Walnut Creek Transportation Commission Regular Meeting - July 17, 2025

The Transportation Commission convened for a regular meeting to discuss two major infrastructure projects and make a committee appointment. The primary discussions focused on the Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project and the Downtown Curbside Management Plan draft recommendations. The meeting also included public comments expressing significant opposition to the Treat Boulevard project and concluded with administrative updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the May 15, 2025, Commission meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Treat Boulevard Project:
  • Mary Lee Martinez (Unincorporated Cherry Lane resident): Argued against the project, citing the existence of nearby trails (Canal Trail, Iron Horse Trail) as superior alternatives, expressed concern over rising project costs (from $4M to $6.2M), and stated the area's traffic is problematic.
  • Larry McEwan (Walden District Improvement Association): Expressed vigorous opposition on behalf of approximately 10,000 residents, arguing the $6M cost for a short section of bike lanes is not worthwhile, that bike groups have said they won't use it, and that the path ends with no connectivity. He noted a lack of feedback from county supervisors.
  • Kathy McKenna McEwen (Area resident): Stated that local residents and cyclists do not want the Treat Boulevard project and questioned which group is advocating for it.
• On the Curbside Management Plan: No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

1. Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements Project (County/City Project)

• Presenters: Mo Nasser (Contra Costa County Project Engineer) and David Mahama (DKS Traffic Engineer).
• Project Description: Implements a 2017 feasibility study to construct Class 4 separated bikeways, improve pedestrian islands/crosswalks, modify traffic signals, and eliminate free right-turn lanes between Jones Road and North Main Street. Aims to address high-collision intersections and improve safety for non-vehicular users.
• Commissioner Questions & Staff Responses:
  • Clarified bike lane classifications and project's alignment with Vision Zero goals.
  • Discussed traffic analysis using 2040 projections, showing marginal level-of-service deterioration as a trade-off for safety improvements.
  • Addressed concerns about traffic delays for emergency responders, coordination with Caltrans regarding future I-680 improvements, specific intersection operations (especially at Treat/Oak), and the removal of a crosswalk at the I-680 off-ramp due to low pedestrian use.
  • Explained features like signalized right-turn lanes with dynamic 'No Turn on Red' signs activated by pedestrian/bike detection.
  • Noted project is at 65% design, with final design expected December 2025 and construction in Fall 2026, pending utility relocations. Total estimated cost is $6.22M ($1.3M city portion).

2. Downtown Curbside Management Plan Draft Recommendations

• Presenter: Brianna Byrne (City Associate Traffic Engineer), with support from consultant Megan Mitman.
• Plan Overview: Aims to optimize curb use (parking, loading, transit, placemaking) using data-driven standards to achieve ~85% occupancy and improve arrival experience.
• Key Data Findings (Oct. 2023): On-street parking in core Area A exceeded 85% occupancy (only 117 spaces free), while city garages were at 57% occupancy (1,700 spaces free).
• Draft Recommendations (Part 1 - Near Term Focus):
  • Create a new, higher-rate meter zone in high-demand areas and extend meter hours to reflect business activity.
  • Improve wayfinding to perimeter garages and enhance garage customer experience (safety, aesthetics).
  • Re-evaluate and potentially expand the monthly parking permit program.
  • Modify loading zones (relocate, convert to flex-use post-5 PM, modify 15-minute zones for easier enforcement).
• Draft Recommendations (Part 2 - Longer-Term Focus):
  • Add low-stress bicycle facilities on corridors leading to downtown.
  • Improve pedestrian/transit safety with curb extensions and other treatments.
  • Explore secure bike parking, micromobility for deliveries, rideshare incentives, and policies for future technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicles).
  • Facilitate shared private parking arrangements for employees and consider expanding street closures.
• Next Steps: Further public/business outreach, present revised draft to Commission, then a study session with City Council in early September 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Treat Boulevard Project: No vote or action was taken. The Commission's role was advisory. Commissioners provided mixed feedback, supporting safety goals but expressing concerns about traffic impacts, design specifics (e.g., bike lane protection), and the need for broader stakeholder outreach.
• Curbside Management Plan: No vote or action was taken. Commissioners provided feedback, emphasizing the need for affordable employee parking options, caution regarding rate/hour increases that might deter visitors, support for improved wayfinding and bicycle facilities, and consideration of human behavior in planning.
• Committee Appointment: Approved a motion (5-0) for Commissioner Ash to continue serving as the Commission's representative on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee until March 2026.
• Staff Updates: Announced submission of an Oakland Boulevard project for state funding, completion of new bicycle facilities on Trinity/Oakland, and a successful Bike Rodeo event co-hosted with Police.