Dear Council,
Thank you for considering complete streets options for Middle Ave. Middle contains two parks, two schools, two senior centers, and is anchored by the Safeway Shopping Center and the soon to be completed Middle Plaza at 500 ECR. It is a busy corridor as it intersects CA 92 (ECR) and is used by bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages to access its many amenities. Your choice should be for the safest of the alternatives which is Option 1.
Option 1 can be improved by removing the proposed parking along the Nealon Park frontage. Staff did a great job studying parking usage and has determined that the back parking lot is sufficient for even the busiest weekend times. Parking along the frontage inhibits driver sight lines making the new pedestrian crossing at Blake St more dangerous. Removing the parking would also allow better connection to forthcoming car free Blake St.
The city implemented similar parking removal and bike lane configurations on University Dr, Santa Cruz Ave and Oak Grove Ave with great success. We have seen slower car speeds, increased biking and walking and overall quality of life improvements. Lets build on this success by choosing Option 1.
Jonathan Weiner
