Alameda Transportation Commission Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Transportation Commission met on September 23, 2026, to recognize departing commissioners, discuss the Complete Streets checklist for the Fernside Traffic Calming and Bikeways project as part of a grant application, and accept the mid-year Status Report on Transportation. The meeting included extensive public comment on the Fernside project, particularly regarding the Gibbons High Fernside intersection and a proposed left-turn restriction. The commission took action on consent items, resolutions of recognition, and the status report, but the Fernside checklist item was discussion only.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of July 22, 2026 Minutes (Item 5A): The draft minutes were approved by a roll call vote. Commissioners Piper and Abrams abstained because they were absent at the July meeting. (Commissioners Gloin, Dara Abrams, and Chair White Custer voted aye; the motion carried.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Stralo questioned the traffic circle at Maitland and McCartney, requesting before-and-after accident statistics. He also expressed frustration with unresponsive Clickfix reports and noted the lack of AC Transit service at Fernside and High Street during construction.
• Mitch Ball corrected misinformation about the Gibbons Drive project, stating the left-turn restriction was proposed by staff, not council, and that the projected 300% traffic increase on Bayo Vista still leaves volumes well below greenway thresholds. He supported the long-term traffic calming plan.
• Jake Olson urged the commission to permanently remove the left-turn restriction from the Fernside project, arguing it was never part of the original plan and would shift traffic to smaller, less-safe streets.
• Cindy Johnson (representing BikeWalk Alameda) spoke in favor of the long-term Fernside project, noting it fixes gaps in the Bay Trail and the low-stress bicycle network. She stated that the left-turn prohibition addresses multiple safety issues and that neighbor concerns had been heard and accommodated.
• Jay Garfinkel opposed the project, accusing staff of incremental changes and ignoring negative consequences. He argued the number of cyclists is small compared to motorists and that the project would cause traffic backups.
• Lori Zupon argued the project is not ready for grant funding due to strong community opposition. She cited the city's own engineer acknowledging risk displacement and raised concerns about federal grant rescissions (referencing a New York Times article). She asked the commission to send the project back for further public engagement.
• Vicky Tang, a parent and frequent cyclist, expressed concern that 500 additional cars would be forced onto streets with unprotected left turns. She said over 300 people had signed a petition against the restriction and asked for alternative routing options.
• Elliot Blake opposed the roundabout at Southwood, Fairview, and Bayo Vista, stating it would block his driveway and eliminate parking. He argued the city's data shows the Gibbons High Fernside intersection is not among the top five high-impact intersections in Alameda.
• Eileen Dubois noted that the city's 2025 Vision Zero Performance Metrics report shows zero severe or fatal accidents at the Gibbons High Fernside intersection, yet that report was omitted from the Complete Streets checklist. She requested a budget amendment to unappropriate $200,000 for the quick-build roundabouts.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Geoffrey Johnson (Item 6A): The commission unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Johnson's four years of service, highlighting his focus on outreach, pedestrian access, and public transit. Commissioners praised his dedication. Roll call: all aye.
• Recognition of Alysha Nachtigall (Item 6B): The commission unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Nachtigall's eight years of service, including two as vice chair, noting her strategic focus on safety and equity. Roll call: all aye.
• Complete Streets Checklist for Fernside Traffic Calming and Bikeways Project (Item 6C): This was a discussion-only item. Staff presented the grant application for design funding ($3.5 million) for the long-term corridor concept (two-way separated bikeway, traffic calming, pedestrian and bus stop upgrades). The checklist is a required screening step for MTC's Safe Routes to Transit and Bay Trail program. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the checklist, transit coordination (AC Transit involvement confirmed), stormwater improvements, and the public outreach process for the Gibbons High Fernside intersection. Chair White Custer emphasized the scope was limited to the checklist. No additions or deletions were requested. Commissioners expressed support for pursuing the grant. Public comment (detailed above) was divided. The item concluded without a vote.
• Status Report on Transportation (Item 6D): Staff presented a mid-year update on transportation programs and capital projects. Highlights included: secured funding for a West End docked bike share pilot, parking program progress (paid parking at Seaplane Lagoon, rate study, new enforcement position), over 700 attendees at a bike festival, renewed bike education contract, water shuttle extension, and progress on multiple capital projects (Fernside restriping, Central Avenue safety, Tilden Way roundabout, etc.). Commissioners discussed performance metrics, before-after roundabout studies, neighborhood greenways, the wooden bridge repairs, and AC Transit line 19. The motion to accept the report passed unanimously (all aye, Commissioner Kim absent).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted resolutions recognizing Geoffrey Johnson and Alysha Nachtigall (unanimous).
• Approved draft minutes of July 22, 2026 (two abstentions).
• Accepted the Status Report on Transportation (unanimous).
• No action taken on the Fernside Complete Streets checklist; staff will incorporate commissioner feedback and proceed with the grant application. Future public outreach and alternatives analysis for the Gibbons High Fernside intersection will occur if the grant is awarded.