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8.B. - Page 228 <br /> Commissioner Radcliffe stated she assumes it will be full, but the younger generation thinks <br /> very differently about transit, so the number of cars might diminish and the number of bikes <br /> might increase. <br /> Mr. Hunter stated they will come back and ask for more biking stalls. <br /> Vice Chair Holt asked if there is still the possibility of making Theater Way pedestrian only. <br /> Mr. Lyon stated that was a conversation that comes and goes, and there's no definitive <br /> answer on that at this point. He stated at this point because of traffic on there, it doesn't make <br /> sense to close it to vehicles. <br /> Vice Chair Holt asked that assuming the project goes forward, if the direct traffic would be <br /> something to evaluate or study. She stated that if this is successful this is potentially a lot of <br /> cars coming out there. <br /> Mr. Lyon stated that one thing the Staff has been talking about regarding maximum allowable <br /> development capacity and CEQA analysis that lent itself to that, one thing Staff is thinking <br /> about is with this project and other residential development projects that are coming forward, <br /> they should make sure they look at the next level of analysis. <br /> Mr. Ekern stated it was an issue previously when traffic had to be cut off to Theater Way for <br /> the businesses there. He stated it may be something to examine in the future but there is a lot <br /> of use still in Theater Way. <br /> Chair Schmidt asked about the interruption to the businesses, and if that was because of <br /> traffic or if it would have been because of the removed parking. <br /> Mr. Ekern stated the parking was a problem but when the cars were cut off, that was when it <br /> got really disruptive and stressful. He stated that sometime in the next 3 years when the <br /> project is completed the downtown will be in a new cycle of production so that can be <br /> reexamined. <br /> Commissioner White stated Theater Way provides a straightaway from the parking down to <br /> the 101, so that is something to remember. He asked if there is an update on the plans for <br /> lessening the burden of the cars and parking. <br /> Mr. Lyon stated one feature is there is a new parking application that gives real time <br /> information on available parking in downtown. He stated that people will have that option, and <br /> there is also an analysis currently going on of the parking supply. He stated that one <br /> challenge is overconcentration of use, and they are working on getting people familiar with <br /> alternative parking spaces. <br /> Mr. Ekern stated part of the development agreement is the developers are providing funding <br /> to the City to pay for parking applications and working on getting technology put into garages. <br /> He stated some percentage of parking in downtown is occupied by City employees so that <br /> needs to be moved out of retail supply so those are available for the businesses. He stated <br /> the business owners and their employees also park right in front of their businesses all day. <br /> He stated that merchants have stepped up and started implementing valet parking. He noted <br /> an agreement is being worked on with the parking structure under Safeway. <br /> Ms. Ramirez stated that one other item is in the DDA there are obligations for construction <br /> workers parking. <br /> Page 8 of 13 <br />