Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting – October 28, 2025

This regular meeting of the Oakland Public Works and Transportation Committee convened at 11:30 AM on October 28, 2025, with a quorum present. Councilmember Houston participated remotely due to a contagious illness. The committee reviewed and voted on eight agenda items, including routine approvals, infrastructure projects, sidewalk repair funding, a parking restriction amendment, and a resolution supporting a new BART station feasibility study. An informational report on illegal dumping featured a volunteer cleanup effort, which received a formal commendation.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Draft Minutes (October 14, 2025): Approved unanimously (4–0).
• Item 2 – Determination of Schedule of Outstanding Committee Items: Approved unanimously (4–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Illegal Dumping Report (Item 8): Kevin Daly praised the volunteer’s efforts and noted challenges of repeated dumping. Blair Beekman raised concerns about transparency in surveillance technology used for enforcement. Councilmember Houston commended the volunteer and mentioned a regional convening on illegal dumping the next day.
• 42nd & High Street Project (Item 3): Kevin Daly supported the project but urged adding protected bike lanes and sidewalks on 42nd Avenue. Asada Olawala criticized the project’s timeline, requested clarity on the city of Alameda’s financial contribution, and noted inconsistencies on the city website.
• 27th Street Complete Streets (Item 4): George Spees (Traffic Violence Rapid Response) shared the story of Steve Bloom, killed at the intersection, arguing the project would save lives. Kevin Daly (Transport Oakland) expressed strong support. Asada Olawala opposed the bike lane focus, arguing that priorities should address homelessness and congestion; she questioned enforcement of one-lane streets.
• Right-of-Way Repair Fund (Item 5): Kevin Daly supported the program, emphasizing the need for accessible sidewalks. Asada Olawala criticized the city’s use of asphalt to repair sidewalks at McClymonds High School and questioned liability for lawsuits.
• Lakeshore Parking Restriction (Item 6): Marilyn Waller, a cul-de-sac resident, supported the extension, noting multiple shootings (including one fatality) and improved safety. Isaac Coast Reed (Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioner) commended the effort as a necessary first step. Asada Olawala questioned enforcement logistics.
• San Antonio BART Station (Item 7): Several speakers supported: Victor Flores (BART District 7 Director) highlighted the alignment with BART’s new station policy and potential for affordable housing; Ben Lupinetti, Young Che Lee, George Spees, and Kevin Daly each testified to the community’s need for transit access, reduced car reliance, and economic revitalization. Asada Olawala questioned BART’s financial deficit and prior feasibility studies.
• Open Forum: Kevin Daly raised double parking issues in Chinatown and concerns about a school’s temporary use of property earmarked for housing. Blair Beekman urged more transparent tech accountability processes and expressed concern about the Police Commission review.

Discussion Items

• Informational Report on Illegal Dumping (Item 8): Andy Wong, a Livermore resident, presented his volunteer cleanup efforts since 2021, including before-and-after photos, data analysis of 311 requests, and a cost comparison showing Oakland residents pay significantly more for trash pickup than nearby cities (e.g., $62/week for 32 gallons in Oakland vs. $26 in Emeryville). He proposed adding QR codes with disposal alternatives on anti-dumping signs. The committee publicly commended Wong with a formal recognition.
• 42nd & High Street I-80 Access Improvement (Item 3): Staff presented a $14.6 million project to extend 42nd Avenue, improve traffic signals, and add pedestrian/bicycle safety features. The city is seeking $2.256 million from MTC, with a required local match of $12.3 million (already $10 million secured from ACTC; remaining $2.3 million from city funds). Councilmember Gaio noted the project has been pursued for 10 years and involves cooperation with Home Depot.
• 27th Street Complete Streets Project (Item 4): Staff described safety improvements including protected intersections and bike lanes. The lowest bidder, Redgwick Construction (based in Oakland), submitted $10.4 million. Councilmember Houston questioned whether Redgwick’s main office is in Hayward and expressed concern over lack of mentoring for a local very small business (Cooper Construction) vs. second-bidder McGuire & Hester (a local company mentoring Cooper). The vote passed 3–1, with Houston voting no.
• Right-of-Way Repair Fund 2425 (Item 5): Staff explained the new revolving fund for private sidewalk repairs, required under an ADA consent decree to triple program size. Councilmember Houston requested better notification for seniors in District 7.
• Lakeshore Avenue Cul-de-Sac Parking Restriction (Item 6): Councilmember Wong proposed extending the no-parking restriction from 2–6 a.m. to 10 p.m.–6 a.m. due to recent shootings. City attorney amendments were adopted to exempt the action from CEQA and to delay enforcement until signage is installed. Staff confirmed OPD requested the signage for enforcement.
• San Antonio BART Station Feasibility Study (Item 7): Councilmember Wong presented a resolution supporting a feasibility study for an infill BART station between Lake Merritt and Fruitvale stations, noting the area’s low average income ($38,000), high percentage of people of color (80%), and lack of car access (20–30%). The study would be conducted by BART at no cost to the city, with potential for state grants. Councilmember Houston requested a similar study for the Coliseum area.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Minutes): Approved 4–0.
• Item 2 (Schedule): Approved 4–0.
• Item 3 (42nd & High Street): Approved 4–0 and forwarded to the November 4 Special City Council consent agenda.
• Item 4 (27th Street Complete Streets): Approved 3–1 (Councilmember Houston dissenting) and forwarded to the November 4 City Council non-consent agenda.
• Item 5 (Right-of-Way Repair Fund): Approved 4–0 and forwarded to the November 4 consent agenda.
• Item 6 (Lakeshore Parking Restriction): Approved 4–0 (with amendments) and forwarded to the November 4 consent agenda.
• Item 7 (San Antonio BART Station): Approved 4–0 and forwarded to the November 4 consent agenda.
• Item 8 (Illegal Dumping Report): Received and filed by the committee (4–0); a formal commendation was presented to Andy Wong.