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The Regular Meeting of the Downtown East Valley (DTEV) Policy Advisory Board (PAB) was called to order at 3:10 p.m. by Chairperson Alvarado at San Jose City Hall, 801 North First Street, Room 204, San Jose, California.

Members Absent
None

There were no Public Presentations.

On order of Chairperson Alvarado, there being no objection, the Minutes of June 5, 2003, were approved.

Gail A. Price, Senior Transportation Planner, distributed copies of the Capitol Expressway Corridor Summary of Public Involvement Program and Comments, July 2002 July 2003, and acknowledged Eugene Maeda for his hard work in producing the report.  Ms. Price reported that the majority of comments received from the community addressed project design, station location and grade separation, impact of at grade operations, removal of HOV lanes and level of service.  She stated that comments were received regarding the proposed multi-purpose path, noise mitigation and the concept of greater flexibility in bus service on the corridor. Ms. Price reported that there were concerns regarding project funding, and construction schedule and impacts.  She reported mixed reactions from the community regarding design issues particularly the aerial proposal between Capitol Avenue, Capitol Expressway and Story Road.  A tunnel option with a depressed open-air station at Story Road was proposed in response to community concerns and will be evaluated during the Environmental Improvement Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) process.  She noted community support for the proposed multi-use path to provide pedestrian and bicycle opportunities, landscaping and visual enhancement for the corridor and reported strong interest from the public regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety.  Ms. Price reported that the EIS/EIR has been provided to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The duration and results of the FTA review of the document will determine when the document is complete and available to circulate for the 45-day public review period.

On order of Chairperson Alvarado, there being no objection, the Capitol Expressway Light Rail CorridorProject Status Report #28 was received and filed.

Julie Render, Principal Transportation Planner, provided an overview of the revised preliminary plans modified as a result of input received from the East Santa Clara Business Association, San Jose Downtown Association, representatives of HP Pavilion, Mexican Heritage Plaza, and various City and Redevelopment Agency departments.  Ms Render stated that the revised preliminary plans will be further refined after review at community workshops, open houses and public meetings.

Upon query by Chairperson Alvarado regarding community interest in loading zones versus parking issues, Ms. Render responded that loading zones were not discussed as extensively as parking issues.

Ms. Render provided handouts highlighting the elements of Enhanced Bus and Single Car Light Rail alternatives.

Member McHugh inquired about the overall total loss of parking spaces along the route.  Ms. Render replied that between Diridon and Seventh Street two spaces will be gained with the Enhanced Bus alternative and the Light Rail alternative would result in a loss twelve spaces.  She reported that between Seventh Street and Highway 101 there are currently 269 parking spaces; the Enhanced Bus would impact nine and the Light Rail alternative would impact eighty spaces.

From Highway 101 to Capitol there are 171 parking spaces, the Enhanced Bus alternative would impact eight and the Light Rail would impact eighty-eight.   Ms. Render noted that the numbers were very preliminary, but it appeared that VTA would be able to mitigate all the parking spaces impacted.

Committee discussion ensued relative to the Enhanced Bus versus Light Rail alternatives, route alternatives, and right-of-way and design issues.

Ms. Render provided an outline of the Santa Clara/Alum Rock Corridor EIS/EIR schedule and process.

Member Cortese proposed a debate by the Enhanced Bus and Light Rail vendors highlighting why their product would serve as the better alternative.

Member Campos noted that the community should be informed of how the Enhanced Bus or the Light Rail alternative would affect their quality of life.

Chairperson Alvarado noted that a very good community outreach foundation has been built over the last few years with VTA staff responding to community concerns in a positive manner.  Chairperson Alvarado emphasized that the most important task currently before the PAB is to continue to raise public awareness, provide education and a vision of what these systems could mean to future generations rather than the selection of a bus or light rail alternative.  She requested clarification as to what degree the BART project will affect the proposed Alum Rock and East Santa Clara project noting that questions have been raised about the ability to fund the Project.  Chairperson Alvarado urged that the public be informed if the BART project has the potential to significantly impact the Downtown East Valley Project so that DTEV may never be built. She further requested clarification from VTA staff regarding what can be realistically delivered and noted that if the Capitol Expressway Light Rail Project to Eastridge was all that could be delivered, the PAB and the public should be apprised.

Jim Lightbody, Deputy Director of Transit Planning and Development, noted that discussion regarding these issues will take place at the October 10, 2003 VTA Board of Directorsâ Workshop Meeting.

Member Cortese stated that he would support having VTA's Chief Financial Officer address these issues at the next Downtown East Valley PAB Committee meeting scheduled for October 2, 2003.

On order of Chairperson Alvarado, there being no objection, theSanta Clara/Alum Rock Corridor Project Status Report was received and filed.

On order of Chairperson Alvarado, there being no objection, the Community Outreach Report was received and filed.

On order of Chairperson Alvarado, there being no objection, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.