrians and bicyclists alike.
This route is not much utilized. So efforts should be made to make it more prominent.
The trail people also mentioned that more people will get on their bikes, and this is all good for the enviromnent.
Let us assure you that disabled people like my husband, seniors, or even pedestrians needing to walk their dogs, will be
not riding bicycles due to extra bicycle lanes.
Making new routes for bicyclists on Maxine & Caroline would only mean creating more bicycle traffic. Many of the
bicyclists who ride as groups during the weekends and holidays often do not follow the rules of the road , by not always
riding in a single file, and by speeding. Thereby creating more obstacles and danger to all the pedestrians, children,
seniors, and disable people who walk in our neighborhood on a daily basis.
There are already plenty of existing routes and infrastructure for bicyclists .
The City of Cupe1iino should spend more time and efforts on getting more employers to the City which pollute less
than the Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant which pollutes our air and water.
Residents of Cupertino need safer roads for pedestrians, safer neighborhoods, bigger efforts to lower crimes . That is
where our resources should go towards.
Again, we urge you to respect our opinions that bicyclists are welcome to use existing routes:
By taking Homestead Road, Mary Ave Don Burnett Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge, to Stevens Creek Boulevard, via the
much wider already existing bicycle lanes along Mary A venue . (as compared to the much narrower and undivided
Maxine & Caroline Avenues without bicycle lanes)
Or by taking the existing Homestead Road and Foothill Expressway to Stevens Creek Boulevard with the already
existing and much used bicycle lanes .
Existing bicycle routes are sufficient.
No funding is needed or should be wasted on any feasibility studies .
2
More efforts and commitment should be made towards using existing infrastructure for bicyclists on Homestead and
Foothill Expressway bicycle lanes, or Homestead, Mary Avenue Don Burnett Bicyclist-Pedestrian Bridge , and Mary
Avenue bicycle lanes to Stevens Creek Blvd.
What we all need is more space where we can walk safely in our neighborhoods , not creating additional and
unnecessary obstacles by adding new bicycle lanes and extra bicycle traffic.
Thank you for your suppmi.
Regards,
Lucie Honosutomo & Jonathan Mantz
3
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 8:49 AM
City Clerk
FW: Stevens Creek Trail -some things to consider
From: [mailto:] On Behalf Of Tim Oey
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 7:04 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail -some things to consider
Honorable Members of the Cupertino City Council,
Here are some things to consider regarding the 3 different feasible trail connector alignments for the Stevens Creek
Trail in Cupertino.
A) Homestead I Mary I Stevens Creek Blvd
B) Homestead I Foothill I Stevens Creek Blvd
C) Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel across 280 I Madera I Phar Lap (to likely tunnel under Stevens Creek Blvd)
1) If you wanted to walk or bike from Blackberry Farm to the Bay, which route would you prefer to take? With kids?
Why?
2) If you lived in the part of Cupertino just north of 280 , which route would you prefer to walk or bike to get to
Blackberry Farm, McClellan Ranch park (and it's excellent new nature facility)? With kids?
3) Do you believe we should just stick to cars on this north I south route and give up on expanding walking or biking
routes? Better to just increase car traffic and expand parking instead of getting people out of their cars?
4) How much use do you think the Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel across 280 I Madera I Phar Lap route would
get? How would that compare to other popular and similar on street bike routes such as the very popular and well used
Ellen Fletcher bicycle boulevard in Palo Alto? Please note that even during busy times on the Ellen Fletcher Bicycle
Boulevard the route looks pretty empty --because bikers and walkers are much smaller than cars and generally are
spaced quite far apart.
5) How much is a life worth? Four cyclists have been killed by motor vehicles on Foothill I Stevens Canyon Road as
well as McClellan. What can we do to reduce or eliminate these deaths and injuries for cyclists and pedestrians in this
area?
6) Are the fears of the neighbors on Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel across 280 I Madera I Phar Lap realistic? If so,
where are there examples of the situations they fear? The neighborhood along the Ellen Fletcher Bicycle Boulevard is
very upscale and attractive. This bike/ped route has not decreased real estate values. It has not increased crime. People
are able to get out of their driveways just fine . Another nearby trail that goes on street is the San Tomas Aquino I
Saratoga Creek Trail in Santa Clara where it goes onto Cabrillo and Calabazas. This trail routing has not decreased
housing prices or increased crime. While the the Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel across 280 I Madera I Phar Lap
on street trail connector is quite imp01iant and would be well used, the character of the existing street is would not
change --it would continue to be a safe and beautiful neighborhood --just like the neighborhood alone the Ellen
Fletcher Bicycle Boulevard.
7) Most of the cost of a new bridge or improving the tunnel to get across 280 would probably come from VTA, State,
and/or Federal grants. Cal trans might even cover most if done as part of a redo of the 280 /85 interchange to fix the
difficult merge from 85 onto 280 northbound with the Foothill off ramp.
8) Do you see Cupertino as a fiiendly city that cooperates with its neighboring cities to create safe regional biking and
walking routes? Are regional routes important? In the long run how would it look to have the regional route have a
major gap in Cupertino? For an overview of the entire 21 miles of Stevens Creek Trail , please see page 2 of the PDF at
http://www.stevenscreektrail.org/SCT2016.pdf
9) Is Global Wanning a valid issue? 99% of the scientists in the world think it is. Can trails (getting people out of cars)
help solve this crisis that faces our world?
10) Is congestion a real problem? Can trails and safe/friendly routes for walkers and bikers help reduce congestion?
(Interestingly, driverless cars will probably increase congestion --see
http ://cleantechnica.com/2016 /01 /17 /autonomous-cars-likely-increase-congestion/ and many other sources)
11) Do we need to do more to encourage healthier active lifestyles in our local communities so people can get outdoors
and get exercise while doing errands. Like neighbors going to McClellan Ranch or neighbors going to Trader Joe's?
12) Do trails help people meet and get to know each other? As compared to drivers in cars on roads? What trails have
you used?
11) Do we want to make living in our area more affordable? It saves a lot of money (and reduces pollution) to be able
to bike and walk where you need to go rather than drive.
13) Are there any other regional trails that connect Cupertino to neighboring communities? As far as I know, the
Stevens Creek Trail would be the first for Cupertino and might be the only one for a very long time.
It is very rare that we have a chance to increase health, reduce pollution, reduce global wanning, make communities
friendlier, make communities more affordable all at the same time. This is an opportunity to do all of that.
Note also that the choice at this juncture is merely to study the options in more depth. This is not a decision point to
actually build anything.
I hope that Cupertino will keep an open mind and consider all the long term benefits and costs as it investigates options
. to improve our community.
Cupertino needs to choose a route that will be safe, attractive, and convenient to encourage biking, walking, and
running along this key regional trail.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Tim Oey
President
Friends of Stevens Creek Trail
2
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 10:06 AM
City Clerk
FW : Stevens Creek Trail connection between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd
From: ohmson ampere [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 9:32 AM
To: City Council
Cc: t
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail connection between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd
Dear Cupertino City Council,
I'm teaching my daughters to bike , enjoy the nature and improve their health as well. I'm sure a lot of families around here are doing likewise .
It would be really wise and sensible to accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and move forward with the feasibility of the safe and
attractive Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange.
Thank you so much for asking for feedback.
Sincerely,
Han Ming ONG
Los Altos
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 10:39 AM
City Clerk
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail
-----Original Message-----
F rom: [mailto ]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 10:32 AM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail
Dear Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in
any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects
them. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds
friendlier neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming.
I presently commute by bike on the Stevens Creek Trail to Cupertino and would love to see it extended to make my
commute easier and safer.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Julie Watt, Mountain View
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 11 :00 AM
City Clerk
FW : Stevens Creek Trail connection between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd
From: Linden Ellis [mailto ]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 10:39 AM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail connection between Homestead and Stevens Creek Blvd
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine I Caroline I
bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill
interchange . We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects them, and I need a safer and less car-exhaust-y commute
route . This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion , enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people 's health, builds friendlier
neighborhoods , and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Linden Ellis
I Skype:
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 3:51 PM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: Sean McKenna [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 3:29 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Maxine/
Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects them. This route
avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds friendlier
neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sean
Sean McKenna
President of Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers
http ://www.svmtb.org/
About: Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers (SVMTB) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) mountain bike organization promoting
mountain bike recreation and establishing sustainable trail access in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. SVMTB is a
regional chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association .
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 4:40 PM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW : Extend the Stevens Creek Trail
From: Diane Heckman [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 4:30 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Extend the Stevens Creek Trail
Please accept the Feasibility Study and request that Caltrans and the Water District to put the safe Maxine I Caroline I bridge or
tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route .
I use the Stevens Creek Bike Trail daily and would love to be able to ride further south!
Diane Heckman
CREST Award winner 2013
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 4:40 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW : Stevens Creek Trail
From: [mailto:i ] On Behalf Of Ian Emmons
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 4:31 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail
I don't live in cupertino but that 's where my church is and in the past we used to ride our bicycles via parts of the Stevens Creek
trail. Please make it safer and continue to invest in these key pieces of infrastructure.
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive Ma xine/
Caroline/ bridge or tunnel/ Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to
modify the 85 / 280 /Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects them. This route
avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds friendlier
neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming.
Thanks again
-Ian Emmons
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 4:43 PM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW : Proposed Stevens Creek Trail Connection
From: Eric Townley [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 1:13 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Proposed Stevens Creek Trail Connection
Honorable Cupertino City Council ,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it
in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and
protects them. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, impro v es people 's health, builds
friendlier neighborhoods , and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Eric Townley
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 4:44 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW: Stevens Creek trail
From: Nicholas Ahmadi [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 20161:52 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek trail
>
>
>Honorable Cupertino City Council,
>Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and attractive
Maxine I Caroline I bridge or hmnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in
any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts children and families and protects
them. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
>This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health, builds
friendlier neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming.
>I'm a frequent user of the trail, it goes right by my neighborhood. I use it with my children. I use it to get across town
instead of driving my car. I would love to incorporate the trail for my commute to my job if it is expanded southward .
There are so many benefits and very few negatives.
> Thank you for your consideration.
> Sincerely,
>Nicholas Ahmadi, Mountain View
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2016 4:43 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW: Bicycle Trail Meeting
From: Laxmi Atluri [mailto:l ]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 1:02 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bicycle Trail Meeting
Dear Council Members,
I live on Maxine Avenue in Cupertino. I believe there are plans now to have another bridge over 280 for bicycles and
pedestrians. I as resident of Maxine am totally opposed to this idea. Why waste money on building another new bridge
in these critical fiscal times, when the exiting bridge at Mary Avenue or the Foothill Expressway 280 under bridge be
used. These are just a few blocks from the new bridge being proposed at Peninsular/Caroline.
I think the views of the residents impacted by these proposed changes should be first taken into account before coming
up with even a proposal.
Thank you and hoping you will reject the notion of another bridge at Peninsular/Caroline.
Regards
Lakshmi Atluri
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Monday, June 20 , 2016 4:52 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW: Connecting the Phar Lap neighborhood to the Ma xine/Barranca neighborhood with a
bridge or tunnel across the 280 freeway .
From: Brent Gregory [ma ilto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 4:48 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Connecting the Phar Lap neighborhood to the Ma x ine/Barranca neighborhood with a bridge or tunnel across the 280
freeway.
Dear City Council,
I live in the Phar Lap neighborhood (at ), and want you to know that I'm a strong supporter of the Stevens
Creek Trail. I would love to have a bridge or tunnel joining the Ma xine/Barranca neighborhood with our neighborhood to join
the disjoint sections of the trail. The alternatives of Foothill/280 unde r pass or Mary Pedestrian Bridge (vid Stevens Creek Blvd.)
are dangerous for kids on bikes and are not as convenient. A bridge or tunnel would have the additional benefit of making it
easier access shopping areas by foot.
Brent Gregory
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20 , 2016 5:13 PM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW : The Stevens Creek Trail
From: [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 5:10 PM
To: City Council
Cc: tim _oey@stevenscreektrail.org
Subject: The Stevens Creek Trail
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and
attractive Maxine/ Caroline/ bridge or tunnel / Madera / Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water
District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 / 280 / Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that attracts
children and families and protects them. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing
infrastructure.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's health,
builds friendlier neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming. Bike trails are a great resource for active
recreation and fosters a healthier lifestyle for the people of the community .
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Hien Lam, City of Campbell
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay -Anderson
Sent:
To:
Monday, June 20, 2016 5:27 PM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility study
From: Linda vanderhule [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 5:26 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility study
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the safe and
attractive Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water
District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 / 280 /Foothill interchange. We need a trail route that
attracts children and families and protects them. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing
infrastructure.
The surface streets that now are available to get thru the area is what I call the Gauntlet. I am always fearful of
maneuvering thru this area as it is packed with lights and merging traffic on and off the freeway (280 and Foothill). The
large trucks from the quarry are everywhere. I must say I have been living and cycling these roads for many, many
years, it would be very nice to have a safe passage thru.
This route reduces pollution and congestion, enhances property values, reduces crime, improves people's
health, builds friendlier neighborhoods, and helps reduce global warming .
Thank you for your consideration .
Sincerely,
Linda vanderhule
Cupertino
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 7:47 AM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW : Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: Rob Tsuk [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 6:26 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
As a resident of Cupertino and a regular bicycle commuter I strongly support accepting the Stevens Creek
Trail Feasibility Study. The traffic situation in the commute direction on highway 85 is already quite
disheartening, so anything that can be done to allow more people to safely travel that corridor by bike seems
like it should be a priority for our city.
I'm certain you've seen the Silicon Valley Bicyc le Coalition 's thoughts on the matter, so I won't reproduce
them here, but I am in agreement with them on all their points
Warmest regards,
Rob Tsuk
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 7:48 AM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW: Stevens Creek Trail
From: [mailto:] On Behalf Of Brian Feinberg
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 8:49 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail
Honorable Cupertino City Council,
Well, I've lived here for 17 years, and this is the first time I've written in. I'm writing to ask you to accept the Stevens Creek Trail
Feasibility Study, and help give us a safe and desirable extension of the trail into Cupertino. Stevens Creek and Homestead are
both choked with cars and congested, and not a route that you'd find encourages families to use the trail. The tunnel or bridge
option sounds much better.
Other cities in the South Bay have been able to get trail segments built, and those are an asset to those neighborhoods.
I hope in Cupertino we can manage this too, because I (and my kids) would like to enjoy a safe connection to the trail.
Thanks for your consideration
Brian Feinberg, Cupertino
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Ton i Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 7:49 AM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW : Stevens Creek Trail connection route selection.
From: Scott Barry [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 10:40 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail connection route selection.
Dear Honorable Cupe1tino City Council,
For the safety of the families and children who will use the trail, please consider choosing the "Maxine/Caroline/bridge or
tunnel/Madera/Phar Lap" route. The other routes which include Stevens Creek Blvd, with its >45mph actual speeds and
nanow unbuffered bike lanes which utilize gutters are completely unacceptable for use by children who would be using the
trail with their families. Please consider putting safety and lives as the number one priority when deciding on an
appropriate route. I don't think it is too much to ask for the reasonable an legitimate usage of existing public roads by trail
users in order to make a safe connection.
Thank you ,
Scott Bany
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 7:52 AM
City Clerk
FW : stevens creek trail feasibility study
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 12:35 AM
To: City Council
Subject: stevens creek trail feasibility study
Honorable Councilmembers:
Thanks very much to Cupertino for helping fund and for participating in the Joint Cities Stevens Creek Trail
Feasibility Study, which answered our many questions. The unfortunate finding is that between Stevens
Creek Blvd. and Fremont Avenue, there's not public land available to build a trail along the creek. The only
public land available is city streets, which run the gamut, from major arterials like my street (Bollinger Road)
to very quiet side streets. These streets belong to all of us. We all pay to maintain them, and they are all
available for our use.
Our consultant identified three feasible on-street routes in Cupertino to serve as connectors to get the Trail
from our trailhead at Stevens Creek Blvd. to Homestead Road. Two involve bike lanes on major arterials,
with Foothill Blvd. and Stevens Creek Blvd. being especially hazardous. The third, most direct, which I
prefer, involves two very quiet side streets near the creek, but also requires a challenging new bike/ped
crossing of 280 near the creek to join them. As I said, these quiet side streets belong to all of us, and except
for adding sidewalks for short distances on both sides of the new crossing, would require virtually no
modification. Joined, they would become a through route for cyclists and pedestrians and see quite a bit of
bike traffic. not unlike Bryant Street (the Ellen Fletcher Bike Boulevard) in Palo Alto, which maintains all its
quiet charm.
Please accept the Feasibility Study as it is, and keep open all the options. Because the Mountain View Trail
is still so far away, and the proposed new bike/ped crossing of 280 is so challenging, I hope for now you will
simply follow the suggestion of the Joint Cities Working Team to inform Caltrans and the Water District of
the proposal so it can be included in any plans to redo the 85/280/Foothill interchange, at which time it could
be built far more efficiently.
Anne Ng
Friends of Stevens Creek Trail board member
Joint Cities Citizens Working Group member
Stevens Creek Trail Benefits in your Neighborhood
Trails Improve Safety
When trails are built safety improves for bicyclists and pedestrians. Studies show
that tails provide safe recreation and alternative transportation routes without
causing an increase in crime: "This survey finds that the Brush Creek Trail does not
cause an increase in crime." 1 "Homes immediately adjacent to the (Burke-Gilman)
trail did not experience an increase in burglaries and vandalism as a result of the
trail. "2
Trails Increase Property Values
The Friends of Stevens Creek Trail
promotes community pride and
involvement in the completion,
enhancement, and enjoyment of the
Stevens Creek Trail and Wildlife
Corridor.
More homebuyers are looking for nearby recreational amenities and alternative transportation options. " ... being
closer to the Little Miami Scenic Trail adds value to the single family residential properties. " " ... along the
suburban Lafayette/Moraga Trail, the majority of owners felt the presence of the trail would make their
properties sell more easily and at increased values. "4
Trails Improve the Neighborhood
"Perhaps the most overwh elming opinion by residents along the Brush Creek Trail is that the trail/creek has a
positive effect on the quality of life in the neighborhood. " 5 "Almost two-thirds of the residents felt the (Burke-
Gilman) trail increased the quality of life in the neighborhood. Two of the residents surveyed indicated that they
had bee n leaders in the group opfosing the trail, and that they now believe the trail is th e best thing that has
happened to the neighborhood. " Buzz Dean, a former opponent of the Stevens Creek Trail link to Sleeper Ave in
Mountain View, said "It's worth it. It's turned out to be a huge asset. "7
Trails Increase Connections
Trails connect neighbors to neighbors; neighborhoods to work sites, shopping, parks, and entertainment; and
humans to nature. The majority of trail users are local residents -kids going to school and neighbors hiking,
jogging, or walking their dogs.
Trails Reduce Traffic & Pollution
Safe bicycle and pedestrian routes decrease the need for local residents to use their cars, especially around schools .
By reducing our dependence on the automobile, we reduce pollution and increase our physical and mental health at
the same time.
1•5 Mw-phy , M . M., 1992. The Impact of the Brush Creek Trial on Property Values and Clime. Sonoma State University.
http ://www.brucefreemanrailtra il.or g/pd f/b ru shcreek fina l s m.pdf ·
2•6 Zarker, G., J. Bourey, B. Puncochar, P . Lagerwey. 1987. Evaluation of the Burke-Gilman Trail 's Effect on Property Values and Crime.
Seattle Engineering Department Office of Planning http ://www.bruc efreemanrai ltrail.org/pd f/B urk e-G ilman.p df
3 Karadeniz, D . 2008 . The Impact of the Little Miami Scenic Trail of Single Family Residential Property Values. College of Design, Art,
Architectw-e, an d Planning, School of Pl anning. http ://www.rai lstotrail s .org/reso Lu-cehand ler.ashx?id =4549
4 a Lo~
Moore, R.L., Grafefe, A.R., Gitelson, R. J ., Porter, E. 1992. The Impa ct of Ra il-Trails: A study of the Users a nd Property Owe~· . ~
Three Trails. National Park Service. http ://www.brucefreema nr ai ltra il.org/pd f/l Exec s umm co nt e nt s.pdf ~ <r',
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96 N. Third Street, Suite 375
Post Office Box 1927
San Jose, CA 95109
Tel 408.287.7259
Fax 408.213.7559
BOARD O F DIRECTORS
P hil Brotl1erton
Ga1y Brustin, Esq.
Ian Dewar
Peter Ingram
Ann Jasper
Scott Lane
James Lucas
Jim Parker
A lyssa Plicka
Eri ca Rogers
Jeff Selz er
Cheryl Smith
Susan Ti erm an Kroll, MD
ADVISOR Y BOARD
Andrew J . Ba!!
President West Region
Suffolk Construction
Ca11 Guard ino
President and CEO
Silicon Va lley Leadership Group
Erica Rogers
President and CEO
Silk Road Medical
Rick Wallace
President and CEO
KLA-Tencor
Tom Werne r
President and CEO
SunPow er Corp.
PRESIDENT AND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shiloh Ballard
SVBC is a 501(cj(3)
non-profit organization
EIN 77-0338658
http://bikesiliconvaJley.org
March 8, 2016
City Council
City of Cupertino
Via email
Re: Stevens Creek Trail
Dear Members of the City Council:
I am writing as Executive Director of Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
(SVBC), a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a healthy
community, environment, and economy through bicycling for people
who live, work, or play in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Thank
you for considering the latest proposed action in the development of
the Stevens Creek Trail (SCT). The trail is an important connection for
commuters and recreational walkers and bicyclists alike, and the
proposed future segments will further its function and appeal to a
variety of users .
SVBC supports the Stevens Creek Trail Feasib ility Study Citizens
Working Group preferred alignment. In Cupertino, Segment 3 would
extend from Homestead Rd. to Stevens Creek Boulevard w ith on-
street bicycle accommodations . This segment would be like a bike
boulevard, providing traffic calming and a safe and comfortable
environment for people biking and accessing the trail by foot. The
connection across Interstate 280 is particularly important and would
eliminate a major barrier for people walking and biking.
Once complete , the Stevens Creek Trail will provide direct access from
the Bay Trail and destinations east of Highway 101 through Mounta in
View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and on to mult iple parks and open
spaces. We look forward to involving our membership in future
discussions about this ambitious project. Trai ls, specifically those that
connect multiple communities and destinations , are of particular
importance to our constituency. Please include SVBC in your future
outreach efforts regarding this project.
Sincerely,
8~/&J/
Shi lo h Ballard
President and Execut iv e Director
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 2:06 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW: Steven's Creek Trail
From: Jayme Brown [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 2:05 PM
To: City Council; Barry Chang; Savita Vaidhyanathan; Gilbert Wong; Rod Sinks; Darcy Paul; Thomas Brown
Subject: Steven's Creek Trail
Dear City Council Members,
I understand the final proposal for the Stevens Creek Trail Study will be on tonight's counsel meeting agenda. I hope that you are prepared to tum down the
proposal to extend a trail along our neighborhood residential streets and create a new bridge over HWY 280.
I with my family live in the Cupertino neighborhood that would be impacted, Barranca/Peninsular/Caroline/Maxine. You've probably heard from many other
residents of this neighborhood who are against this proposal as well. The streets in our neighborhood are narrow and without sidewalks as it is. Forcing
access for bikes and pedestrians will only create more narrowing and dangerous access in and out of our driveways. There is no room for a "trail". Proponents
want a trail to be as close to the creek as possible? Without being able to run the trail along the side of the creek. If you have no sight of the creek , what
difference does it make where the trail is? Riding or walking through residential neig hborhoods does not create the ambiance of being along the creek,
regardless of how close in proximity.
our major streets and through many neighborhoods. Instead of spending money to make a few trail enthusiasts happy , why not spend money on improving our
current accesses to make them better and safer. We have a beautiful Mary Street Bridge already in place that makes a wonderful access for pedestrians and
bicyclists over HWY 280 . I've used that often and it is a great access.
Instead of the trail proposal, please consider leaving the trail development where there is wilderness area to do so, improve the accesses we have, add signage
to allow folks who want to connect to the trails the ability to do so , from whatever path they choose?
Thank you,
Jayme Brown
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay -Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 11 :37 AM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW : Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
From: Rachel Beck [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 10:06 AM
To: City Counci l
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Honorable Cupertino City Council ,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and act now to preserve the feasibility of the Maxine I Caroline I bridge or tunnel I Madera I
Phar Lap route by advising Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 I Foothill interchange. Busy streets are a
threat to the safety of cyclists. This route avoids busy streets and is a great use of existing infrastructure.
Pollution and congestion are important issues in the Bay Area . This trail will encourage cycling as an alternative to car usage in daily commutes. It also
provides a healthy recreational activity. I strongly encourage you to accept the Stevens Creek Trai l Feasibility Study.
Thank you for your consideration .
Sincerely,
Rachel Beck
Cupe1iino Resident
1
Lauren Sapudar
From: Toni Oasay-Anderson
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 11 :33 AM
City Clerk
Cc: Gail Seeds
Subject: FW : Stevens Creek Trail Connection
From: Susan Norman [mailto:
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 11:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail Connection
Dear Cupertino City Council,
Please accept the Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study and choose the safer, environmentally friendly and more
attractive trail route -
Maxine/ Caroline/ bridge or tunnel / Madera / Phar Lap .
Please advise Caltrans and the Water District to include it in any plans to modify the 85 I 280 / Foothill
interchange.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Susan Norman
1
Lauren Sapudar
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Toni Oasay-Anderson
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 4:46 PM
City Clerk
Gail Seeds
FW : Stevens Creek Trail -Maxine/Caroline/Madera/Phar Lap alignment is safest
From: [mailto:] On Behalf Of Matthew Self
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 4:45 PM
To: City Council
Cc:
Subject: Stevens Creek Trail -Maxine/Caroline/Madera/Phar Lap alignment is safest
Members of the City Council ,
As you consider the possible alignments for the Stevens Creek Trail, please keep in mind that SAFETY must be the
top priority. The reason that the existing segments of the Stevens Creek Trail attract so much use is that cyclists feel
safe on the trail. Although the segment through Cupertino can't be fully separated from vehicle traffic , there is a HUGE
difference between riding on low-speed residential streets and major arterials, such as Homestead, Foothill, Mary, and
Stevens Creek. High vehicle speeds are a major factor that results in cyclist fatalities.
In particular, the Foothill route would require cyclists to cross multiple high-speed freeway on-and off-ramps at the
Foothill/280 interchange. These types of crossings are inherently unsafe and have led to multiple fatal collisions at
similar interchanges (Page Mill , Alpine). I strongly urge you NOT to adopt a route that requires children cyclists to
have to weave across 45 MPH vehicle traffic that is in a hurry to get on the freeway.
Similarly, the Mary route would require cyclists to cross a high-speed on-ramp at the Stevens Creek/85
interchange. The fact that there is a lot of green paint on this road indicates how many points of conflict there are
between turning vehicles and cyclists who wish to continue straight.
Finally, the Maxine/Caroline/Madera/Phar Lap route is only~ 1.3 miles long whereas the other routes are substantially
longer (2.0 for Foothill or 2.5 miles for Mary). This out-of-the-way route would also significantly decrease the appeal
of the route.
Respectfully,
--Matthew Self
1