Statement from the City of Alameda about the Park Street Streetscape Project

NOTICE FROM THE CITY OF ALAMEDA

The City failed to notify the general public recently that the second phase of the Streetscape Project on Park Street would begin with the immediate removal of the trees between Lincoln Ave and Webb Ave and from Central to San Jose.

There is no excuse; this was a mistake. The sight of tree-less stretches of Park Street shocked and dismayed many, many Alamedans as they were going about their regular routine on the street.

We acknowledge that people were justifiably angry with City Hall for this unwelcome surprise.

Although the Streetscape Project had gone through a public process and gained the necessary approvals and eventual funding, all that happened several years ago and is clearly now out of the public’s mind.

The City should have conducted a new public outreach effort to remind and inform people about the tree removal and consider changes to the project based on lessons learned from Phase 1 (Park Street between Webb and Central). 

We will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at City Hall Council Chambers from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. At this meeting City staff will explain the project, listen to community feedback and explore options to improve the project that are within the parameters of the City’s Master Street Tree Plan.

The current project is scheduled for mid-October through March, 2012. The goals are to improve the street for pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders and automobile drivers and include these basic elements: 

• Replant 60 trees for the 31 removed. The new tress will be a variety of species and size.
• Remove 62 parking meters and replace with 8 parking kiosks.
• Add 12 bicycle racks (there is only 1 now).
• Add 2 bus shelters on each side of Park St. south of Encinal Ave.
• Replace 11 existing cobra-head street lights with 38 dual-lamp historic street lights.
• Repair areas of sidewalk that have been raised by tree roots, posing tripping hazards.

The City commits to holding community meetings prior to any similar project in the future.

The City of Alameda has also created a web page for the Park Street streetscape project.

Below are links to Alameda Patch stories and letters to the editor about the Park Street tree removal. 

Oct. 26: 

Oct. 24: 

Oct. 24: 

Oct. 21:  

Oct. 20: 

Follow Alameda Patch on Facebook and Twitter.