AgdaPkt 2009-09-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Policy BE-15.3: Pursue streetscape enhancements along Veterans Boulevard that create a parkway of higher-density buildings framed by an attractive, include landscape of trees and pedestrian-oriented open spaces. Increase the number of controlled intersections and crosswalks to reduce the street's effect as a barrier to pedestrian movement. Advantages of Site Based on the Sheriff's Jail Siting Criteria The Sheriff's Office has indicated that the Closed Dodge Dealership Site offers the advantages of being near the San Mateo County Superior Courthouse Hall of Justice and Records facility and the Brendan P. Maguire Correctional Facility. Why the Closed Dodge Dealership Site Represents a Poor Choice for the Replacement Jail As identified in Table 2 above, the Sheriff's Office has acknowledged several conditions that make the Dodge Site a less-than-optimal location for the replacement jail, most notably its adjacency to a long- established residential neighborhood. The City of Redwood City offers the following additional reasons why the Dodge Site represents a poor choice for the replacement jail. 1. The site is immediately adjacent to a relatively low-density residential neighborhood. Directly adjacent to the Dodge Site are low-density residential uses; the jail site would directly abut a property line shared with existing residential uses. Absolutely no effective buffer or appropriate transition between a jail facility and the residential neighborhood could be established. Many residents would have direct views of the jail. Also, given the shallow configuration of the Dodge Site, the perimeter security requirement (fencing or wall) would directly impact and overshadow these adjacent properties. Redwood City would deem it as inappropriate to site a jail facility directly adjacent to residential uses. These residential uses would be exposed to all of the security, noise, and other impacts associated with a jail. The full time security presence required for a jail, which could be considered favorable in an appropriate setting for a jail, is not at all conducive to a positive sense of neighborhood character and security. As described above, neighborhood residents have complained of noise from the existing Maguire jail. Other concerns include the documented release of inmates at late-night hours, night-time lighting, and localized traffic. These problems would be exacerbated by locating a second jail less than one-quarter mile from Maguire and right next to residences. 2. The historic Mezesville neighborhood is immediately adjacent to the site. The Dodge Site is located on the edge of the Mezesvilles historic residential neighborhood. The New General Plan identifies the Mezesville and Staumbaugh Heller historic neighborhoods as Historic Influence- High Density Neighborhoods. The following paragraph from the General Plan describes goals for these neighborhoods. 34 Site I nformation for Alternative Locations for the Proposed Replacement Jail September 2, 2009