Alameda Transportation Commission Meeting - January 28, 2026

The Alameda Transportation Commission met on January 28, 2026, to discuss two major agenda items: an AC Transit update on the Park Street Transit Signal Priority project and a proposed quick-build diverter island at the Lincoln and Walnut intersection. The meeting also included staff communications, public comments, and commission communications.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the draft minutes of the December 17, 2025 special meeting. Motion by Commissioner Nockdagal, seconded by Commissioner Kim.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment:

  • Jeff Kinoff (resident of Lincoln and Walnut) urged the city to install speed humps on small streets, citing a culture of speeding and noting successful examples in Berkeley and Oakland.
  • Jim Straylo raised concerns about inadequate lighting at traffic circles on Central Avenue, difficulty reading parking meters at night, and questioned why Clement Avenue is blocked between Grand and Hibbert.
  • Jay Garfinkel criticized the Transportation Commission for accepting staff proposals without ensuring community engagement, using the McCartney Road project as an example.

• Public Comment on Item 6A (Park Street TSP):

  • Jim Straylo expressed support for the project, noting potential detours from the Oakland Alameda Access Project could increase bus reliance on Park Street.
  • Christy Cannon (Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda) voiced support but asked about potential negative experiences in other corridors, scheduling concerns, and whether Webster Street could see similar improvements.
  • Jay Garfinkel opposed the project, arguing it prioritizes buses at the expense of drivers, questioned the lack of community outreach, and asked about impacts on cross traffic and emergency vehicle preemption.

• Public Comment on Item 6B (Lincoln Walnut Diverter):

  • Bill Nyland (resident of Walnut Street for 44 years) strongly supported the diverter, listing seven collisions in 2025 and describing the intersection as dangerous.
  • Jeff Kinoff (resident at the corner) advocated for the pilot, recounting personal property damage and near-misses.
  • Jim Straylo opposed, arguing the city is punishing good drivers for bad behavior and that social engineering (e.g., increased fines) would be more effective.
  • Jay Garfinkel opposed, calling for statistical analysis and better signage, and suggested reflectors on obstacles.
  • Christian Kazakhov (resident at the corner) supported the experiment, noting an increase in accidents in recent years.
  • Tyler Yeager (first-time attendee) suggested speed bumps and rumble strips as an alternative, based on a solution in his hometown.

Discussion Items

• Item 6A: AC Transit Update on Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization Project

  • Maria Henderson (AC Transit), Will Bueller (traffic engineer), and Ryan Dole (Kimley Horn) presented the project, funded by MTC's Bus Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery program. The project includes transit signal priority (TSP) along the entire Park Street corridor, wireless interconnect upgrades, and improvements at San Jose Avenue and Park Street. Construction is expected in spring-summer 2026, with completion by fall 2026. Benefits include improved transit reliability, reduced congestion, and minimal impacts on other modes.
  • Commissioners asked clarifying questions about TSP mechanics, expected time savings, coordination with existing equipment, and emergency vehicle preemption. City Engineer Scott Wickstrom noted that existing TSP from 2020 was not fully functional and that the project will also improve signal coordination for all vehicles.
  • Commission discussion was supportive, with comments on the need for data before/after, coordination with other construction, and pedestrian considerations. No vote was taken as it was a discussion item.

• Item 6B: Review and Discuss Proposed Quick Build Improvements to the Lincoln Walnut Intersection

  • City Engineer Scott Wickstrom presented a proposal for a diverter island at Lincoln and Walnut to prohibit through and left-turn movements from Walnut Street, while allowing right turns and left turns from Lincoln onto Walnut. The intersection has the second-highest collision rate in the city, with 30 of 38 collisions being broadsides. Previous improvements (road diet in 2020, flashing beacons in 2025) did not significantly reduce crashes. The diverter is a quick-build pilot (under $75,000) that will go to City Council for approval.
  • Commissioners discussed concerns about driver confusion, potential for vehicles to go around the diverter, pedestrian safety, and the need for data. Commissioner Kim recused himself due to proximity to the project.
  • A motion was made to endorse the proposed improvements with a condition that data on traffic diversion rates and accidents be returned to the commission six months after project completion. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6B Motion: The commission voted unanimously to endorse the proposed quick-build diverter island at Lincoln and Walnut, with the condition that staff return with data on traffic diversion rates and accidents within six months of completion.
• Commission Communications: Vice Chair Suth Amtiera reported a signal issue at High Street and Fernside (left arrow not activating after 10 p.m.) and was advised to submit via Click Fix. Commissioner Abrams shared visuals about the relocation of Otis Elementary students to the former Lum site, highlighting the need for a resilient transportation network. Commissioner Gloin praised the new meeting format with shorter agendas. Chair Whitesy thanked his wife for support.
• Next Steps: The next Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2026, where the commission will review the 2025 annual report and 2026 work plan.