North Fair Oaks: Draft Community Plan needs to hear from cyclists and pedestrians

Thanks to Adina Levin for this Area Report.

On October 5, the San Mateo County Planning Commission reviewed the Draft North Fair Oaks Community Plan at the hearing on October 5th. The review was extended to another meeting on Wednesday, October 12th.

At the meeting, there was no discussion or public comment about the bike and pedestrian aspects of the plan. (Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and a number of individuals had sent written comments on the Environmental Impact Report).

BUT there was discussion about proposed crossings of the railroad tracks. The Draft North Fair Oaks plan suggests either mixed mode or bike/pedestrian crossings at several potential locations, including 8th and Fair Oaks.

Residents near the tracks objected to auto crossing because they were concerned about traffic. Residents also expressed concern about a potential bike/pedestrian crossing, due to concern that providing connectivity among neighborhoods with different income levels might increase crime.

But nobody spoke up in favor of increased connectivity by adding bike / pedestrian routes to cross the tracks. It would be helpful for people who would want and use the bike/pedestrian crossing to submit comments in writing before the meeting, Attention William Gibson, Project Planner wgibson@smcgov.org

At its next meeting on October 12, the Planning Commission may or may not allow additional public comment, so it’s important to send comments in writing. The next step for the North Fair Oaks Community plan has also been moved forward. After Planning Commission review, the Board of Supervisors will consider the plan Tuesday, November 1st, at approximately 9:00 AM, in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 400 County Center.