101-Staff Report.pdf
:PUBLIC WORKSDEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10 10UPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3354 www.cupertino.org
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 5, 2010
Subject
Scenic Circle access to Stevens Creek Trail and Blackberry Farm Park Progress report
Recommended Action
Adopt the Scenic Circle access mitigations developed by the Scenic Circle neighbors.
Background
On February 16, 2010 the City Council reviewed alignment alternatives for providing access
from Scenic Circle to Stevens Creek Trail and Blackberry Farm Park. The Council confirmed its
support for opening a gate at Scenic Circle and providing an access route to the existing bridge
over Stevens Creek. The creating an entry location between Scenic
Court and the northeast corner of Scenic Circle.
On April 6, the City Council conducted a hearing on a petition for reconsideration of its February
16, 2010 decision to provide access from Scenic Circle to Stevens Creek Trail and Blackberry
Farm Park. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Council adopted a resolution denying the
petition, thereby affirming the original decision to provide access.
Discussion
environmental
clearance process. Implementing the project will affect the nearby neighbors at Scenic Circle
and they have previously raised concerns. Powers and staff held meetings with residents to focus
on the , to support a more responsive and informed design
and environmental process and to better address the concerns. Two meetings were held on May
20 and June 8, 2010 at the Monta Vista High School library.
The meetings provided an informal and collaborative settidesired gate
location, the concerns about opening the access, and their ideas for methods to help address the
concerns. Aerial maps were provided and a range of ideas were considered. Mayor Wang
attended a portion of the first meeting. Traffic division staff and Captain Calderone of the
County Sheriff office attended the second meeting to assist in addressing questions. The
outcomes of the two meetings are summarized in Attachment A.
Parking and traffic were discussed in detail. The neighbors achieved consensus on a desired
strategy for handling this issue involving a tiered approach. First, they requested that a sign be
equested that parking continue to be provided at Monta Vista High School during
the Blackberry Farm pool and picnic season, as is currently the case. If this strategy does not
appear to adequately address park visitor parking in the neighborhood, then two additional
measures are requested. The next step would be to install permanent no park
mmended by the
of high expected visitor ship to Blackberry Farm Park. If these added measures do not
adequately address parking, then residents will consider a Residential Permit Parking program.
If the need for a permit parking program arises, the residents requested that the City waive the
standard fee for implementing the program (currently $1,107).
Regarding location of access gates, the neighbors concluded that the best location for a new gate
would be approximately midway between Scenic Court and the northeast corner of Scenic
Circle, across from a side yard/rear yard property line. Given the project requirement to provide
an access point from Scenic Circle, this spot was deemed most appropriate. This location is also
consi The neighbors additionally requested that the
existing access gate opposite address 10432 be removed and be fenced instead.
Lastly, the neighbors requested some operational items. They endorsed keeping the new access
gate open during park hours and locked at other times. They would like to have trash receptacles
provided near the entry and screened. They would like the receptacles to be emptied daily and
any adjacent litter at the entry vicinity removed by park rangers.
Staff has found each of these requests to be feasible, and recommend that
suggestions be implemented. These items will not significantly affect the project budget or
timeline. The operational tasks (litter removal, gate locking) can be handled by existing ranger
staff.
Staff believes that the Scenic Circle neighbors should be commended for their participation in
this process. They came out on their own time and successfully worked together, generating and
evaluating a range of concepts and building consensus. This task was not easy. Staff, the
environmental clearance team, and the design team wish to acknowledge their time and efforts
and express appreciation for their input.
Next Steps
access point, design work is underway. Associated additional
surveys and field work have been completed. A design concept
input has been identified.
The environmental clearance documents can be prepared now that a design has been developed.
Staff anticipates that the environmental documents will be released by November, and that there
will be a 30-day public comment period. Availability of the documents will be posted on the city
website and neighbors will be notified. If no unforeseen issues arise from the comment period,
then environmental clearance documents could be finalized and brought to Council for adoption
by January.
Assuming successful completion of the environmental review process, award of a construction
contract is expected in early 2011. The new pathway and access would be completed by next
summer.
Sustainability Impact
The Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Trail project supports
The new access path will allow improve pedestrian and bicycle access from areas west of
Stevens Creek to areas east of the creek, including Stevens Creek Trail, Blackberry Farm Park,
and the nearby tri-school area. The path is expected to encourage more walking and bicycling
rather than use of motor vehicles.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Gail Seeds, Project Manager
Reviewed by: Mark Linder, Director of Parks and Recreation
Ralph A. Qualls Jr., Director of Public Works
Approved for Submission by: David W. Knapp, City Manager
Attachments: Exhibit A, Outcome of Neighborhood Meetings