The City obtained a Planning grant from Caltrans to develop a Complete Streets plan for Buchanan Street and San Pablo Avenue. This is a new and exciting process that began in the summer of 2012  "Complete Streets" are streets that are designed with users of all types and abilities in mind: Pedestrians, cyclists, transit reiders, seniors, children, people with disabilities, and motorists. The City of Albany, in partnership with the Local Government Commission, and a multi-disciplinary team led by Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates hosted several community design workshops to explore ways to make it easier and safer to walk, bike, ride the bus, and drive along San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street.  Renowned walkable communities expert Dan Burden led these public events. Please visit www.walklive.org to learn more about Dan Burden acomplishments and credentials.

A series of open studio sessions took place between December 6 and12, starting with a Kick-Off meeting on Thursday, December 6, a walking tour of San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street on Saturday, December 8, and a presentation of the design proposal on Wednesday, December 12. All events were held at the Ocean View Elementary School Multi Purpose Room. If you did not have a chance to attend these events, you can get the highlights of the events here to become more acquainted with the complete streets process and the positive impacts complete streets can make in a city like Albany. If you have more time and would like to watch the footage of the presentations, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjCNvHsxsT8.

In addition to the Caltrans grant, Measure B funds are also being used for this project. Measure B is a ½ cent transportation sales tax administered by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) to help implement essential transportation improvements and services in Alameda County.

Public Review & Comment

During the winter and spring of 2013, two presentations of the Complete Streets Proposals were held by the Traffic and Safety Commission to receive public comment.  These presentatoins took place in February and April.  A Draft Report was presented at the Commission meeting in July, 2013 for public review and comment.  The comment period extended through August 31, 2013.  At its October meeting, the Traffic and Safety Commission issued a recommendation to Council to adopt the Complete Streets Draft Report.  The Council is expected to adopt the Report at its December 2nd 2013 meeting.

View the workshop flyer: Complete Streets

Complete Streets Policy 

The Complete Streets movement was originated with the goal of implementing street networks that are safe and accessible for all users, regardless or age, income, and ability.  the Complete Streets movement supports active transportation, community development, local economy, and public health by encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation.  In doing this, the movement goes beyond the implementation of physical changes on the street.  It implies changes in planning, design, funding, and transportation choices.  It creates a policy that ensures all projects will accommodate the diverse travel needs of every member of the community.

Both the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) required that local jurisdictions adopt a complete streets policy in order to receive local transportation sales tax funds, vehicle registration fee funding, and OneBayArea Grant funds, respectively.  In the past, the City has received several grants that help fund the majority of the cost associated with transportation safety projects such as the Buchanan Marin Bikeway, the Update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the Marin/Santa Fe and the Ocean View Pedestrian Safety Projects, and the Safe Routes to School Program in Albany. Therefore, receiving these funds is very important for the implementation of future safety projects that encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.  

The City of Albany adopted a Complete Streets Resolution On January 22, 2013.  Below, you can find the Resolution and relevant documents that support a Complete Streets Polciy in the City.

The City also developed a Complete Streets Plan for San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street. The City Council will consider adoption of this Plan at its December 16, 2013 meeting.  For more information on the Complete Streets Policy, contact Jeff Bond at 1 + (510) 528-5769. For information about the Complete Streets Plan for San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street, please contact Robert Gonzales 1 + (510) 559-4270.