Let's Talk Traffic, Airports and Child Safety

By David E. Durant

Tough issues lie ahead: increased traffic, potential airport use, and child safety on routes to and from schools. These issues require careful analysis and regional cooperation. I will advocate for Pleasant Hill, promote child safety, work to add needed bike lanes and sidewalks, to increase crossing guards and law enforcement near schools, and to improving traffic circulation.

There's been lots of talk about traffic problems for decades. There is no denying that there are traffic problems in Pleasant Hill. In my view, we can either approach this problem by isolating ourselve or by being part of a more comprehensive solution.

"Traffic calming" devices such as speed bumps, barriers, etc., are all the rage now. But, I believe these measures are extreme and should only be used as a last resort.

I believe we must be realistic about the lengths to which we will go to limit traffic. I support a limit on future development in traffic-impacted areas until proper analysis is conducted and reasonable mitigation measures can be instituted. I would continue to pursue the measures contemplated for traffic calming on both Pleasant Hill Road and Oak Park Boulevard (near the Middle School). I would look at strategic use of stop signs and signalization on other roads (particularly in areas, like Morello and parts of Gregory Gardens) where speeding is a significant issue, and would explore reconfiguring streets and corner areas.

Before resorting to speed bumps, barriers and barricades, I would also deploy more crossing guards and police personnel near schools and other heavily impacted areas. I would work with other cities and the school district on a comprehensive, regional solution, with consideration of secondary impacts. Finally, I would insist on appropriate funding prioritization to achieve proper traffic circulation and control, and increased enforcement efforts.

Once the downtown is complete and in light of the changing demographics of our city and our neighboring cities, I would support a comprehensive review of the Transportation Element in the Pleasant Hill General Plan. Pleasant Hill's General Plan calls for local and regional transportation planning, with consideration of secondary impacts. This means that development projects, capital improvement projects and other construction must be assessed in light of long-term impacts of these projects on area streets. I believe we must develop and stick with a coherent policy for transportation and traffic, and be willing to work cooperatively with neighboring cities, the county and others to find solutions to complex traffic problems.

AIR TRAFFIC

There is talk once again about expanding the airport safety zone and potentially allowing commercial air traffic to return to Buchanan Air Field. I am not inclined to support increased use of the airport. But, I do believe there is value in the current studies being undertaken by the Airport Land Use Commission. I believe we ought to listen to the airline companies and evaluate their proposals on their merits, rather than from a NIMBY stand-point. The issue is obviously sensitive. Pleasant Hill businesses and residents have a lot at stake. Fortunately, our current Supervisor has a good beat on Pleasant Hill's concerns, and that offers us a valuable opportunity -- again -- to work with the County in addressing this issue.

FOOT TRAFFIC AND BIKE TRAFFIC

I have long been a supporter of expanding trails, improving streets with sidewalks (particularly in areas where children walk to and from school), and adding bike lanes. With limited resources, we will again be called upon to collaborate with other agencies to keep adults and children moving safely through our streets.

Further, Pleasant Hill's capital improvement plan needs to be re-evaluated and prioritized. Simply put, we need to plan the work and work our plan.