Jun 11 2011
Assumptions used for the PG&E substation project are questioned
June 9, 2011
Piedmont Planning Commission
c/o Kate Black, City Planner
Re: June 13 Commission meeting re: 408 Linda Ave. Development (“Proposal”)
PART I: SCOPING COMMENTS FOR DEIR: [Draft Environmental Impact Report]
The DKS: Traffic Analysis Piedmont Townhomes entirely fails to examine street traffic traveling east bound down Linda Avenue right before the blind left hand curve in the road where traffic will be entering and exiting the new 408 driveway. Will a car be waiting in the lane for another car exiting? This will be occurring right at the point where the school speed zone reverts to 25mph, a normal place for drivers to speed up. The critical traffic issue of cars traveling with no adequate sightline east bound immediately before the Proposal driveway must be analyzed. > Click to read more…
Jun 11 2011
Oakland citizens supporting library services and librarians have organized to protest the proposed closing of 15 libraries and the planned reduction of hours at the remaining 4 libraries. Their organization, Save Oakland Library is gathering signatures on a petition that states, “We, the undersigned, protest any proposal to close or reduce services at any Oakland library.” > Click to read more…
Jun 10 2011
A letter from Robert Hendrickson on the City’s decision-making model for recent projects
(This letter expresses the personal opinions of the author. All statements made are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily those of the Piedmont Civic Association.)
Jun 6 2011
The proposed pool fee schedule has been revised after receipt of public input at the Budget Workshop. It will be considered on Monday, June 6 by the Piedmont City Council. The new schedule is intended to provide a revenue model for the pool which relies less on taxpayer subsidies and more on annual and seasonal pass sales.
The level of taxpayer subsidy of the pool is now budgeted at 50% of all operating costs, or $380,000. This amount does not reflect capital costs, which will be 100% taxpayer funded. Pool facility improvements of $600,000 are on the list of projects considered annually for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) funding. (See item 4.) CIP spending is funded by the Piedmont General Fund.
Although, according to the proposed budget, Piedmont residents will subsidize 50% of pool costs, they will not receive priority in the sale of annual or seasonal passes over non-residents or City employees. See latest pool fee schedule.
Jun 6 2011
On Monday, June 6, at 7:30 pm, the Piedmont City Council is expected to accept staff recommendations
The language submitted for approval will require the Council to
Barry Miller, Piedmont’s Housing Element consultant reports, “HCD suggested the City create additional incentives for multi-family development, such as prohibiting single family homes in the multi-family zoning district and raising the maximum lot coverage standard in the multi-family zone.” > Click to read more…
Jun 6 2011
On Thursday, June 2 the Rules Committee of the Oakland City Council removed consideration of the FY 11-13 budget (including the determination of the fate of the Oakland libraries) from the City Council’s June 7 agenda. Instead, the budget and library’s future will be on the June 21 agenda.
While a decision on the fate of Oakland library closures is being postponed by the budget process, the Oakland City Council will be considering a 5% increase in the voter approved library service parcel tax, Measure Q on June 7. The terms of Measure Q allow the Council to increase the tax by up to 5% each year without a vote of taxpayers.
Jun 6 2011
From Victorian cottages to turreted mansions, this leisurely stroll in central Piedmont will focus on homes in the historic heart of the city. Ann Swift, currently president of the Cameron Stanford house, will draw on her extensive background in Piedmont to share architectural information of early Piedmont as well as stories of the families who moved here after the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906. See where Frank Havens lived when he moved to Piedmont, visit the sea captain’s house with a tragic past, and learn why there is a Duck House in Piedmont. Please call Mary Ann Benson (510-595-4015) to reserve a space.
When: Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m.
Where: In front of Piedmont City Hall
What: Walk in historic Piedmont of Centennial Homes
Cost: Free, however the book Cottages and Castles will be available for purchase.
Jun 6 2011
So, how can Piedmont residents learn what’s going on at City Hall? Most major meetings, including those of the School Board, the City Council, and various Commissions, are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall. These are televised on KCOM, live streamed on the city’s website, and videotaped for City archives. Occasionally, other meetings, such as League of Women Voters forums are held in the Chambers and broadcast on KCOM.
Piedmonters have access to many online sources to keep informed and participate in civic issues:
Jun 3 2011
Piedmont’s future library service relationship remains unsettled as the Oakland City Council considers drastic library reductions and the elimination of their Library Department.
Meanwhile, library systems throughout California are making tough decisions in light of anticipated State budget cuts to library funding. Beginning July 1, 2011, the Santa Clara County Library (SCCL) District will charge an annual $80 card fee to non-residents of the SCCL District to use online services or borrow books and other materials. > Click to read more…
