LED Demonstration Streetlight Update

New demonstration amber LED streetlights are installed at 6th & Main in Montara, and on Portola Ave across from the Post Office in El Granada.

The new streetlights are dimmer than the previous demonstration streetlights, but slightly brighter than the planned lights (due to an availability issue withthe dimmer model requested by MCC).

The amber LED streetlight in Moss Beach, just south of the Post Office was not changed, so that residents can compare new and previous, if they wish.

Updated November 24, 2015  In light of the limited feedback, on November 19th, I provided feedback to the Department of Public Works that they should go ahead on the installation of the replacement amber LED streetlights, with the model described in the MCC letter of 9 September 2015 (Model #ATB0-20BLEDE53-MVOLT-R2).  The MCC will provide an update when we have information on the date for the light replacement project.

Second Unit Ordinance Study Session 10/28

San Mateo County Planning Commission will hold a Study Session at their Oct 28, 2015, meeting (agenda - presentation) on the County’s work to address second dwelling unit issues in the Unincorporated County, including revisions to the County’s Second Unit Ordinance and potential policy approaches from the Board of Supervisors’ Affordable Housing Study Session and White Paper.

County affordable housing initiatives status update matrix 10/15/15.

Local Coastal Program background: LCP Policy 3.22 limits the total number of approved second units to 466 in the Coastal Zone. Size of the units is limited to 700 s/f or 35% of the floor area of the principal residence, whichever is greater. Second units are not permitted on non-conforming parcels less than 5,000 s/f.  LCP Policy 1.23 limits the maximum number of new dwelling units built in the urban Midcoast to 40 units each calendar year, but exception is made for deed-restricted affordable units.

Resolution Near for 7th St Fence?

On October 20, the Board of Supervisors will hear the appeal of Planning Commission approval of new encroaching fence in the right-of-way at the west end of Seventh Street. It is expected they will approve a revised plan submitted by the applicant after an aborted hearing last April which Supervisor Horsley asked to have continued to pursue a proposed compromise which is reflected in the revised plan:

Last February the Planning Commission approved a DPW permit to remove the private 6-ft-high solid white fence across the coastal end of Seventh St and replace it with bollards, but they also approved a new private 4-ft-high wire mesh fence in the public right-of-way. That decision was appealed to the Board of Supervisors. DPW removal of the white fence has been delayed until this related issue is resolved.  

Most of Montara’s spectacular rocky shoreline is only visible to the public from the ends of county streets west of Highway 1.  Over the years the County has not placed a high priority on protecting this public coastal access and gave permission or ignored private encroachments into the public right-of-way. Restoration of public coastal access and views from Montara streets has been a key issue pushed by MCC since 2012.  A 5-ft solid wood fence across the end of Seacliff was removed in 2013.

UPDATE: On Oct 20, 2015, the Board of Supervisors approved the revised project as pictured above.

Kudos to CHP Captain Mike Maskarich

Just had to share this success story of one concerned citizen changing the course and affecting the outcome of a Caltrans (!) project by voicing his concern during Oct 14 MCC meeting that the guardrail work on Hwy 92 in certain sections is creating increased hazard for cyclists, with the steel rail encroaching to the fog line.  Captain Maskarich was present, as he often is, to hear this report, and the very next morning he wrote the Council, “Following the MCC meeting last night, I inspected the guardrail on SR-92.  I notified Caltrans of my observations and at 0100 hours this morning, a Caltrans team went out and stopped all work on the project.  I was told the project will be re-engineered and a new guardrail will be put in place to accommodate more of a shoulder area.”  Captain Maskarich is CHP Redwood City Area Commander.  The guardrail issue was brought up by MCC councilmember Dan Haggerty.

UPDATE: Follow-up from Captain Maskarich:  "Thank you for the kind words, but I feel Caltrans supervisor Dwight Caldwell and his team are the ones who really came through. Their prompt response and analysis of the installation of the guardrail were paramount in having this project re-directed. Not only was the installation potentially problematic to bicyclists and pedestrians, but Dwight felt big-rig trucks and all approaching traffic was also at risk. Dwight has been my "go-to" resource on many roadway safety issues and exemplifies the excellent working relationship that exists between Caltrans, the CHP, and the communities we serve."

MCC Meeting October 14, 2015

Agenda for October 14, 2015, 7:00 PM
GCSD meeting room, 504 Ave Alhambra, 3rd floor, El Granada

4a. Connect the Coastside: presentation
-Alternative Development Forecast
-Alternative Transportation Standards

4b. MCC vacancy applicant recommendation
-10/8/15 applicant interviews video
-Claire Toutant appointment by BoS

4c. Letter to DPW re Capistrano Rd. parking & crossings

Consent:  Minutes for Sept 23, 2015, Minutes for Oct 8, 2015

UPDATE:  10/14/2015 Video & Minutes