Recent City Council Actions
The following items were discussed at our meeting on January 14. Our meeting on February 4 wasn't very noteworthy. - Plan to replace Connolly's shopping center denied - A plan came to us to convert the entire 3.7 acre Connolly's center site (on Fremont Boulevard in the Irvington District) from commercial to a purely residential development with 92 homes. A number of residents came to the meeting to speak against the development. I shared many of their concerns. In short, this is one of Fremont's key commercial corridors and I felt it should stay that way. It's possible that some more residential is desired in that area, but simply taking one set of parcels and converting them entirely to residential is not the way I believe it should be done. Council did not approve the proposed land use change and instead voted unanimously to have staff review what changes might be appropriate for the Irvington area as a whole.
- My referral to provide funding for LEAF was turned down - In November I had made a referral to the Council to have the City provide $35,000 to LEAF to help them pay for a community garden facility at the City-owned California Nursery Historical Park in Niles. I feel it is the City's responsibility to make our parks something that the people of Fremont can enjoy. LEAF has been working for years to make this happen and I was hoping the City would give them a small push. Staff reported on the matter and concluded that we should not provide the funding. A motion was made to approve the staff's recommendation. That motion passed 3-2, with Councilmember Raj Salwan and I voting no. There is still hope that this matter will be considered in the mid-year budget review which is coming up soon.
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Older City Council Actions
Since it's been a while since I've sent an email, I figured I'd review some of the more relevant decisions that Council made since my last update.
- Vinnie made Vice Mayor of Fremont - There's a complicated formula for figuring out who should be Vice Mayor for this year and it turns out that it's me for this year. The position is largely titular meaning that it sounds good but doesn't mean a lot. In short, I'll be there to formally represent Fremont if the Mayor can't do so for whatever reason.
- Trade Delegation to India - I attended the City's trade delegation to India last November. We visited the cities of Bengalaru, Chennai, and Jaipur. We talked with hundreds of local businessmen and Chambers of Commerce, and worked to create international business between Fremont and India. While some felt that the trip was not a good way for the City to spend money, I believe that Fremont has to be aggressive in pulling in new business. Fremont is a natural fit for winning over much of the high-tech business occurring between India and the United States.
- Surveillance Cameras - The City had recommended using some unexpected money for surveillance cameras in lower income neighborhoods. The money was limited in that it had to be tied into Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The Council spoke in general that we were not necessarily against the idea of surveillance cameras, but that this proposal wasn't using the money in a way that helps the disadvantaged, which is the intent of CDBG money.
- Red Light Cameras - A number of local residents had suggested modifying our traffic signal timing to provide more yellow light time, thus reducing the number of red light tickets being given out. Some advocated removing the red light cameras altogether. I researched this issue, talking with both the police and red light camera opponents, and concluded that the program is fine the way it is now. I put a blog post on my web site that explains my rationale in more detail.
- In Roads Church Development Approved - This was a proposal to put a 17 unit development at the site of the current In Roads Church facility on Washington Boulevard just south of Osgood/Driscoll. The project required a General Plan amendment since they were asking for a few more homes than allowed for in the plan. I voted against the project for a number of reasons but was outvoted 4-1.
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Future Council Activity
- New Civic Center on Capitol Avenue - The City is moving ahead with plans to develop a new City Center on Capitol Avenue near the current City offices. This will be an exciting project that will help to revive the downtown area along Capitol Avenue. Council will be meeting to discuss the architect's initial concept designs on February 11. You can read more about this meeting here.
- Warm Springs EIR released - The Warm Springs EIR was just released last week. This will likely be the area of most significant growth in Fremont over the next 5-10 years. The arrival of a new BART station brings with it a chance to develop an employment-centered area within walking distance of BART. This could be a huge boon for the business community in Fremont. Council will be meeting to discuss the EIR on February 18. You can read more about the Warm Springs Community Plan and the EIR here.
- Stanford Avenue parking issues - This is an older issue that is still looking for resolution. Hiking Mission Peak from the Stanford Avenue trailhead is a very popular activity. So popular, that it creates parking problems for the surrounding community. We need to balance the concerns of the neighboring community and the many people's desire to hike Mission Peak. One idea is to put a new parking lot in the park which would reduce the local parking problems. However, the lot would be large enough (250-300 spaces) that it creates concerns on its own for the local residents.
- Budget meetings for next year's budget - Every year the City reviews its budget and sets its allocations for various items. While this is a very important series of meetings, there is typically little input from the public. I encourage you all to find out more about the City's budget process and provide your comments. I will send out an email with more information once the budget meetings are scheduled.
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