Meeting TONIGHT: CAC for CNWS Reuse Project

As we wrote here two weeks ago, the first meeting of the Community Advisory Committee for the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) Reuse Project will take place tonight at 6:00 pm in the Council Chamber at the Concord Civic Center at 1950 Parkside Drive**.

We are now entering a phase of paramount importance in our efforts to ensure that the City and Reuse Project Phase One master developer Lennar–Five Point commit to guaranteeing not only routine but superb accommodation for historically neglected modes—pedestrian, bicycling, and transit—with the aim of securing a Specific Plan that calls for community design that incorporates from the ground up safe, convenient, and comfortable access for these modes.

Following over a decade of debate and initial planning, the looming development of Phase One affords us the first concrete opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of first-rate accommodation for walking, bicycling, and transit. As noted in our previous post two weeks ago on this subject, Bike Concord is in stalwart support of the full implementation of Complete Streets principles for the CNWS Reuse Project. Reuse of this site consistent with Complete Streets will allow for the unprecedented opportunity for Concord to achieve full modal separation on streets from project inception, with dedicated space for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and motorists.

Although we don’t expect tonight’s meeting to delve into much, if any, wonkish discussion of Phase One—staff will present an overview of the CNWS Reuse Project planning process as well as outline the role and responsibilities of the newly formed CAC and the next steps; it’s the “first day of school,” if you will—for those of you able to attend tonight, your presence and involvement is most certainly welcome for the start of this exciting new chapter in the long and storied evolution of the former CNWS property.

(** For those of you arriving by bicycle and are holders of a BikeLink card, secure parking is available in a pod of four lockers a mere two-minute walk away from the Council Chamber entrance. The lockers are located on the north side of the Civic Center directly across from the entrance to the Concord Library on Salvio Street.)

We hope to see you there.

First CNWS Community Advisory Committee meeting Tuesday, Jan 17

The first meeting (PDF) of the nascent Community Advisory Committee for the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Project is Tuesday, January 17, at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chamber at 1950 Parkside Drive.

The CAC is a group of 11 Concord residents (plus 3 alternates) selected by City Council to give resident input on the Reuse Project progress and plans, and to assist in drafting the Specific Plan which will serve as the guide for Phase 1 development.  They will meet regularly on the third Tuesday of every month.  All meetings are open to the public.

Bike Concord’s position is that all streets in the project should fully reflect Complete Streets principles.  To that end, we support streets which include full separation of modes (pedestrian, bicycle, and motor) not only along roadways but also at intersections.  This means separate travel space for each mode, demarcated not just by painted lines but by vertical separation elements such as posts, landscaped planting strips, and/or grade separation (e.g., raised bikeways).  Another key element is the provision for protected movements (e.g., left turns) through intersections for bicycle and pedestrian traffic, separated from each other and from motor vehicle traffic.

Given the blank slate, for all intents and purposes, presented by the Reuse Area property, there is no practical reason for the City not to commit fully to the transformation of the former CNWS into a sustainable, vibrant addition to our existing community, and, in doing so, foster a haven for walkers and bicyclists.