Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

August 2000 Meeting

Minutes of Meeting: August 9, 2000

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association
Minutes of Meeting: August 9, 2000, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Lee Hightower, Ronnie Turner, Jeff Knowles, Stan Muller, Sean Ross, Roderick Roe
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), Andrea Cesar (Communications Coordinator), Lori Lott (Secretary)

1. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting

3. Reading of the minutes by Lori Lott. Comments on the minutes:
a. Problem Alcohol Outlets: Taj was not in attendance, but provided Public Nuisance Complaint Forms. Extra copies are still available.
b. National Night Out: There was a great turnout by neighbors and the City.
c. Motion made to adopt minutes. Passed unanimously.

3. City of Berkeley Update:
a. Lee Hightower was present to hear citizens concerns, so he can work with the City to help us accomplish our goals
b. Ronnie Turner's interest in helping with revitalization of neighborhoods. Working on filling vacant properties.
Question raised: Is there an ordinance restricting the number of liquor stores within a certain area, particularly where violent crime occurs? Yes, but only applies to new stores.
c. Police Update: Our new area coordinator, Officer Cesar Melero is on vacation, so Officers Ross and Roe were in attendance. They provided pamphlets on crime prevention, and pointed out the growing problem of identity theft. Residents are reminded to use THE-COPS (843-2677) to anonymously report drug activity or suspicious behavior. The more calls they receive from a given area, the more likely something will be done to address the problem.

5. Traffic Update/Proposed All-Way Stop at Alcatraz Ave. and King St:
A. Since our last meeting, a majority of the members of the Transportation Commission have decided against the All-Way Stop. Jeff Knowles has proposed an alternative plan, and a diagram was presented. The proposed design involves a two stage process:
1. narrowing lanes of traffic at the intersection with a solid double yellow stripe at the centerline, and cross-hatching at the curb, and moving parked vehicles away from the intersection to improve sight distance.
2. the addition of pedestrian crossing signs
The two stage process is necessary in order to do before and after radar studies to determine which (if either) stage is effective in slowing traffic without compromising safety.
The general idea of the proposal was received favorably, except that we would be unable to accept the loss in parking that would result, particularly on the northwest side of the street (several houses have no driveways, and parking is currently tight).
An amended proposal was suggested, with an asymmetric "S curve" design (impacting parking on the south side of Alcatraz only. Jeff Knowles will draw up this design for our consideration. He will also draft a letter to be signed by property owners along the section of Alcatraz that would be effected by the loss of parking.
If we can come up with a mutually agreeable solution before the next Transportation Commission Meeting in September, we can act on the problem now, instead of having to wait.
B. Lt Muller was present to discuss traffic enforcement. According to the last radar study, the "critical speed" at Alcatraz and King St was 32 mph (i.e. 85% of motorists were travelling at 32 mph or less). This does not warrant any changes in existing enforcement. However, if neighbors believe there is a problem with speeding, we must complain about it in order to get something done (i.e. perhaps beat officer can park on our street at the end of shift to write up reports). We must be willing to report on specifics (i.e. where we notice it most, which time of day is worst, which direction of travel, etc). Contact Lt. Muller with this information (644-6045 or email smuller@ci.berkeley.ca.us). If he receives enough complaints with specific details, he can have a plainsclothes radar assessment done.
C. Other Related Issues:
Joann Sullivan expressed concern for the elderly residents' ability to safely cross Sacramento St. Is it possible to minimize the risk to these new residents (by changing the timing of the light, and/or posting a"Senior Crossing" sign)? Jeff Knowles asked her to email or mail him a letter documenting the number of seniors in residence.
"Traffic Calming Workshops" will begin in September. Contact Reh-Lin Chen (665-3427 or email rchen@ci.berkeley.ca.us) for more information.
Sidewalk problems should be addressed to Kenneth Emeziem (655-3444 or email kee1@ci.berkeley.ca.us). It is always best to either email or send letters to City Departments asking them to address problems.
Problems with street lighting should be addressed to Bud Burlison (644-6620)

6. Financial Report: Fredia Smith
Working with Lee Hightower and Anida Weyl to have tax ID # in place so she can establish our checking account. Dues are $25/year, and will be tax deductable. Will be used for operating funds (printing of flyers and other paperwork) and special projects like the Block Party. Make checks payable to Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association.

7. New Business:
A. Joann Sullivan asked that some flyers be given directly to her, so she can distribute them to the residents of the Over 60 Health Center.
B. Priscilla Banks and Caleb Dardick from the Ed Roberts Campus were present to discuss the proposed campus to be built over the Ashby BART station parking lot. It will be a resource cemter for people with disabilities and the community as a whole, and they enourage the surrounding neighborhood to get involved. Large community meeting to be held September 13 at 6:30 pm at the South Berkeley Senior Center. For more information on the Ed Roberts Campus, contact Priscilla Banks at 698-2039, ext. 1452.
C. Councilmember Margaret Breland asked that flyers be distributed for a community meeting on her plans for San Pablo Ave., held August 14 at 7pm at the Over 60 Health Center.
D. The point was raised that the AANA is most concerned with issues in the 1600 block. We are concerned about the whole street, but most meeting attendees live on 1600 block. Hopefully, now that our meetings are more centrally located, more people from other blocks will attend and become involved.

8. Next Meeting is scheduled for September 13 at 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

9. Meeting Adjourned at 9:30 pm.