Monument Community Partnership
TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM
Meeting Minutes
Date: Oct. 21, 2010Time: 7:15 pm
Place: Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520
Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher
Secretary: Bruce Lyon
WELCOME: ROLL CALL: Kathy Renfrow, Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Bruce Lyon, Catalina Wright, Bryan Balch, Laura Jean Pearson.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Laura Jean, a bicycle and roller blade enthusiast, joined us this meeting.
Bryan Balch joined the meeting and shared his idea for Pedi Cabs.
Dave Pitman mentioned his work to promote Bed Bug awareness on his web site.
Catalina shared a touching story about her son’s puppy.
Wes shared a story about saving a kitten.
REVIEW ITEMS:
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety:
Laura Jean commented positively about the pedestrian and sidewalk improvements on Monument Blvd. The new color concrete sidewalks add some character to the Monument and improve the visibility of pedestrian walk ways. She also commented about her experience with pot holes and hazardous sidewalk surfaces throughout the City while roller blading. Bryan Balch mentioned that disabled persons using wheel chairs, seniors, and mothers with strollers also have difficulty with poor sidewalk surface quality. Laura also commented about the need for a sidewalk/pedestrian bicycle access across Willow Pass Road because of threatening conditions and fast traffic. Laura Jean also mentioned her Idea of a Paseo or including a special path for bicycles and pedistrians along Monument Blvd.
Pedi Cabs:
Bryan Balch indicated his support for Pedi Cabs, and a bicycle shop and related business to provide economic opportunities for residents of the Monument Corridor. Pedi cabs are three wheeled bicycles modified to accommodate passengers, or urban farm products and include advertizing that could support businesses along the monument. Drivers on their way through town would be attracted to stop at various businesses, to shop, dine out, and otherwise enjoy the character of a pedestrian friendly environment. The Pedi cabs would add to the character, offer an opportunity for photo’s and advertize local business.
Mary Lou mentioned that she envisions the Senior Action Team and other senior groups enjoying outings in the Pedi Cabs. They might also go to the Concord Senior Center for free lunches.
Kathy Renfrow commented on the amount of time and community involvement necessary to achieve improvements to pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mary Lou also suggested an idea for a community celebration to honor the effort to improve the sidewalks and bicycle pathways. Kathy also spoke about the importance of participating in the MTC Public Participation Plan because there are grant opportunities to support community involvement.
SCUFI, Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator: SCUFI offers training for Concord residents in planning and operating an urban farm. The farmers would earn enough to make a middle class living, provide healthy food choices to the community and support other related businesses. Monument residents would eat healthier because of the fresh produce produced nearby.
OTHER PROJECTS;
The Splash Park at Meadow Homes Park on Sunshine Drive: The City of Concord has prepared a Landscape Plan design for a Splash Park for youth at Meadow Homes Park.
The SCUFI BART Project:
Preliminary design has begun on two sites suitable for SCUFI projects, the 7 acre BART site between San Miguel Road and Monument Blvd. The SCUFI project at the BART site has passed BART Design Review and is ready for a meeting with the City Planners.
The Bulge Community Garden Project:
The 1.8 acre site called “The Bulge” is located at the end of Mayette Ave. near the Walnut Creek Channel on land owned by Contra Costa County. The Bulge parcel, which has an opportunity for a community garden, is included in the Counties Iron Horse Trail Improvement project. Our committee members are currently researching utility easements and other information, for the Bulge project, in preparation for a future presentation to the Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee (IHCMPAC).
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Bed Bug awareness meeting is October 28, 2010 from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at Meadow Homes Elementary School, 1371 Detroit Ave, Concord. There will be a presentation in Spanish.
The HEAL meeting is scheduled for Friday October 22, 2010 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
A SCUFI meeting is scheduled for Friday October 22, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with special guest presenter James Kalin with Virtually Green. James Kalin is an expert and leader in promoting sustainable urban farming. He is the consultant for our local SCUFI trainings and gardening spaces.
MEETING FEEDBACK:
It was great to see and hear the progress on the Community Gardens Projects.
NEXT AGENDA:
- Monument Trail updates from Ray Kuzbari and Jeff Rogers from the city if new information is available.
- Update on community funding opportunities for the Monument Trail Project.
- Update on the progress of SCUFI projects at the Bulge and on the BART site.
- MTC Public Participation Plan, How will the community become involved?
- Monument Blvd Urban Design Plan and Design Guidelines: Will the City move forward on the process?
NEXT MEETING:
November 18, 2010 at 7:00pm, at the Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA
ADJORNMENT: 8:30 PM
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