Maybe it is my Mid-West upbringing, or my appreciation for natural beauty, but I am always wanting to see Emeryville do the best we can to preserve mature trees -- and work to plant more trees. Do you feel the same way?
As a result, I am disappointed in 2 items that have recently been considered or will be considered by the City Council at public hearings (the second one is this Tuesday 4/3 at 7:15pm at City Hall). Both have to do with a new development project called "Parkside" which is located on the block bordered by Powell and Stanford, Hollis and Doyle. This project will have 169 units of rental residences, and includes some retail space and a small park with a dog run. I actually do not get to vote on any aspect of this project as a City Council member, as I live and own property just a block away.
This Tuesday the council will consider whether to allow the developer to take out all of the street trees located along the south side of Powell on this block. The staff report and the arborist report can be reached by these links. The arborist suggests, "Costs related to demolition, construction and planting site preparation will be significantly reduced if all trees are replaced." The information that is not included is what it would take to retain the mature trees, rebuild sidewalks next to them as part of the project, and perhaps enhance the environment for the trees to make them grow and thrive in this spot. It also does not mention that the trees on this block are the same as the trees along Powell for 3 blocks, and make a cohesive feel along that part of Powell.
Additionally, 2 weeks ago, the City Council was to consider this item, but then it was pulled from the agenda. The change in those two weeks is that instead of asking the developer to pay $52,100 for the removal of these mature trees as provided by our Urban Forestry Ordinance, now 9 out of the 10 street trees have been declared "nuisance trees" and the developer will have the fees reduced to $4,447 (to pay for the one tree that does not constitute a "nuisance").
I am glad to read that the staff has changed their recommendation to replacing the 10 trees with 12 new trees, larger than previously recommended two weeks ago, but the loss of mature trees is still a problem.
When will we start to ask developers to work around existing trees? When will we ask for the appropriate fees to help fund the planting of more street trees (as I have heard of some residents who request trees and don't get them)? Why is the staff trying to reduce the importance of the trees and the fees that we have in place to deter cutting these trees down?
On the same project, on February 7, the City Council approved the design of a new park, and the removal of 33 mature trees to accommodate it and the parking lot. All of those tall trees that are around the parking lot, on the Stanford side of the project will be taken down to make room for a park. I find it surprising that the park could not be designed to incorporate and enhance the mature trees that are already on the site. When I look at the project, I see that some of the trees simply could not remain with the plans for construction, but there are others that might have been retained with careful planning. If the developer and architect don't value the trees, or see keeping them as a costly measure, at least the city council, who must approve the removal of all trees, should see the value in keeping them. Again, I did not vote on this project as I live so close to it.
I know that arborists have come a long way in the past decades in terms of concensus on proper soil volume needed for trees to thrive. According to staff, most of the trees in Emeryville planted longer ago than 5 years were not planted properly, and therefore, removing them and replacing them with properly planted trees would in the long run make our community better. I agree with that to some degree, but would like to see the city show a real interest in trees, and recognize that a gradual replacement might be better than a complete overhaul. Leave some of the mature trees and plant new ones with better practices. Then, as those trees mature and grow large, remove the older ones. Also, commit to maintaining our current trees and sidewalks in recognition of the value trees bring to our community.
I know that community meetings were held on this project, and these views would have been better shared at that time, but I bring them up now.
I ask that staff invite our City Arborist to come and speak to the council on an overall strategy on how to maintain our street trees so that they are not in the future considered "nuisance trees" that can be cut down without a penalty. Let's see Emeryville become a place where mature trees are valued, as I believe their value enhances our town and our properties.
As always, I invite your comments sent to me directly at emeryvillewest@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Update on the ECCL (Center of Community Life)
Last night at the City/Schools Committee meeting (first Thursday of every month at 5:30 at ESS), we had a presentation and accepted the final conceptual design plan for the Center for Community Life (ECCL). After the School Board officially recommends this conceptual design (which will come at the March 13th meeting I expect), the architects will move on to the schematic design, which are the details on how the buildings will look and from which the construction documents will be drawn. The last public workshop on the conceptual plan will be this Saturday, March 3, from 2-5 at Emery Secondary School. Childcare and refreshments provided. All welcome! Demolition is planned for this summer (2012) for the Secondary School to prepare the site for the new facility.
We also heard last night from the 6 student ECCL Fellows whose job it is to engage the community and spread the word to keep the community informed. They presented information about their activities and answered questions about the program. They expressed a desire to have more students involved. There are also 4 adults who are part of the Fellows project.
Here is a link to the website that contains information on ECCL and also the presentation that the City/Schools Committee heard last night. With the bonds that have been sold by the district ($48 million) and the commitment of former redevelopment funds ($25 million), the project has $73 million available for it at this time.
We also heard from a few people who serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) which collects information on the Measure J Bonds and how they are being spent. Putting in place the tools that the COC needs and figuring out their role with 17 members has made for a challenging year. Brian Carver, who has served as the chair, gave his monthly report which included some changes to the structure of the committee. After his report, he also expressed personal frustration with the process, the amount of time and effort that this work demands, and some of the resistance or attitudes he has met from staff when procedures or assumptions are questioned. He is concerned that the School Board is not looking long term at the management and use of all 3 of their properties, spending most of their attention on the one ESS site. He thinks that the argument for K-12 co-location has not been made adequately. He is considering leaving the committee, he said. I am very sorry to hear that level of frustration from any volunteer who has dedicated so much. I urge all elected officials, staff and residents to respect people who share ideas that are different from their own, truly listen, and maintain a constructive dialogue. That is how public projects are improved and how individuals contribute.
We also heard last night from the 6 student ECCL Fellows whose job it is to engage the community and spread the word to keep the community informed. They presented information about their activities and answered questions about the program. They expressed a desire to have more students involved. There are also 4 adults who are part of the Fellows project.
Here is a link to the website that contains information on ECCL and also the presentation that the City/Schools Committee heard last night. With the bonds that have been sold by the district ($48 million) and the commitment of former redevelopment funds ($25 million), the project has $73 million available for it at this time.
We also heard from a few people who serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) which collects information on the Measure J Bonds and how they are being spent. Putting in place the tools that the COC needs and figuring out their role with 17 members has made for a challenging year. Brian Carver, who has served as the chair, gave his monthly report which included some changes to the structure of the committee. After his report, he also expressed personal frustration with the process, the amount of time and effort that this work demands, and some of the resistance or attitudes he has met from staff when procedures or assumptions are questioned. He is concerned that the School Board is not looking long term at the management and use of all 3 of their properties, spending most of their attention on the one ESS site. He thinks that the argument for K-12 co-location has not been made adequately. He is considering leaving the committee, he said. I am very sorry to hear that level of frustration from any volunteer who has dedicated so much. I urge all elected officials, staff and residents to respect people who share ideas that are different from their own, truly listen, and maintain a constructive dialogue. That is how public projects are improved and how individuals contribute.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Oversight Board
To keep you informed on Redevelopment changes, I will share with you about the Oversight Board. The Oversight Board is being formed in the next month or so and will be in place by May 1, 2012. This body will be reviewing all decisions made by the City Council as Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency as we wind down its affairs, including looking at all of the projects and "enforceable obligations" that are listed on our Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule (EOPS). The Oversight Board will have 7 members:
- the Mayor
- a person appointed by the County Superintendent of Schools, Sheila Jordan
- a person appointed by ACTransit
- a person appointed by the Peralta Community College District
- a member of the County Board of Supervisors
- a person appointed by the County Board of Supervisors
- a member of our staff: Helen Bean the Director of Ecomonic Develeopment and Housing will serve in that capacity
Monday, February 27, 2012
Important meeting to chart Emeryville's path
Please come on down to City Hall on Tuesday, February 28 to share your ideas with the City Council. Redevelopment is gone and we must set our shared priorities before the new 2 year budget is drafted and adopted in June. We start at 5:30 pm and will go until 9:30 if we need to. You will get a chance to hear information from staff, add your own voice, meet some neighbors, hear the council share their views and even have a few refreshments. The agenda is available here.
I look forward to seeing you at 1333 Park Ave. at 5:30 on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
I look forward to seeing you at 1333 Park Ave. at 5:30 on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I-80 Corridor Congestion Relief project meeting, Feb 13, 6:00-9:00pm
Here is a link to information on this meeting!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Yellow Pages Opt out link
Emeryville Neighbors,
If you are interested in no longer receiving yellow pages directories, please follow the info provided below. Realize that it may take a month or more to process your request and you may still receive a yellow pages in the interim.
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Simply go to www.YellowPagesOptOut.com, enter your zip code and follow the prompts to make your choice. Once complete, you will be sent a confirmation email. Click the link embedded in the email to confirm your request.
If you are interested in no longer receiving yellow pages directories, please follow the info provided below. Realize that it may take a month or more to process your request and you may still receive a yellow pages in the interim.
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YELLOWPAGES Opt-Out
Consumer Choice
Developed in partnership between the Local Search Association and the Association of Directory Publishers (ADP), www.YellowPagesOptOut.com provides an easy and secure way for you to control the number of Yellow Pages telephone directories you receive or to stop directory delivery entirely. It is a completely free service for residents, municipalities and organizations that want to help promote sustainable business practices.
The Internet-based tool is specifically designed to prevent directories from being delivered to anyone who does not want one while ensuring that they are delivered to the majority of consumers who continue to rely upon and use the print Yellow Pages to make purchases supporting the local business community and economy. It is a significant and unified commitment on behalf of directory publishers of which the positive impacts are already being realized in many communities around the country.
As the industry’s official website to manage requests, all Association and ADP member companies are committed to honoring requests made through the opt-out web portal. Information gathered through the site will not be sold to third-parties and will be used solely to update publishers’ delivery information.
Friday, February 3, 2012
What is the State of the City?
On February 7, at the City Council meeting at 7:15 pm at City Hall (1333 Park Ave.) there will be several items that may interest folks in town.
The Mayor (that's me) will give a State of the City address at the beginning of the meeting -- the same address I gave at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon just a week ago. To reach the citizens of Emeryville, I asked to give the speech again so that more might hear about what has gone on in the past year and what can be expected going forward. Pat O'Keeffe, the City Manager, will also give a part of the speech. You can also watch this live on your TV on Channel 27, or on your computer with live streaming. You will be glad to hear that we are also taking this show on the road -- reaching out even further as we are committed to attending neighborhood gatherings to share the same information. Consider inviting us to one of your homes, your complex, or your community room in the near future.
Contracting with the County for fire services? Before our regular meeting there is a study session (beginning at 6:30) to hear about the proposals we have received to improve Emeryville's fire services. The folks who work in the Fire Dept., the Task Force that was created to look into our fire service delivery, the consultants who we hired to analyze our needs, and the managerial staff all have recommended to the Council that we consider joining the Alameda County Fire Department. Come to this session before the City Council meeting to hear more about this topic.
You may have noticed new LED street lights lighting up the street outside your home. There is an item on the agenda to discuss the changes in lighting, both the quality of the light and the cost savings that we anticipate from the energy saving technology and the lower maintenance costs. A number of residents have brought this to our attention and we will discuss the change at our meeting.
We are appointing a new Planning Commissioner as Art Hoff has left the Planning Commission. Several people have applied and now the Council will appoint one.
The design for a new park next to the development dubbed "Parkside" in the block bordered by Hollis/Powell/Stanford/Doyle will be considered by the council.
A group named Ohana that is proposing to assist ECAP, the Emeryville Community Action Program, an organization that helps people who need food, clothing and support services will be presenting an update on their activities.
And we will hear about regional sustainability with the Sustainable Communities Strategies presentation. For me, this is a very important and exciting opportunity to be involved in the way our region tackles transportation and land use decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as mandated by CA law, SB375. If you are not able to attend Tuesday evening, but want to participate, please consider this virtual workshop as a way to share your thoughts.
Finally, we will proclaim how kids need parks, the importance of the Red Cross, celebrate the dedicated career of a Police Service Technician, and acknowledge one impressive college freshman from Emeryville!
I will do my best to get all the hot topics as early as possible in the evening.
See you there!
The Mayor (that's me) will give a State of the City address at the beginning of the meeting -- the same address I gave at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon just a week ago. To reach the citizens of Emeryville, I asked to give the speech again so that more might hear about what has gone on in the past year and what can be expected going forward. Pat O'Keeffe, the City Manager, will also give a part of the speech. You can also watch this live on your TV on Channel 27, or on your computer with live streaming. You will be glad to hear that we are also taking this show on the road -- reaching out even further as we are committed to attending neighborhood gatherings to share the same information. Consider inviting us to one of your homes, your complex, or your community room in the near future.
Contracting with the County for fire services? Before our regular meeting there is a study session (beginning at 6:30) to hear about the proposals we have received to improve Emeryville's fire services. The folks who work in the Fire Dept., the Task Force that was created to look into our fire service delivery, the consultants who we hired to analyze our needs, and the managerial staff all have recommended to the Council that we consider joining the Alameda County Fire Department. Come to this session before the City Council meeting to hear more about this topic.
You may have noticed new LED street lights lighting up the street outside your home. There is an item on the agenda to discuss the changes in lighting, both the quality of the light and the cost savings that we anticipate from the energy saving technology and the lower maintenance costs. A number of residents have brought this to our attention and we will discuss the change at our meeting.
We are appointing a new Planning Commissioner as Art Hoff has left the Planning Commission. Several people have applied and now the Council will appoint one.
The design for a new park next to the development dubbed "Parkside" in the block bordered by Hollis/Powell/Stanford/Doyle will be considered by the council.
A group named Ohana that is proposing to assist ECAP, the Emeryville Community Action Program, an organization that helps people who need food, clothing and support services will be presenting an update on their activities.
And we will hear about regional sustainability with the Sustainable Communities Strategies presentation. For me, this is a very important and exciting opportunity to be involved in the way our region tackles transportation and land use decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as mandated by CA law, SB375. If you are not able to attend Tuesday evening, but want to participate, please consider this virtual workshop as a way to share your thoughts.
Finally, we will proclaim how kids need parks, the importance of the Red Cross, celebrate the dedicated career of a Police Service Technician, and acknowledge one impressive college freshman from Emeryville!
I will do my best to get all the hot topics as early as possible in the evening.
See you there!
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