A concerned citizen reported that during the council meeting on November 19, 2019, there was a discussion about providing 63 parking spaces for the new library. This figure was referenced in the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) that developers had to respond to, and it seems that it was the city’s consultants who came up with this number. A response to an open records request indicated that there may be a winning proposal from the developers. Let’s see what happens next.
The Vision: Pedestrian Paths and Parking Provisions
The plan for the new library includes a clear pedestrian path linking library patrons to the dedicated parking on Parcel B. The Holliday/Related team has shown openness to considering Parcel D for the construction of a future library adjacent to the Ohlone Greenway. This location is large enough to accommodate a 21,000-square-foot library on a single level, with a wide terrace opening towards the Greenway. Dedicated parking would be provided in the public garage, similar to the base design option.
Parking for commuters and library patrons is to be accommodated in a centrally located public parking garage accessed from Central Avenue. This garage will hold 400-500 vehicles in an efficient configuration that can be wrapped by residential uses or stand alone. Public parking will include 250 spaces for BART riders, 63 dedicated spaces for library patrons, and car share spaces on the first level for easy street and public space access. Additionally, the garage will have 120-140 spaces for residential uses.
Community Concerns and Replacement Parking
The Development Team recognizes the significant concerns around the reduction of parking at El Cerrito Plaza and has consulted with Urban Planning Partners (UPP) to engage the community effectively. Parking discussions will focus on trade-offs, ensuring the public understands the economic, environmental, spatial, and social implications of each parking space. UPP has previously used this approach successfully during the planning phase of the Irvington BART Station. By discussing the financial cost per parking stall and the correlation between the number of parking spaces and increased car traffic, many residents became amenable to reduced station parking through robust community engagement.
Determining the Final Number of Parking Stalls
How will the final amount of parking stalls be determined? This question is critical, requiring significant time and financial investment to answer. Maintaining access for patrons while determining the right balance of parking stalls is crucial. A big question is who will pay for this parking. Previously, the developer would replace the parking, and BART would cover the costs through lease credits to the developer, along with state and redevelopment funds. Currently, available funds are limited, making funding a key consideration in determining the number of available parking stalls.
Parking and Housing: Upcoming Decisions
Will the access study govern parking related to housing? BART is bringing a transportation demand management (TDM) requirement to its board on August 27th, mandated by AB2923. More information on the TDM requirements will be available in the August 27th board meeting packet. BART and the city’s zoning regulations will dictate the parking requirements for housing.
Questions and Concerns
Are the library’s 63 parking spaces part of the 250 total? No, the 250 are BART patron replacement spaces and are not meant to be shared. What is the projected lease cost to the city for the library’s 21,000 square feet? These costs, including parking spaces and the library itself, would be borne by the city.
Reflecting on the Changes
At the project’s start (2019-2020):
- A 21,000 square foot library.
- Significant parking (63 dedicated spaces plus additional parking).
- A promise of significant community engagement.
Current situation:
- A 20,000 square foot library.
- El Cerrito donates parking valued at a significant amount.
- A lack of meaningful community engagement while concessions are made.
Community Impact
Who in their right mind would agree to pay for parking that has always been free in El Cerrito Plaza? There may be plans to ticket people actively and install meters. For the average homeowner, $300 per year is just a minimum cost. Those who drive may face additional costs in terms of money, time, and inconvenience. This project will likely have a substantial impact on quality-of-life issues.
Lack of Transparency and Community Response
We are not aware of management openly discussing the many concerns people have. The El Cerrito community appears to be accepting these changes without any organized effort to oppose them. When asked, city management deflects questions to BART, while BART managers advise citizens to contact the city. Are other people reaching out to BART or the city?
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to navigate this complex and evolving situation.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 