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PATH Plaza Navigation Center - Deputy Director Riske-Gomez
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
Direction to staff regarding a proposed bus stop at the Path Plaza Navigation Center.
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Financial Impact:
None at this time.
Background Information:
Staff has received a request to establish a new bus stop within the James Avenue neighborhood to better serve the P.A.T.H. Plaza Navigation Center in Red Bluff. The proposed bus stop would require a deviation from the current bus route, routing buses through the James Avenue neighborhood. This request is driven by safety concerns related to increased foot traffic, especially by transients, who are frequently seen crossing the field from South Main Street to the P.A.T.H. Plaza Navigation Center instead of using safer, designated routes.
Current Situation:
Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this request. In the past month, three transients have been struck by trains while cutting across the field between South Main Street and the P.A.T.H. Plaza Navigation Center. These incidents have raised significant safety concerns among community members and prompted the proposal for a bus stop closer to the Navigation Center to potentially reduce these dangerous crossings.
Considerations:
1. Safety: The primary motivation for the new bus stop is to mitigate the risk of train-related accidents involving citizens obtaining services through P.A.T.H.
2. Route Deviation and Community Impact: The new bus stop would necessitate a deviation from the established bus route, leading buses through the residential area of James Avenue. This change may increase local traffic flow, noise levels, and impact the neighborhood's dynamics. Additionally, there is uncertainty whether the new bus stop will effectively address the issue of transients cutting across the field, as this behavior may not significantly change with the new bus stop.
Request for Direction:
Staff seeks the Board's guidance on the following points:
1. Assessment of Necessity: Is the deviation and establishment of a new bus stop within the James Avenue neighborhood deemed necessary to address the safety concerns, or are alternative solutions preferable?
2. Community Consultation: Should staff engage in further community consultations to gauge resident support and concerns regarding the proposed route change?
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Board consider authorizing a community consultation process to gather detailed insights and resident feedback. This approach will ensure an informed decision, balancing safety needs with community impact.
Potential Action:
Approval for staff to:
1. Engage with neighborhood residents and stakeholders to gather input.
2. Present findings and recommendations at a future Board meeting for final direction.