HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/17/2020 Item 15, Englert
Purrington, Teresa
From:Jesse Englert <jenglert@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, March 14, 2020 6:29 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Agenda Item 15 - Allocation of undesignated funds
Dear Mayor Harmon & City Council,
Originally I was going to urge the council to allocate some funding for quick build projects but it was brought to my
attention that the better move right now would be to hold off on allocating extra funds until the current pandemic
resolves. The situation is unfolding very quickly and I think postponing allocation of undesignated funds would be the
prudent option right now. However, I've included my originally drafted letter below for consideration in the future if this
item is tabled or if council decides to proceed with allocation of these funds next week.
Original letter:
I urge council to allocate funding for quick build projects. Specifically, I would like to see quick build methods used to
pursue an aggressive timeline to build out a core bicycle network. The current work-in-progress Active Transportation
Plan has identified a core bicycle network which must be built out ASAP in order to meet the City's mode share, vision
zero, and climate action goals.
Last month, the San Jose City Council approved $6.8M for a Vision Zero Action Plan. That $6.8M will mostly be spent on
"quick-build" projects using inexpensive materials, primarily plastic bollards and paint, to create temporary and/or pilot
infrastructure improvements to make walking and biking safe across San Jose.
We don't need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to "quick-build" because other cities are already leading the way.
Rather, we should focus on building a better wheel. Let's look at what these cities have done and are currently doing for
inspiration. A good start will be to set funding aside and perhaps commit to building 2-3 miles of core bicycle network
every year using quick build methods.
Sincerely,
Jesse Englert
Chorro St
Bike SLO County Board Member
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