St. Lana Facilities & Transportation Committee Meeting

The committee reviewed three major infrastructure projects: the reconstruction of the Carrie Hass Pedestrian Bridge, updates on the delayed MacArthur Roundabout, and the launch of the Bay Fair Community-Based Transportation Plan. Staff presentations focused on project status, design options, funding, and coordination challenges. Council members engaged in detailed discussions on engineering choices, utility coordination, and grant management, expressing strong support for durable, long-term solutions and frustration with external delays.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Carrie Hass Bridge: A resident (speaking as an individual, not representing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission) expressed that neighbors in the Estudillo Estates area were thrilled with any progress. They emphasized the bridge's critical use by children walking to schools and adults for exercise for over 60 years.
• On MacArthur Roundabout: The same resident, speaking as an individual living three blocks from the project, described the intersection as "really dangerous" and shared awareness of residents whose homes have been damaged by crashes. They urged the committee to find a way to complete the important, though long-delayed, project.
• On Bay Fair CBTP: No public comments were made on this item.

Discussion Items

Carrie Hass Pedestrian Bridge Project (Item 3B)

• Presenter: Irwin Cheng, Engineering Manager (Public Works).
• Project Background: The 60-year-old bridge was destroyed by fallen trees in March 2023 and demolished by August 2024. A $5 million anonymous donation was secured for reconstruction.
• Design Options:
  • Option 1: Retrofit existing foundations. Lower cost and less construction disruption, but carries unknown risks from erosion and can only support higher-maintenance wood decking.
  • Option 2 (Staff Recommended): Install new foundations set back from the creek. Costs $200,000 more but supports low-maintenance concrete decking and ensures long-term longevity. A gas line proximity is a known issue under investigation.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Council members unanimously favored Option 2. Positions expressed included a desire for a stable bridge "for another 60 or 100 years" and avoiding future repair costs by not using the old foundation.
  • Clarification was sought on the $5 million donation disbursement. The first $1.5 million installment is for design; subsequent installments are tied to construction milestones.
  • Questions addressed the weathering steel design (rust concerns), deck/railing height compliance, and project timeline (anticipated construction start Spring 2026).
  • The committee provided guidance to proceed with Option 2 and bring the necessary funding request for approximately $51,460 to cover design increases and contingency for potential gas line relocation.

MacArthur Roundabout Project (Item 3C)

• Presenter: Irwin Cheng, Engineering Manager.
• Project Background: A roundabout planned at MacArthur Blvd, Foothill Blvd, and Superior Ave to improve a dangerous intersection. The project has been in planning since 2006, delayed by funding, right-of-way, and utility coordination.
• Key Challenges:
  • A $1.8 million MTC Housing Incentive Grant introduces federal requirements (NEPA), new Caltrans procedures, and a strict obligation deadline of January 31, 2027.
  • "Federalizing" the project could delay construction by a year and add an estimated $220,000 in costs for studies and certifications.
  • Utility relocations (PGE, AT&T, Comcast) are ongoing but slow. PGE is scheduled for Fall 2025, but coordination with others is difficult.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Council members expressed frustration with utility companies' pace and discussed potential leverage via franchise agreements to expedite work.
  • Questions concerned the impact of new roundabout design standards, the status of a federal earmark request, and negotiations with a private property owner (a liquor store).
  • Staff is evaluating if the grant deadline can be met. If not, they may pivot the grant funds to another eligible project (e.g., Hesperian Bike Gap Closure, street maintenance) to avoid losing the money.
  • The committee consensus was to support the staff's immediate request for additional design funding ($570,000) to keep the project moving forward while the grant feasibility is determined.

Bay Fair Community-Based Transportation Plan (Item 3A)

• Presenter: City Staff (Community Development Director).
• Project Overview: A $350,000 grant-funded plan focused on equitable, community-driven identification of multimodal transportation needs (pedestrian, bike, transit, safety) in the Bay Fair area, which spans both San Leandro and unincorporated Alameda County.
• Key Process: Extensive community engagement via surveys, open houses, and a steering committee. The outcome will be a prioritized list of infrastructure projects for each jurisdiction to adopt, making them eligible for future implementation grants.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Council members inquired about the collaboration with Alameda County, ensuring each agency maintains control over its own project list.
  • Questions addressed coordination with other major projects like the Hesperian bike lanes and BART development plans.
  • Emphasis was placed on the need for robust, multilingual outreach, particularly to schools, seniors, and transit-dependent populations in this equity-priority community.
  • The committee supported the effort and encouraged promoting the public survey.

Key Outcomes

• Carrie Hass Bridge: The committee reached a consensus to recommend proceeding with Option 2 (new foundations). Staff will bring a formal request to the City Council for additional design funding and contingency, totaling approximately $51,460.
• MacArthur Roundabout: The committee supported the immediate need for additional design funding ($570,000). Staff will continue assessing the feasibility of using the $1.8 million MTC grant versus pivoting to another project to avoid losing the funds.
• Bay Fair CBTP: The committee received the update positively. No formal action was required, but members pledged to help promote the community survey. Staff will provide future updates as the plan develops.