Press Releases

For Immediate Release

MTC Awards $565,000 in New Grants to Promote Livable Communities

Ten Bay Area projects selected

Contact:

Ashley Nguyen
510.464.7809

John Goodwin
510.817.5862

OAKLAND, Calif., March 6, 2002...The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has approved 10 new grants totaling $565,980 through its Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) program to support a pair of community-oriented transportation projects in San Francisco plus single projects proposed in Fairfield, Martinez, Napa, Oakland, San Jose, San Leandro, San Pablo and South San Francisco. MTC established the TLC program in 1998 to provide incentives for pedestrian- and transit-oriented developments, streetscape improvements and other projects that strengthen the link between transportation, land use and community goals.

The 10 projects approved for funding Wednesday were selected from among a pool of 59 applications totaling over $3.5 million in requests. Each project will be developed by community groups and local jurisdictions, and will involve public outreach and participation as part of the planning process. In all cases, the MTC funds will supplement funding provided by the project sponsor. (A list of the 10 projects awarded planning grants is attached.)

"The rising number of requests for TLC funding shows how much creativity there is at the local level here in the Bay Area," said MTC chair and San Pablo City Councilmember Sharon Brown.

The TLC program, which is designed to help Bay Area municipalities plan and construct community-oriented transportation projects, includes three separate components: planning grants, capital grants for project implementation, and Housing Incentive Program grants for cities and/or counties that propose housing developments adjacent to transit service.

MTC currently is seeking proposals for a new round of TLC capital grants totaling $9 million. Municipalities and their development partners can apply for grants ranging from $150,000 to $2 million to finance a wide range of transportation-related improvements within neighborhoods. Eligible projects include transit villages, streetscapes, pedestrian plazas and bicycle facilities. The deadline for submissions is March 29; grants will be awarded in July 2002.

Informational materials explaining the Transportation for Livable Communities program and the Housing Incentive Program – and their respective project application procedures – are available through the MTC-ABAG Library by e-mail (library@mtc.ca.gov), fax (510/817-5932) or telephone (510/817-5836). Information about the program may also be obtained from MTC's Web site, at <www.mtc.ca.gov>.

MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

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MTC Transportation for Livable Communities Program
Planning Grants Approved March 6, 2002

Project: Oakland Chinatown Community Transportation Plan

Sponsor(s): Oakland Chinatown Coalition, City of Oakland

Scope: To develop a detailed plan for capital improvements and pedestrian amenities in Oakland's Chinatown that will create a safer pedestrian environment, enhance mobility and access for seniors and the disabled, and enhance Chinatown's economic vitality.

MTC Contribution: $75,000

Local Match: $25,000

Contact(s): Jennie Ong, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, 510/893-8979; Sherry Hirota, Asian Health Services, 510/986-6830


Project: East 14th Street Corridor South Area Development Strategy

Sponsor: City of San Leandro

Scope: To prepare a development study for the East 14th Street South Area that investigates changes in land use policies, potential for mixed-use development, streetscape designs, and traffic calming as well as integrating the South Area with the proposed AC Transit Rapid Bus Transit service from Berkeley through Oakland to the Bayfair BART station.

MTC Contribution: $50,000

Local Match: $50,000

Contact: Shelia Young, Mayor, City of San Leandro, 510/577-3356


Project: Martinez Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

Sponsor: City of Martinez

Scope: To prepare a Specific Plan and EIR to further define the proposed land uses and development design guidelines identified in the Martinez Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Master Plan, update the City's Zoning Ordinance, and create design guidelines to encourage private development proposals for a transit village adjacent to the Martinez Intermodal Station.

MTC Contribution: $75,000

Local Match: $75,000

Contact: Richard Pearson, City of Martinez, 925/372-3525


Project: El Portal Streetscape Design Plan

Sponsor(s): Contra Costa County and City of San Pablo

Scope: To conduct community visioning and outreach and prepare a streetscape design plan for El Portal Drive from I-80 in concert with the redevelopment of the old El Portal Shopping Center/International Marketplace as well as planned development of housing and commercial uses along El Portal Drive.

MTC Contribution: $25,000

Local Match: $20,000

Contact(s): John Greitzer, Contra Costa County, 925/335-1201; Brock Arner, City of San Pablo, 510/215-3000


Project: First Street and Second Street Streetscape and Traffic Calming Plan

Sponsor: City of Napa

Scope: To conduct community outreach and develop concept plans and cost estimates for streetscape improvements and traffic calming measures on First and Second Streets in association with a new trolley service in downtown Napa.

MTC Contribution: $60,000

Local Match: $60,000

Contact: Mark Prestwich, City of Napa, 707/257-9520


Project: Stockton Street Enhancements Plan

Sponsor(s): Chinatown Community Development Center, San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic (DPT)

Scope: To conduct community outreach and develop a concept plan that improves walkability and transit connectivity along Stockton Street, and plans for the future Third Street Light Rail Transit extension to
Chinatown (Central Subway).

MTC Contribution: $51,480

Local Match: $10,000

Contact(s): Helen Kwan or Louise Cooper, Chinatown Community Development Center, 415/984-1450


Project: Market Street Study

Sponsor: San Francisco County Transportation Authority

Scope: To develop a solutions-driven action plan addressing circulation issues related to pedestrian safety, bicycle travel, and transit access and reliability on Market Street from the Ferry Building to Van Ness Ave.

MTC Contribution: $75,000

Local Match: $200,000

Contact: Andrew Delaney, San Francisco County Transportation Authority, 415/522-4805


Project: South San Francisco BART Linear Park

Sponsor: City of South San Francisco

Scope: To conduct community outreach, create a design development plan for the preferred alternative, and develop construction documents for
a linear park and bikeway corridor along the 2.85-mile segment of
the BART extension within the city of South San Francisco.

MTC Contribution: $75,000

Local Match: $127,000

Contact: Marty Van Duyn, City of South San Francisco, 650/829-6620


Project: Coyote Creek Trail

Sponsor(s): City of San Jose, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and Walk San Jose

Scope: To conduct community outreach and prepare a trails master plan to develop a 2.5-mile, multi-use trail along Coyote Creek between U.S. 101 and Kelley Park through a low-income neighborhood.

MTC Contribution: $54,500

Local Match: $20,000

Contact: Dave Mitchell, City of San Jose, 408/277-4768


Project: West Texas Street Master Plan

Sponsor: City of Fairfield

Scope: To develop a master plan focusing on a streetscape design concept, development standards for new construction, and a design concept for public improvements at the West Texas Street Gateway, the Fairfield Linear Park, Allan Witt Park, and neighborhood gateways.

MTC Contribution: $25,000

Local Match: $21,000

Contact: Brian Miller, City of Fairfield, 707/428-7446

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