Amber LED Streetlights Preferred for Midcoast

During May/June 2015, the County conducted a pilot project (prior post) to determine if residents of the Midcoast support conversion to LED streetlights, which can reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions by 60%. Two LED streetlights (one standard and one with amber chip) were installed near each Midcoast post office so residents could see their nighttime effect.  SpeakOut online forum received public comments for 40 days during May/June.  The amber light had most support.

Amber LED fixtures will replace existing sodium fixtures at comparable brightness on the same arms at the same height on existing poles. No additional lights are planned. Shields for any intrusive lights next to homes could be added afterwards, upon individual request. 

LED lighting Model ATBO-20BLEDE70-MVOLT-R2 
     specs -- amber chip -- diffusers
Lighting District Maps: Montara/Moss Beach - El Granada/Miramar
International Dark-Sky Association Guide to LED Lighting

UPDATE on 9/17/15:  In response to MCC request, County plans a new pilot installation in fall 2015 for public review of lights at approximately 50% brightness compared to the earlier LED samples.

LAFCo Hearing on Harbor District July 15

San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will hold a public hearing on Consideration of the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere Update for the San Mateo County Harbor District:

July 15, 2015, 1:30 PM, 400 County Center, Redwood City.

Supporting documents: see Agenda Item 5.
Staff cover memo includes summary, response to comments, and the recommendation that the MSR provide a framework for the Harbor District, San Mateo County, and South San Francisco to further study improvements in the areas of finance, accountability, and transparency as well as governance alternatives, including dissolution.

News article: Options emerge to spare Harbor District, Daily Journal 7/7/15.
More info on Harbor District history and issues on MCC Harbor Page.

UPDATE:  
On July 15 LAFCo reaffirmed the long-standing zero sphere of influence of the Harbor District which indicates that the District should be dissolved and San Mateo County should be the long-term successor agency. 

It remains to be seen whether the County Board of Supervisors will actually initiate dissolution, as recommended by the 2014 Civil Grand Jury.  County Supervisor Don Horsley, who is also on the LAFCo Board, suggested that the District be given 18 months to correct its course before the County considers moving to dissolve and absorb the District.

News articles: Daily Journal – HMB Review

Course Correction for Connect the Coastside

The County is slowing down and adding some steps to the project to develop a Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (CTMP) to address cumulative traffic impacts of Midcoast development.  On the July 7, 2015, Board of Supervisors agenda is a contract amendment with project consultants DKS Associates to extend the project term through December 2016 and increase the amount by $90,000 in order to allow for additional analysis, report revisions, and public outreach (staff report).

Widespread public concern was expressed at the April 15, 2015, public workshop. Here is a summary of comments:

  • Provide more opportunity for public discussion of project proposals.
  • Provide information for review at least a week in advance of TAC meetings and public workshops.
  • Incorporate the significant outreach and design work of the Highway 1 Safety and Mobility Study in the final plan recommendations and designs.
  • Recognize and preserve the natural, scenic and semi‐rural character of Highway 1 and SR 92. Pursue context-sensitive design.
  • Pursue land use policy concepts to limit growth to less than full buildout of all existing parcels, recognizing other constraints such as water and sewer capacity.  Do not jeopardize the unique character of the area with transportation improvements just to accommodate full buildout.
  • Reconsider the level-of-service standards used to motivate some of the elements of the transportation alternatives, particularly the LOS of road segments and stop-controlled intersections.
  • Develop recommendations that will shift travel to bus, shuttle, school bus, bicycling, or walking to reduce roadway traffic. 

Public Workshop April 15 - comments - group statement
MCC page on Connect the Coastside