Document elcerrito_gov_doc_b1c309596d

City of El Cerrito Public Draft May 2015 Urban Greening Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Draft May 2015 Prepared by & City of El Cerrito Urban Greening Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- i v - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Acknowledgements ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Prepared by: MIG, Inc and the City of El Cerrito Community Development Department. In collaboration with: the Public Works Department, Recreation Department, Environmental Quality Committee and Parks & Recreation Commission. The City of El Cerrito would like to thank the residents of El Cerrito, local agency and non-profit stakeholders, and all who participated in development and review of the Plan, including members of the Urban Greening Task Force: Pam Austin, Ralph Boniello, Howdy Goudey, Mark Guthrie, Gary Hill, Mark Miner, Robin Mitchell and David Weinstein. This plan has been prepared by the City of El Cerrito with funding from Proposition 84 to Improve the Sustainability and Livability of California’s Communities, through the Strategic Growth Council’s Urban Greening for Sustainable Communities grant program. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - v E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Contents CHAPTER 1 EXECUTIVE 3 1.01 Purpose and Scope 1.02 Community Engagement 1.03 Vision Framework CHAPTER 2 9 2.01 What is Urban Greening? 2.02 Why Now? 2.03 Previous and Current Planning Efforts 2.04 Planning Process CHAPTER 3 EXISTING 21 3.01 Assets 3.02 Analysis 3.03 Issues 3.04 Opportunities CHAPTER 4 VISION AND 47 4.01 Vision Framework 4.02 Overarching Goals 4.03 Objectives 4.04 Vision Map CHAPTER 5 91 5.01 Focus Areas 5.02 Pilot Projects 5.03 Supporting Policies and Programs 5.04 Funding ---PAGE BREAK--- v i - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 137 A: Community engagement summary (including survey results and Charrette Summary) B: Best Practices Catalog C: Plant Palette D: Existing Plans, Policies, and Programs that support the Objectives E: Pilot Project Cost Estimates ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - v i i E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Table of Figures ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IV EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 INTRODUCTION 9 Figure 01. El Cerrito parks and creeks 11 Figure 02. El Cerrito City Hall 12 Figure 03. Community Workshops and Task Force Meetings 14 Figure 04. Map of Community Survey Participants 16 EXISTING FRAMEWORK 21 Figure 05. Three acres of Canyon Trail Park were gifted to the City 23 Figure 06. Arlington Park was developed soon after the Parks & Recreation Commission was established 23 Figure 07. For the El Cerrito Hillside Festival, Friends of Five Creeks led a nature walk as well as a volunteer work party to remove invasive, fire- prone French broom. 24 Figure 08. Students from the English Studies Institute helped Friends of Five Creeks Weed Warriors remove smothering morning glory on Cerrito Creek. 25 Figure 09. The community-led community garden at Fairmont Park was established on Earth Day in 2013 25 Figure 10. Educational signage to help residents understand the importance of keeping the water in Baxter Creek clean 26 Figure 11. Planned and Underway Projects Map 27 Figure 12. Playground at Castro Park 33 Figure 13. Tennis Courts at Arlington Park 33 Figure 14. Trails through the Hillside Natural Area Memorial Grove 33 Figure 15. Exercise and Fitness 36 Figure 16. Nature, Views and Scenery 36 Figure 17. Pick-Up Sports 37 Figure 18. Play 37 Figure 19. Organized Sports 38 Figure 20. Urban Agriculture 38 Figure 21. Walkable Corridors 39 ---PAGE BREAK--- v i i i - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 22. All Parks, Trails and Schools 39 Figure 23. City Staff Policy and Practice Meeting 41 Figure 24. Opportunity Inventory Map 43 VISION AND GOALS 47 Figure 25. Paved path in Canyon Trail Park 50 Figure 26. Informal path through Canyon Trail Park 51 Figure 27. Strategy Map: Improved Trails and Paths 53 Figure 28. Northern gateway at San Pablo Avenue and Baxter Creek Park  54 Figure 29. Distinctive signage and landscaping to announce and highlight the City’s urban edges 56 Figure 30. Trees and other plantings that emphasize El Cerrito’s identity as an environmentally oriented destination, with community gathering spaces 56 Figure 31. Strategy Map: Greener Gateways 57 Figure 32. Ohlone Greenway Natural Area 58 Figure 33. Strategy Map: Strengthened Ohlone Greenway 59 Figure 34. Renovated park with new play areas and gathering spaces 61 Figure 35. Strategy Map: Enhanced Existing Parks 63 Figure 36. Parklet along commercial street with children’s play opportunities 64 Figure 37. Alberrito Street Play highlights that streets may serve many purposes  65 Figure 38. New wayfinding systems must be compatible with existing successful signage 65 Figure 39. Strategy Map: Active Commercial Corridors 67 Figure 40. Central Park, a potential space for multipurpose enhancements 68 Figure 41. Strategy Map: Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods 69 Figure 42. Strategy Map: Enriched Natural Areas 71 Figure 43. Creek enhancement could help celebrate riparian corridors such as this creek adjacent to the Ohlone Greenway  72 Figure 44. Creekside Park provides wildlife habitat, native vegetation and stormwater control benefits, while creating a community gathering space that celebrates and engages with nature. 74 Figure 45. The Baxter Creek Gateway Project removed the Creek from a failing culvert, daylighting it to restore its natural function and provide a northern gateway to the City.  74 ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - i x E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 46. Strategy Map: Enhanced Creeks 75 Figure 47. Rain gardens in El Cerrito 76 Figure 48. Green infrastructure and public open space 77 Figure 49. The Cities of Albany and El Cerrito host semi-regular street play events, called Alberrito Streets, to create a fun, safe, car-free place for people to meet, play and enliven their streets. 78 Figure 50. The San Pablo Avenue Streetscape project resulted in rain gardens, bicycle facilities and pedestrian amenities to create a more pleasant and sustainable environment and help catalyze economic development. 78 Figure 51. Strategy Map: Green Streets 79 Figure 52. Vibrant green schoolyards are rich learning environments  80 Figure 53. Strategy Map: Vibrant Schoolyards 81 Figure 54. Strategic, small-scale urban agriculture provides environmental benefits while feeding the community 82 Figure 55. The El Cerrito Plaza Farmers’ Market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm 83 Figure 56. The pilot Community Garden at Fairmont Park was constructed on Earth Day 2013 and is maintained by the El Cerrito Community Garden and continued community volunteerism. 84 Figure 57. El Cerrito’s street right-of-way provides numerous opportunities for small-scale urban agriculture, including private planting of sidewalk gardens and food crops in medians and along City streets when stewarded by community volunteers. 84 Figure 58. Strategy Map: Urban Agriculture 85 Figure 59. Vision Map 87 IMPLEMENTATION 91 Figure 60. Focus Areas 93 Figure 61. Connecting City streets, trails and stairs to the Bay Trail and Wildcat Canyon Trail is a unique opportunity 94 Figure 62. Blue to Green Connections will improve connectivity from the hills to the Bay 94 Figure 63. Ohlone Greenway – Portola to Schmidt 95 Figure 64. Fluvius Innominatus runs along the Ohlone Greenway from Portola to Schmidt and encounters regular sediment buildup, requiring significant maintenance  95 Figure 65. Ohlone Greenway – Gladys to Blake 96 ---PAGE BREAK--- x - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 66. The Ohlone Greenway from Gladys to Blake includes key opportunities for increased activity and amenity improvements, particularly at the Bruce King Dog Park and in conjunction with Safeway Greenway improvements 96 Figure 67. An aerial view of Fairmont Park 97 Figure 68. Formalizing the demonstration garden at Fairmont Park was identified as a community priority 97 Figure 69. Preservation of some existing elements, such as the stone turtle, while upgrading play equipment and park furnishings was identified as important to the community 97 Figure 70. Central Park and adjacent private parcel* 98 Figure 71. Opportunities to improve Central Park’s baseball diamond, incorporate new community amenities, and create a more multi-use park were identified as key opportunities to improve the livability of El Cerrito and Richmond’s neighborhoods west of San Pablo Avenue 98 Figure 72. Creekside Park 99 Figure 73. Creekside Park currently supports wildlife habitat, stormwater management and treatment, and community gathering; opportunities to create functioning wetlands was identified as an important stormwater project with potential C.3 benefits 99 Figure 74. Continuing to improve the Hillside Natural Area’s paths and trails, while preserving its views, native vegetation and wildlife habitat was identified as a community priority 100 Figure 75. An aerial view of the Hillside Natural Area 100 Figure 76. El Cerrito Plaza 101 Figure 77. The El Cerrito Plaza Shopping Center has been identified for strategic opportunities to improve stormwater runoff management, increase connectivity and provide strategic open space in the City’s commercial corridor 101 Figure 78. Conlon Ave and Key Boulevard area* 102 Figure 79. Street Play at the intersection of Key and Conlon highlights the excess ROW and landscaping opportunities 102 Figure 80. Cutting and San Pablo Avenue 103 Figure 81. Wide ROW and underutilized properties provide several opportunities for Urban Greening 103 Figure 82. Avila St and San Pablo Avenue 104 Figure 83. Avila Street dead ends in a cul-de-sac with pedestrian access to San Pablo Avenue. 104 Figure 84. Former Portola Middle School site (WCCUSD) 105 ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - x i E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 85. Ashbury Avenue 106 Figure 86. Volunteers plant trees on the wide Ashbury Avenue median on Earth Day 106 Figure 87. Lower Fairmount Avenue  107 Figure 88. The Off the Grid food truck market currently shuts down lower Fairmount Avenue every Wednesday night 107 Figure 89. Pilot Projects 109 Figure 145. Maintenance is necessary for promoting plant health 128 Figure 146. Bay Friendly and drought tolerant landscape have lower maintenance requirements 129 APPENDIX 137 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 1 executive summary ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n The El Cerrito Urban Greening Plan is an effort by the City to equitably improve quality of life for residents by enhancing El Cerrito’s natural assets, public places and open spaces. The Plan builds on the City’s commitment to urban sustainability by evaluating opportunities to increase the environmental benefits of public infrastructure, parks and natural areas, while addressing the community’s need for diverse, multiuse public places that support and grow community. The Plan outlines over-arching goals, objectives, policies and programs and highlights opportunity projects and focus areas that help implement these goals within the public realm. The Urban Greening Plan builds off previous and current planning efforts to take a holistic approach to urban sustainability. The Plan envisions providing the public amenities to support community members as El Cerrito responds to changing regional demographics, economic conditions and funding and policy priorities. 1.01 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of the Plan is to define community priorities in making a sustainable, vibrant urban environment in order to provide clear direction to City staff and community organizations by: 1. Inventorying existing assets and opportunities to better program parks and green spaces in a more environmentally and economically sustainable manner 2. Analyzing urban greening best practices and defining policy in light of the City’s organizational and financial capacity, potential benefits and previously adopted policy direction CHAPTER 1 executive summary SECTIONS 1.01 Purpose and Scope 1.02 Community Engagement 1.03 Vision Framework ---PAGE BREAK--- 3. Defining urban greening goals, objectives and strategies based on early community engagement 4. Ensuring broad community participation to foster a strong, inclusive community vision 5. Developing a list of urban greening projects based on their ability to support and achieve the Plan’s goals and objectives and provide multiple community benefits 6. Completing conceptual design of focus area projects that pilot urban greening interventions and provide the City with infrastructure and park design and construction projects primed for funding 1.02 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The City engaged the El Cerrito community early on to help define needs and opportunities to provide parks, open spaces and recreational amenities that encourage them to stay and play in El Cerrito, while increasing the environmental benefits provided by these public spaces. • Community Workshops: the City hosted three community workshops, including a design workshop (or “charrette”), to capture community feedback on the Urban Greening vision framework, strategies and focus area projects • Task Force: comprised of representatives from a variety of community groups and organizations, the Task Force performed an advisory role throughout the planning process to guide plan strategies and proposed enhancements • Community Survey: distributed online, at public workshops and through intercept surveys, 848 community members from across the city and neighboring communities participated. See Appendix A for a map of survey responses and a summary of comments Train the Surveyor: the City hosted a workshop to train representatives to administer the surveys to neighbors and constituent groups that are historically underrepresented • Focus Groups: organized to better understand the needs of focus populations, such as teens and members of the disabled community ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 1.03 VISION FRAMEWORK The Plan builds on the overarching goals and objectives identified by the community to achieve a sustainable urban environment. SUPPORTING POLICIES AND PROGRAMS • Sustainable Landscapes and Maintenance • Support Partnerships and Volunteerism IMPLEMENTATION This Plan is a long-range effort that identifies important opportunities, pilot projects and focus areas to be built over time and potential funding sources to pay for their design and construction. The Plan provides the policy framework from which future decisions can be made to achieve the vibrant, livable community envisioned by the community. The City will monitor implementation and will revise the policy and projects as needed. Economic Vitality Urban Livability Community Identity Environmental Sustainability Environmental Stewardship Active Living/ Transportation Improved Trails and Paths Enhanced Creeks Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enriched Natural Areas Greener Gateways Active Commercial Corridors Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Enhanced Existing Parks Green Streets Objectives Vibrant Schoolyards Urban Agriculture Overarching Goals ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 introduction ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 9 CHAPTER 2 introduction 2.01 WHAT IS URBAN GREENING? The El Cerrito Urban Greening Plan is an effort by the City to improve quality of life for residents through enhancing El Cerrito’s public places and open spaces. The Plan aims to identify needs, opportunities and strategies for creating a greener, more environmentally sustainable and livable city. Strategies include increasing connectivity; creating day-to- day green places to gather, play and enjoy; improving existing parks and green spaces; and identifying new ways to meet the community’s need for different types of open spaces given limited resources. Urban Greening improves environmental sustainability, creates a stronger sense of place and builds community. BACKGROUND The City of El Cerrito applied for and was awarded a Proposition 84 Grant to develop an Urban Greening Plan. Proposition 84—the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006—authorized funding for the purpose of creating urban greening plans to guide and coordinate urban greening projects in local jurisdictions across the state. Development and implementation of urban greening plans support the State’s environmental goals and planning policies; promote infill development and equity; protect the environment; and encourage efficient development patterns. SECTIONS 2.01 What is Urban Greening? 2.02 Why Now? 2.03 Previous and Current Planning Efforts 2.04 Planning Process ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n PURPOSE Inventory existing assets and opportunities to better program parks and green spaces in a more environmentally and economically sustainable manner Analyze urban greening best practices and define policy in light of the City’s organizational and financial capacity, potential benefits and previously adopted policy direction Define urban greening goals, objectives and strategies based on early community engagement Ensure broad community participation to foster a strong, inclusive community vision Develop a list of urban greening projects based on their ability to support and achieve the Plan’s goals and objectives and provide multiple community benefits Complete conceptual design of focus area projects that pilot urban greening interventions and provide the City with infrastructure and parks projects primed for funding 2.02 WHY NOW? In 2013, the City adopted two important long-range plans intended to more effectively and efficiently provide services to the El Cerrito community. The 2013 Strategic Plan outlines the City’s priorities for the future, developing succinct goals that improve government services by providing a roadmap for making service delivery decisions and allocating resources. The 2013 Climate Action Plan set an ambitious goal for greenhouse gas emissions reductions throughout El Cerrito by developing a series of strategies to reduce resource use and improve efficiency in the transportation, energy, waste and water sectors. The Urban Greening Plan continues the momentum from these plans by laying out specific strategies, policies and pilot projects to increase sustainability and improve quality of life for El Cerrito’s communities. The Urban Greening planning process has been conducted concurrently with the El Cerrito Active Transportation Plan (in development) and the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (2014) in order to ensure a cohesive approach to future design and development in the City of El Cerrito. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 01. El Cerrito parks and creeks ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 2.03 PREVIOUS AND CURRENT PLANNING EFFORTS Recent and ongoing planning efforts by the City not only provide direction and establish a foundation for the Urban Greening Plan, but also codify a new vision for El Cerrito’s future by emphasizing the City’s commitment to environmental and community sustainability. EL CERRITO GENERAL PLAN (1999/2011) The El Cerrito General Plan prioritizes the preservation and enhancement of natural features by establishing Level of Service Standards, estimating capital improvement needs, and establishing goals and policies to enhance the quality of and access to public open spaces and gathering places and protect natural resources. In 2011, the City adopted a Growth Management Element to mitigate the impacts of new development on traffic and public service thresholds. OHLONE GREENWAY MASTER PLAN (2009) The Ohlone Greenway Master Plan outlines goals and conceptual improvements to strengthen the Greenway, an important non-motorized transportation corridor and recreational amenity. The Plan recommends improvements to increase connectivity and provide activity nodes that lead to increased usage, environmental benefit and safety. NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) MUNICIPAL REGIONAL PERMIT (2009) El Cerrito is a co-permittee with 76 other public agencies under the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board , which requires specific measures to prohibit non-stormwater discharges and minimizes stormwater pollutants including pesticides, PCB’s and trash. Among other things, the Permit resulted in the City’s 2014 Long Term Trash Management Plan to reduce trash loads to the storm drain; among strategies identified, the Plan called for creek cleanups, new bio retention facilities on City streets and C.3 Compliance for new developments. Figure 02. El Cerrito City Hall ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n EL CERRITO STRATEGIC PLAN (2013) The Strategic Plan identifies El Cerrito as an environmentally-focused destination with vibrant neighborhoods, businesses and public places. The Plan called for the development of a comprehensive Urban Greening Plan to guide the programming and maintenance of the City’s public open spaces and green infrastructure, and to identify additional green spaces needed to support future urban infill development. EL CERRITO CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (2013) The Climate Action Plan outlines the most effective actions to reduce locally-produced greenhouse gas emissions and to create a safer and more sustainable El Cerrito. The plan outlines a series of Sustainable Community strategies, which include encouraging more pedestrian design elements, green infrastructure and urban, green open spaces. SAN PABLO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN (2014) The purpose of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan is to articulate a vision for the future of San Pablo Avenue, identify improvements, and adopt context-sensitive regulations that can be applied along its length and to adjacent areas. The Plan created a framework for transforming the Avenue into a multimodal corridor that functions, not just as a thoroughfare, but as a place for living, working and community life. The Plan’s key principles are to deepen a sense of place, attract private investment, strengthen partnerships, enhance the public realm, promote the everyday use of alternative transportation, and foster sustainability. EL CERRITO ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (IN DEVELOPMENT 2014) The Active Transportation Plan is an effort to revise the 2007 Circulation Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians to create a walkable, bikeable, and sustainable City through identification and prioritization of non-motorized transportation infrastructure improvements. These efforts compliment the Urban Greening Plan by providing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and amenities to help people move throughout the City and between urban green spaces. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 03. Community Workshops and Task Force Meetings ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 2.04 PLANNING PROCESS The Urban Greening Plan integrates input from members of the community, City Council, and City staff. The following engagement activities were held at key points in the planning process to confirm the Urban Greening goals and direction. See Appendix A for a complete summary of the community engagement process and comments gathered. COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS Two community workshops were held in the Summer and Fall of 2013 to present information and updates on three concurrent and interrelated planning projects including the Urban Greening Plan, San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan and Active Transportation Plan. Participants provided feedback on the Urban Greening vision framework, strategies and focus areas. In the Summer of 2014, the City hosted a community design workshop (or “charrette”) to garner community feedback on the conceptual design of four focus areas: Fairmont Park, Lower Fairmont Avenue, the Hillside Natural Area, and Blue-to-Green Connections. TASK FORCE The Urban Greening Task Force performed an advisory role throughout the planning process, guiding plan strategies and proposed enhancements. The Task Force included representatives from the following organizations and agencies: Parks & Recreation Commission, Environmental Quality Committee, Committee on Aging, Tree Committee, El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, Community Garden Network, Friends of Five Creeks, Community Development Department, Public Works Department, Recreation Department, and City Manager’s Office. PROJECT WEBSITE - www.ElCerritoUrbanGreening.org The Urban Greening Website, launched in May 2013, was available in a variety of languages and included: an overview of urban greening; workshop dates locations and materials; access to the online survey; and, an interactive mapping tool that enables web-based community input. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE VE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE O AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON AV SANTA BARBARA R RUG S VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL OMONA AVE ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Lincoln Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave r St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw = 1 survey El Cerrito Urban Greening Survey Participant Locations *Note: Not all survey participants indicated where they live. Figure 04. Map of Community Survey Participants ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n COMMUNITY SURVEY The project team developed an Urban Greening Community Survey to collect information on local priorities and needs. The questionnaire was administered online through the website, distributed at meetings and conducted through intercept surveys. In May 2013 community representatives were trained to administer the survey to their neighbors and constituent groups to ensure participation of typically underrepresented populations. Over the 6 week period, 848 community members participated in the survey. The map on the previous page illustrates the distribution of participants across the City. FOCUS GROUPS Two separate focus group meetings were held in the Summer of 2013 to engage members of historically underrepresented community groups in order to further understand the existing needs of the community. These focus group meetings served as an opportunity to conduct intercept, face-to-face surveys targeted at teens and disabled community members to better understand how they currently use open space and what potential projects would improve their experience. STAFF ENGAGEMENT MIG held an internal staff charrette with representatives of City departments to discuss priorities and direction. The session included a presentation of best practices related to parks and street right-of-way (ROW) improvements, creating diverse new open spaces, repurposing street ROW, integrating green infrastructure and building social infrastructure. The group discussed opportunities for each within El Cerrito and mapped potential opportunity sites. Staff then engaged in a discussion of the overall city goals and existing City policies that impact Urban Greening, including internal communication, maintenance protocol, and the need to institutionalize greening practices. Staff consultation on specific Urban Greening topics continued throughout development of the Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 existing framework ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 2 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 21 CHAPTER 3 existing framework SECTIONS 3.01 Assets 3.02 Analysis 3.03 Issues 3.04 Opportunities Mission Statement: The City of El Cerrito serves, leads and supports our diverse community by providing exemplary and innovative services, public places and infrastructure, ensuring safety, and creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future. 3.01 ASSETS El Cerrito has a strong foundation of assets to build upon to create a sustainable and livable city. The City is situated between two major regional natural destinations: the Bay Trail and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, which afford views of the surrounding natural environment. The City contains several urban parks of varying sizes and types, as well as a network of natural creeks running through its neighborhoods from the hills to the San Francisco Bay. In addition to these physical natural assets, local residents and community groups have engaged in extensive environmental stewardship efforts to improve the natural environment, increase awareness of sustainability issues and enhance quality of life. With community support, the City has begun to implement a series of initiatives and investments to achieve the environmentally-focused goals and objectives of recent planning efforts. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n HISTORY OF EXISTING PARK SYSTEM AND INVESTMENT The City of El Cerrito has a rich history of investing in and expanding its park system. Previously an unincorporated agricultural town, El Cerrito became a city in 1917 in order to provide community services to a growing number of residents. The City paved roads and raised funds for a police department, fire department and City staff. Increased development began to occur and the open spaces, which had previously been available by circumstance, started to disappear. As subdivision of land started to occur, landowners gifted parkland to the City to provide community members with access to parks and recreation. Huber Park and Poinsett Park were gifted to the City in the 1920’s and partially developed in the late 1930’s by the federal Works Progress Administration. The City purchased Cerrito Vista Park in 1944 and entered into an agreement in 1952 with the school district to share costs of construction and maintenance of the facilities. Later that year, the City passed a 10 cent levy for continued park improvements, resulting in the development of the swim center, community center and additional adult recreational amenities in 1958. During this time, City Council established a Parks & Recreation Commission in 1949 to help guide development of the park system. The Commission weighed in on project design and development, including improvements at the 5.5 acre neighborhood Arlington Park. The project provided a playfield, tot lot play area, twin tennis courts, a neighborhood club, turfed playfield and quiet landscaped area adjacent to the Camp Herms Boy Scout property. Tassajara Park was developed a few years later to provide a neighborhood clubhouse and deck, improved landscaping and group activity areas and twin tennis courts to the residential neighborhood. Castro Park was developed in the same era through a joint use agreement with Castro School. The school district would complete school-related improvements while the City constructed and maintained community amenities. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 2 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n The City was gifted approximately three acres of Canyon Trail Park early on and purchased the additional three acres through the 10-cent levy to maintain the Park’s natural amenities In 1964, the City Council proposed an additional bond measure to continue parks improvements. They developed a Master Plan for Parks to outline proposed improvements that could be built with these additional funds. The Bond resulted in the joint acquisition and development of Central Park as an important facility to serve the surrounding El Cerrito and Richmond neighborhoods. Creekside Park was included as part of the Plan in case Central Park was found to be infeasible. The Bond enabled the City to acquire Fairmont Park as a joint-use playground, closing an important recreation gap, and to complete improvements at Harding Park, including a tot area, turfed play area, neighborhood clubhouse, paths, a patio, and construction of a tennis court. During development many of the City’s creeks had been culverted or placed in channels to facilitate development, resulting in significant impacts to the City’s stormwater system. In 1969, the City constructed flood basins on the north side of Cerrito Creek at Creekside Park, essentially enlarging the creek channel to help address potential flood risks. From 1998 to 1999, the City of Albany tore out the engineered channel along the south bank of the Creek from San Pablo Avenue to Pierce Street. In 2003, with State grant funds, the City of El Cerrito re- contoured the creek along the south side of El Cerrito Plaza, planting native vegetation and constructing a creek side trail. Much of the Hillside Natural Area was gifted to the City by various donors, including owners of the quarry located at the end of Schmidt Lane. Additional acquisition and construction of playgrounds and ball fields was identified in the 1964 Park Bond, but the area was later identified as a significant natural resource and has since been preserved as open space. The City completed purchase of an additional eight acres of open space in 2015 to connect separate north and south properties. In 1970, the Ohlone Greenway was developed alongside the Santa Fe railroad line and under BART’s proposed tracks using federal funds. Figure 05. Three acres of Canyon Trail Park were gifted to the City Figure 06. Arlington Park was developed soon after the Parks & Recreation Commission was established ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n In 1979, the last Santa Fe train made its final run on the route. After negotiations, the Santa Fe agreed to donate its right-of-way to Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany and Berkeley. The Greenway has been updated several times, including BART’s recent seismic retrofits and with individual projects identified by the Ohlone Greenway Master Plan (2009). Together, these acquisitions and investments create the rich network of parks and green spaces that exist in El Cerrito today. COMMUNITY EFFORTS AND PARTNERSHIPS Residents of El Cerrito and locally formed community groups are engaged in a range of environmental stewardship volunteer activities to improve the City’s natural environments and open spaces. Activities include community gardening, trail improvements, creek and greenway cleanups and restoration, invasive species pulls, and outreach about the City’s environmental programs. Each contribute to the City’s overall goals and vision for the future. El Cerrito Trail Trekkers The El Cerrito Trail Trekkers (Trial Trekkers) are a City co-sponsored community organization which helps maintain and publicize paths and trails throughout the community. The Trail Trekkers recently inventoried the trail network, identifying existing public and private trails and their conditions. They host regular trail walks to build awareness and engage the community on the important issues surrounding these facilities and they partner with the City on trail maintenance projects and events. Opportunities to improve coordination on these projects exist and would support the joint goals of the Trail Trekkers and the City of El Cerrito. http://ectrailtrekkers.wordpress.com Friends of Five Creeks Friends of Five Creeks is a volunteer organization that works throughout the East Bay on projects to ensure healthy watersheds and natural areas. In El Cerrito, Friends of Five Creeks works on advocacy projects, creek cleanups, invasive species pulls, and wildlife protection activities along Figure 07. For the El Cerrito Hillside Festival, Friends of Five Creeks led a nature walk as well as a volunteer work party to remove invasive, fire- prone French broom. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 2 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Cerrito Creek and in the Hillside Natural Area. They host and publicize community events to improve and maintain these areas, working closely with the City to grow and protect the community’s natural resources. Continued coordination on joint efforts will support community priorities for these natural spaces. Friends of Five Creeks advocates for environmental resources in the face of other community pressures, such as development and fire safety concerns. http://www.fivecreeks.org Community Garden Network The El Cerrito Community Garden Network is a City co-sponsored, non- profit organization interested in growing and supporting community garden efforts in El Cerrito. The Network developed a pilot community garden project at Fairmont Park during Earth Day 2013 and has since started a seed library at the Recycling Environmental Resource Center and a community garden project at the Senior Center. The City has worked closely with the Network to provide them space to grow their efforts. The City looks forward to working with the Network to create new, community supportive projects as developments occur. The pilot project has served as a good example for the level of effort required to establish a space and foster community buy-in. http://sites.google.com/site/elcerritocommunitygarden San Francisco Estuary Partnership The City has partnered with the San Francisco Estuary Partnership in the past to successfully construct low impact development projects along San Pablo Avenue to improve stormwater runoff quality and retention. The City is currently working with the Estuary Partnership to design an additional site on the Avenue and will explore opportunities for continued collaboration in the future. http://www.sfestuary.org Green Teams The El Cerrito Green Teams are a community volunteer effort sponsored Figure 08. Students from the English Studies Institute helped Friends of Five Creeks Weed Warriors remove smothering morning glory on Cerrito Creek. Figure 09. The community-led community garden at Fairmont Park was established on Earth Day in 2013 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n by the City’s Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) that host regular cleanups and invasive species pulls at identified priority sites. The City helps coordinate these events by helping to publicize, providing tools and resources, and tracking and reporting on event efficacy. The City hopes to grow the Green Teams to support other cleanup and maintenance projects. Expansion of the program depends on continued coordination and support to keep volunteers engaged. Baxter Creek Cleanups The City hosts work parties at the Baxter Creek Gateway Park to remove invasive species and help restore natural habitat. The work parties are intended to maintain the naturalized creek completed as part of the Gateway Project in 2006. As other projects occur throughout the City, particularly those with specialized landscaping, the City will look to its volunteer to help ensure that these environments thrive. Earth Day The City hosts a citywide Earth Day event to partner active community volunteers with work parties in City parks, natural areas and on City streets. The work parties help support the City’s environmental initiatives and are a great opportunity to build community and ownership of City resources. Community Volunteers El Cerrito is fortunate to have an active group of community volunteers who steward and develop individual projects throughout the city that provide environmental benefits and distinctive community amenities. The City hopes to support these efforts whenever possible by providing tools and resources to lower costs and facilitate volunteer work. Community members contribute their invaluable insight into City projects by attending workshops and meetings, serving on the City’s boards, committees and commissions, and providing public comment on plans, policies and design review. Figure 10. Educational signage to help residents understand the importance of keeping the water in Baxter Creek clean ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 2 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Rain Garden 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OA AVE VISALIA AVE MENLO PL ABRIEL AVE SAN JUA SAN SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST VINCENTE WALK MONA AVE TRAIL ONA AVE OSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave r St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Pat Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw PLANNED AND UNDERWAY PROJECTS Several urban greening projects throughout to expand the park system and improve the quality of public spaces are already planned and underway. 1 3 2 4 5 6 City Limit San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Area El Cerrito Park Park Outside El Cerrito Water Creek, Underground and Daylit Destinations BART Line and Station Arterial Roads T* Figure 11. Planned and Underway Projects Map ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 1. El Cerrito BART Station Modernization Improvements In 2014, BART studied opportunities to enhance the public’s experience at the del Norte and Plaza BART stations. The del Norte station was selected for station modernization improvements that will help activate the Ohlone Greenway and create a distinct public transportation gateway to the City intended to catalyze surrounding community improvements, spur local economic development, and increase transit use. http://www.bart.gov/about/planning/contracosta/elcerritodelnorte ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 2 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n NEW PLANTING AT LANDSCAPE AREAS, TYP. PLANTING TO GUIDE/PROTECT PEDS. AT CROSSWALKS EL CERRITO PLAZA BART STATION PARK R ING ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL CENTRAL AVENUE FAIRMOUNT AV AVENUE SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN ZONE PAVING, TYP. STORMWATER SWALE W/ RIVERWASHED COBBLES, BOULDERS, STORMWATER PLANTING COFFEE SHED W/CAFE TABLES DECORATIVE RAILING BART SUPPORT COLUMN, TYP. EXPANDED A.C.TRAIL W/ D.G. RUNNING PATH PLAZA W/ PERVIOUS PAVERS, SEATWALL, & BENCHES NATURE PLAY AREA W/ MULCH PATH, NATIVE PLANTS, ART BIKE RACKS RETAINING WALL NEW TREE, TYP. TREE, TYP. CONCRETE HEADWALL SEATING AREA W/SEATWALL & BENCHES BIKE SHELTER & BIKE LOCKERS STAIRS TO PARKING STAIRS TO PARKING BIKE REPAIR STANCHION DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK WITH BIKE/PED SYMBOLS WAYFINDING SIGN, TYP. PLANTED BULBOUT RICHMOND STREET PLAZA SIGN 12’ 10’ 8’ 8’ TYP. DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK PLANTING TO GUIDE/ PROTECT PEDS. DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK WITH BIKE/PED. SYMBOLS DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK April 2013 N 60 FEET 30 0 15 Plan View Ohlone Greenway, Fairmount Avenue to Central Avenue TYP. BART SUPPO P RT COLUMN, TYP. ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL HILL STREET RIGHT TURN ONLY INTO SAFEWAY PLANTED BULB-OUT COLUMN & TRELLIS GATEWAY STRUCTURE DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK WITH BIKE/PED SYMBOLS COLUMN & TRELLIS GATEWAY STRUCTURE WITH SPECIAL PAVING AND BENCHES NEW TREE, TYP. SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN ZONE PAVING NEW MESH FENCE WITH ARTIST ENHANCEMENTS SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN ZONE PAVING PARKING PARKING PARKING OHLONE GREENWAY SIGN SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN ZONE PAVING CUTTING BLVD. BART PARKING GARAGE TREE, TYP. NEW TRAIL ALIGNMENT & RUNNING PATH EXPANDED A.C.TRAIL WITH D.G. RUNNING PATH ADJUST SIDEWALK ALIGNMENT 10’ 8’ 8’ 10’ DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK DOUBLE-LADDER CROSSWALK WITH BIKE/PED SYMBOLS NEW PLANTING AT LANDSCAPE AREAS, TYP. PLANTING TO GUIDE/PROTECT PEDS. AT CROSSWALKS PLANTING TO GUIDE/PROTECT PEDS. AT CROSSWALKS PLANTING TO GUIDE/PROTECT PEDS. AT CROSSWALKS NEW WALKWAY ALIGNMENT & CONNECTION TO PARKING Plan View Ohlone Greenway, Del Norte Bart, Hill Street to Cutting Boulevard April 2013 N 60 FEET 60 FEET 30 30 0 15 15 2&3. OBAG: Ohlone Greenway Improvements The City secured funding through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program to design and construct access, safety, and placemaking improvements along the Ohlone Greenway at the Plaza and del Norte BART stations. Per the grant requirements, final design of the project is slated for October 2015 with construction scheduled for Summer 2016 pending Caltrans approval. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Stormwater Improvement Concept Plan 1 7 S a n Pa b l o Av e n u e 2 3 6 7 3 1 3 4 6 5 6 8 8 8 8 1 2 2 2 2 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 San Pablo Avenue Moeser Lane 1 1 1 3 3 4 7 7 8 4. San Pablo Ave Green Stormwater Spine The San Pablo Avenue Green Stormwater Spine is a pilot project and model for Bay Area municipalities implementing green infrastructure projects as part of their stormwater management efforts. The project is managed by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership and will result in design and construction of improvements on San Pablo Avenue at Moeser Lane that will not only provide an additional rain garden along San Pablo Avenue, but will also pilot the City’s first buffered bike lane. Final designs will be completed in the spring of 2015, with construction slated for the fall. This project will build upon the City’s San Pablo Avenue Streetscape Project (2011), which constructed two demonstration rain gardens south of Madison Avenue and south of Eureka Avenue. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n RDG Sponsored By: Prepared By: in Concert With: 5. Richmond - Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure Project The Richmond-Ohlone Greenway Gap Closure Project will connect the Richmond Greenway and San Francisco Bay Trail to the Ohlone Greenway in El Cerrito, closing an important bicycle infrastructure gap and connecting the Bay Trail to the del Norte BART station. The project will include naturalization of Baxter Creek west of San Pablo Avenue, building on the Baxter Creek Gateway Project, and is contingent on approval from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Construction is anticipated for 2016. 6. Huber Park Improvements The City received Measure WW funds to make improvements to Huber Park in 2015 while still maintaining the historic and ecological nature of the park. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 3.02 ANALYSIS Though El Cerrito has a variety of parks and open spaces, certain activities and place types do not exist in close proximity to all neighborhoods. The following analyses aim to identify these gaps to better understand community needs and create a more complete urban green network. ACTIVITY ANALYSIS The activity analysis identifies where priority activities currently take place in El Cerrito’s parks and open spaces to better identify opportunities for new park programs and additional park projects. Input received from the community through workshops and the online survey helped build the list of desired activities and further identify needs and gaps in service. Limited provision of recreational activities can greatly limit the community’s participation in those activities; identifying community priorities that are either not being met or have limited availability helps define additional recreational needs and identify potential projects and opportunity sites. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 12. Playground at Castro Park Figure 13. Tennis Courts at Arlington Park Figure 14. Trails through the Hillside Natural Area Memorial Grove ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Existing Parks Activities Definition and Examples Cerrito Vista Park Huber Park Canyon Trail Park Poinsett Park Fairmont Park Castro Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Central Park Creekside Park Harding Park Baxter Creek Gateway Park Bruce King Memorial Dog Park Play (for all ages) Unprogrammed play supported by a safe environment with features designed for play in parks and on sidewalks. Can happen not just at playgrounds, but could also include interactive art, climbing boulder, etc. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Organized/Team Sports Organized sports played as a team, providing both exercise and social interaction. Examples include soccer, baseball, football, basketball, lacrosse, etc. ü ü ü ü ü Pick-up Sports Sports and games that provide opportunity for casual social interaction and exercise. These activities can be competitive or informal but typically are less organized and played in smaller groups. Facilities that support pick-up sports include courts such as tennis (including walls), volleyball courts, Bocce ball, Horseshoe and skateboarding/bmx features or parks. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Exercise and Fitness Includes both indiviual focused activities such as running, or fitness stations and group activities, such as tai chi, or yoga. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Recreation with Dogs Places for dogs to play and exercise. This activity is as much about the socialization amongst owners as amongst dogs. ü Gardening/Urban Agriculture Planting, maintaining, harvesting edibles or flowers. ü Special Events Local or regional scale events that happen periodically such as a concert or street fair. Can happen at large park areas, closed streets or parking lots. ü Picnics/Gatherings Eating alone or with a small group; gathering for a celebration. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Rest and Relaxation Opportunities for respite or taking a "break" and having a peaceful place to do so. Examples could include seating areas in pleasant natural or urban/commercial environments, plazas, small and large parks. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Enjoying Nature, Views and Scenery Observing, photographing or simply appreciating the environment at viewpoints or along walkways or trails. Examples include both small opportunities integrated into the residential or commercial environment (such as Cerrito Creek and Baxter Creek Gateway) and large natural environments (such as Hillside Natural Area). ü ü ü ü ü ü Walking, Jogging, Bicycling These activities primarily happen on streets, sidewalks and trails for exercise or transportation. Pathways and trails that are separated from the street are more inviting and safer for users. Continuous or linked pathways and trails that connect neigbhorhoods and other destinations also improve the user experience. ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Strolling This activity is specific to the more vibrant, mixed- use corridors that offer a variety of activities in close proximity including browsing, shopping, socializing and people watching. Commerce The making and selling of goods including food, crafts, etc. This can be formal vending (associated with an adjoining storefront) and informal vending (not associated with a storefront). Happens primarily along commercial corridors. Environmental Stewardship Actively working to maintain the environmental quality of a place, including pulling weeds, planting native species and otherwise nurturing habitats. ü ü ü ü Activities: Existing Open Spaces Check marks indicate which parks/sites currently support each activity. They do not indicate the quality or extent to which an activity is supported. Particularly for schools: access to facilities such as picnic tables, tracks and sport fields might be limited due to locked gates. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Other City-Managed Properties Natural Areas Trails Public Schools Activities El Cerrito City Hall Open House Senior Center Madera Clubhouse/ Childcare Center Casa Cerrito Clubhouse/ Childcare Center Recycling + Enviro Resource Center Library El Cerrito Swim Center Contra Costa Civic Theater El Cerrito Community Center Hillside Natural Area Ohlone Greenway Cerrito Creek Trail Cameron Preschool El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary School Harding Elemetary School Madera Elementary School Castro (Portola Middle School)* Albany Middle School** Pre-School Cooperative Fairmount Childcare Tehiyah School St. Jerome's School St. John's School Windrush School Prospect Sierra Middle School Prospect Sierra Elementary School Montessori Family School Play (for all ages) ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Organized/Team Sports ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Pick-up Sports ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Exercise and Fitness ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Recreation with Dogs ü ü Gardening/Urban Agriculture ü ü ü Special Events ü ü ü ü ü Picnics/Gatherings ü ü ü ü ü ü Rest and Relaxation ü ü ü ü ü Enjoying Nature, Views and Scenery ü ü ü ü ü ü Walking, Jogging, Bicycling ü ü ü ü ü ü Strolling ü ü ü Commerce ü Environmental Stewardship ü ü ü ü * Castro Elementary was closed and Portola Middle School is being relocated to that site Albany Middle School recreation facilities are used by El Cerrito residents, thus being included in this list ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Fairmont Park Huber Park Cerrito Vista Park Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Arlington Park Hillside Natural Area Canyon Trail Park Tassajara Park Poinsett Park Central Park Creekside Park Harding Park CONNECTIVITY ANALYSIS The connectivity analysis evaluates access and connectivity to green spaces by analyzing how easy it is for people to get to parks, paths, open spaces and natural areas via active transportation. The following maps illustrate the service areas for recreational activities based on established distance standards. Service areas vary depending on the intensity of the activity, underscoring that community members will only participate in some forms of recreation if it is easily accessible. This analysis identifies access gaps and opportunities to improve connectivity through bicycle and pedestrian improvements and urban greening projects. El Cerrito community members are generally well-served by their parks and green spaces, but opportunities still exist to improve access and connectivity to places to play, learn, exercise and build community. The Urban Greening survey underscored this need by highlighting both services and types of spaces that community members usually leave town to enjoy. Taken together with this connectivity analysis, priorities for project selection and design criteria began to emerge. Figure 15. Exercise and Fitness Figure 16. Nature, Views and Scenery ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 17. Pick-Up Sports Figure 18. Play ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 19. Organized Sports Figure 20. Urban Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 3 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 21. Walkable Corridors Figure 22. All Parks, Trails and Schools ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 3.03 ISSUES Based on community input, internal conversations and activity, connectivity, organizational and financial capacity analyses, the following urban greening related issues have been identified: Communication and Project Coordination Based on limited staff capacity, interdepartmental communication and coordination with community organizations on urban greening related projects can be limited. As a result, opportunities to achieve additional co-benefits within proposed projects may be overlooked. Operations and Maintenance The policies and projects outlined in this Plan depend on specialized and continued maintenance. With limited existing general and Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (LLAD) funds and maintenance resources, this additional demand for maintenance could hinder Plan implementation. Historically it has been difficult to establish accurate maintenance costs early on in project design and development, so adequate resources have not been identified or allocated to the project. One year maintenance costs are included in most contracts, but long term maintenance projections are not identified as they may increase up front project costs. A better understanding of the life cycle of new materials, equipment and furnishings and the long term maintenance protocol for specialized landscapes could help address some of these issues. In addition, quantifying the cost of deferred maintenance would help prioritize maintenance projects along with new City investments, which are included in the same budget. Developing a long-range, citywide maintenance and management plan that establishes fees to recoup costs from public investments, such as street tree plantings, new parks projects and safety improvements, and explores new assessment districts to create dedicated revenue streams may help address these issues. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 4 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Special Events Special events may require permits for use of City parks and open spaces, sidewalks or streets. This process creates obstacles to community members who may not be able to cover costs, find relevant information, or engage other necessary outside agencies. In the past, community- sponsored events such as the Stockton Art Stroll, Holy Ghost Parade and street play events have received great community support and enthusiasm. Providing community members with help through the permitting and outreach process would likely increase these special events. The weekly Farmer’s Mark at the El Cerrito Plaza is a local institution and should be supported and celebrated when possible. Sidewalks The Urban Greening Plan encourages re:Streets policies and programs to activate the sidewalk, particularly in commercial districts. Encroachment and administrative use permits are needed to use sidewalks due to ADA clearance requirements. Food truck and other on-street pop-up uses are still relatively unclear and require significant staff administration and stakeholder engagement to be effective. Growing Food: El Cerrito community members have expressed a strong desire to grow food both on public and private property, but there are concerns about attracting wildlife, creating safety hazards on sidewalks and in City streets, and increasing street sweeping needs. Opportunities to build discreet projects with careful maintenance and management plans may address some of these concerns, particularly if projects can be supported by volunteer efforts. Figure 23. City Staff Policy and Practice Meeting ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 3.04 OPPORTUNITIES The purpose of the opportunity analysis is to develop an inventory of land with urban greening potential within El Cerrito. The inventory incorporates the City’s rights-of-way (ROWs), utility infrastructure, greenways, vacant properties and underutilized sites, and City and other publicly-owned or institutional properties (such as schools, parking lots, and churches). The inventory identifies pieces of land that may be redesigned or repurposed by a range of intervention types and levels of effort aimed at achieving this Plan’s goals; interventions may be carried out by the community and/or the City. The opportunity inventory map on the following page was refined using input from City staff and community members. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 4 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 945 King Drive 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Sunset View Cemetary Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property EBMUD Property EBMUD Property Undeveloped Private Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD RIGHTON AVE E VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE O AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU VINCENTE WALK OMONA AVE TRAIL OMONA AVE ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl O Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw New Fred T. Korematsu Middle School (under construction) Summit K2 Charter Middle School 0 0.075 0.15 Miles Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, Alta Planning, City of Berkeley GIS Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent City Limit San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Area City of El Cerrito Park Park Outside El Cerrito Creek, daylit or open Creek, underground Destinations BART Line and Stations Arterial Roads Existing Trails Cul-de-sacs/Landscaped Median Low-volume Roads Wide Roads Freeway Buffer Church-owned Property Private School Public School City-Owned Property Other Publicly-Owned Property Parking space Underutilized Open Space T* Figure 24. Opportunity Inventory Map *Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by the City Council to proceed with a specific project. Private developments are subject to additional City regulations. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 4 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 4 vision and goals ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 4 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 47 CHAPTER 4 vision and goals The City of El Cerrito is a safe, connected, and environmentally focused Bay Area destination with vibrant neighborhoods, businesses and public places, and diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages. - El Cerrito Strategic Plan, 2013 The Urban Greening Plan goals and objectives build on the Strategic Plan Vision, existing conditions analysis and other past and concurrent planning efforts. They reflect feedback received from the El Cerrito community and City staff to define the direction for Urban Greening projects, policies and programs. The goals and objectives are explored in the following chapter and are supported by potential locations for implementation that coincide with the City’s opportunity sites. SECTIONS 4.01 Vision Framework 4.02 Overarching Goals 4.03 Primary Strategies 4.04 Vision Map ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Economic Vitality Urban Livability Community Identity Environmental Sustainability Environmental Stewardship Active Living/ Transportation Improved Trails and Paths Enhanced Creeks Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enriched Natural Areas Greener Gateways Active Commercial Corridors Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Enhanced Existing Parks Green Streets Objectives Vibrant Schoolyards Urban Agriculture Overarching Goals 4.01 VISION FRAMEWORK General Plan (1999) Minimize environmental impacts Protect and restore habitat and rare and endangered species Maintain high runoff water quality Improve the Ohlone Greenway Preserve open space Develop strategies for long-term maintenance Circulation Plan (2007) Create a network of bicycle and ADA accessible pedestrian routes that connect to local and regional destinations Promote bicycle and walking as alternative modes of transportation Foster a sustainable community Climate Action Plan (2013) Invest in infrastructure that invites people to walk, bike and take transit Increase and enhance urban green open space to protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources & water, foster walking and bicycling, and improve health & quality of life Strategic Plan (2013) Deepen a sense of place and community identity Foster environmental sustainability citywide San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (2014) Reinforce a sense of place by responding to existing assets such as the Ohlone Greenway and key views Attract pedestrian activity to key nodes to foster community and identify places of interest Design streets for living instead of just driving through reStreet placemaking principles Create new gathering places to serve the needs of existing and new users Celebrate and strengthen the unique natural context Improve connectivity between the Green Belt (Wildcat Canyon Trail) and the Blue Belt (Bay Trail) through pedestrian and bicycle connections Key City Policies Related to Urban Greening ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 4 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Improve air and water quality and protect natural resources through green infrastructure, preserved biodiversity, context-sensitive infill development and alternative transportation opportunities. GOAL 2: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Support volunteer efforts to restore and enhance the City’s natural resources and continue to provide opportunities for community members to engage with and learn from the natural environment. GOAL 3: COMMUNITY IDENTITY Design projects and events that demonstrate and celebrate the City’s commitment to an environmentally sustainable future, catalyzing investment that supports the community’s vision. GOAL 4: ACTIVE LIVING/TRANSPORTATION Enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity throughout the City and encourage walking, hiking, biking and active recreation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance community quality of life. GOAL 5: ECONOMIC VITALITY Support economic activity through temporary and permanent open spaces and landscaping that create a sense of place and attract residents and visitors. GOAL 6: URBAN LIVABILITY Create an urban environment that is sustainable, resilient and livable by providing places that not only improve the natural environment, but are designed for interaction, recreation and reprieve. 4.02 OVERARCHING GOALS The following overarching goals define the community’s priorities for urban greening. They guide development of the objectives, strategies and projects to ensure a robust and transformative Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 4.03 OBJECTIVES The following objectives and strategies seek to accomplish the urban greening goals through policies, programs and projects designed to achieve measurable outcomes. For more information on existing city plans, policies, and programs related to the objectives detailed below, please see Appendix D. The icons at the left are used throughout this section to indicate the current level of effort that is required for each strategy. “KS” stands for Key Strength and indicates that the City excels at implementing the strategy. stands for Enhancements and indicates that the City is generally meeting the level of effort needed, but that opportunities for enhancement may exist. “BP” stands for Best Practice and indicates that additional effort would be needed from the City to meet national best practices. OBJECTIVE 1: IMPROVED TRAILS AND PATHS Continue to invest in bicycle, pedestrian, trail and pathway improvements to reduce reliance on the private automobile, provide active recreation opportunities and support the local economy. 1.1 Develop a trails program to encourage active recreation, community engagement, environmental stewardship and education. • Engage the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider and promote pathway and trail projects. • Encourage summer camps to guide hikes and engage participants in trail maintenance activities; consider service programs as a potential component of existing and potential future summer camps. • Sponsor a self-guided Trails Challenge to incentivize use of the City’s trails and foster community buy-in. Refer to the East Bay Regional Parks’ Trail Challenge model. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Public Works BP E E KS Best Practice Enhancements Key Strength Figure 25. Paved path in Canyon Trail Park ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n • Develop an adopt-a-trails campaign to engage community members in the maintenance and upkeep of public trails. • Partner with the El Cerrito Trail Trekkers to support regular hikes and community events. 1.2 Incorporate trails and pathway design guidelines in the citywide Wayfinding Plan, highlighting open spaces and community destinations, providing route guidance and travel time estimates. • Support development of the pilot trail signage program between the Trail Trekkers, National Park Service and City. Seek funding to install the pilot signs identified and to expand the planning effort to all City trails. • Develop a trails brochure to highlight trails, major destinations and activity nodes. Implement the Active Transportation Plan (in development 2014) Pedestrian Improvement Projects to help improve and build upon the existing trail and pathway network. 1.3 Develop a Master Plan for Trails to specify trail design criteria and standards that strengthen environmental benefits, trail improvement projects, type(s) of usage and to identify where new trails are needed. • Build off Trail Trekkers inventory of existing trails, stairs and pathways to design gap closures and develop design guidelines for trail maintenance and construction projects. • Establish performance metrics to ensure equitable access to trails and ensure the Plan prioritizes closing gaps in underserved neighborhoods. • Include ecology, safety, and community amenity guidelines to balance needs and maximize trail benefits • Connect the Green Belt (Wildcat Canyon Park) to the Blue Belt (Bay Trail) by developing strong pedestrian and bike facilities that connect these regional destinations. Create an on-street landscaping and signage program to highlight these connections. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works BP BP Figure 26. Informal path through Canyon Trail Park ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 1.4 Continue to co-sponsor community organizations and provide the support necessary to increase access to and awareness of their efforts. Coordinate with these organizations to provide education, outreach and volunteer opportunities to enhance and expand the trail network. • Consider expanding the co-sponsorship program to provide community outreach support and discounted use of City facilities for other events. • Pursue external funding to provide community grants to local organizations, when feasible. 1.5 Implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (2014) Open Space and Midblock Connection Standards. 1.6 Implement the Active Transportation Plan (in development 2015) Proposed Sidewalk and Pathway Network projects. • Pursue grant funding to construct pedestrian projects. • Review street and parks projects to identify opportunities for pedestrian improvements as part of funded projects. 1.7 Continue to identify funding for Creeks & Trails projects in the Capital Improvement Program to ensure continued maintenance of existing trails and construction of trail connectors, paths and stairs. • Develop priority criteria and monitor external funding opportunities to meet community needs and leverage resources. • Foster interdepartmental collaboration on project review to capture additional opportunities that may arise. 1.8 Consider including trails projects in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Open-Space In-Lieu program to improve connectivity between higher density neighborhoods and public parks and open space amenities. 1.9 Engage the East Bay Regional Parks District and neighboring jurisdictions to complete trail projects and implement programs that improve connections to and incentivize use of regional amenities, neighboring open space and trail systems, such as Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, the Bay Trail, Albany Hill Park and the Richmond Greenway. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development; Recreation E KS KS KS BP BP ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Wildcat Creek Trail Bay Trail Improved Trails and Paths 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNT SANTA BARBARA R SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge A Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Improved Trails and Paths Major Regional Trail Proposed Blue to Green Connection Potential Mid-Block Connection City Sidewalk Trail Links Existing Public Trails Potential Public Trails Figure 27. Strategy Map: Improved Trails and Paths Existing Private Trails Potential Nature Trail Major Arterial Streets ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 2: GREENER GATEWAYS Reinforce community identity and sense of place by creating distinct gateway that improve and highlight natural elements, reinforcing the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability. 2.1 Begin to identify and catalog trees that define El Cerrito’s streets to be included inthe City’s Approved Tree List. • Work with private developments to create distinctive landscapes that are consistent with adopted landscaping policies, such as the Urban Forest Management Plan, while creating distinctive, sustainable gateways to the City. 2.2 Work with private developers and property owners to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan - Gateway Streets. • Pursue funding to implement gateway elements, including landscaping and streetscape projects, as identified in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. Figure 28. Northern gateway at San Pablo Avenue and Baxter Creek Park Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works E KS ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 2.3 Coordinate with BART to ensure that both El Cerrito stations function as gateways to the City, using green building design and sustainable landscape features in station modernization improvements to reinforce the City’s identity. • Develop station designs that differentiate El Cerrito’s two BART stations from other communities. • Ensure that both stations celebrate El Cerrito’s assets, such as the Ohlone Greenway, views, etc. • Work with BART to provide information about major destinations and key attractions, public transportation connections, and other available services. • Ensure that Ohlone Greenway Station Improvements funded through the One Bay Area Grant program contribute to El Cerrito’s identity. 2.4 Work with the Design Review Board to review consistency of proposed landscaping plans with existing landscaping palettes near identified gateways, including public projects where appropriate. • Consider expansion of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Gateway Street regulations to all street segments identified as important entrances to the City. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works, Community Development E Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development E ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 29. Distinctive signage and landscaping to announce and highlight the City’s urban edges Figure 30. Trees and other plantings that emphasize El Cerrito’s identity as an environmentally oriented destination, with community gathering spaces ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 31. Strategy Map: Greener Gateways Greener Gateways 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNT SANTA BARBARA R SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge A Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Greener Gateways Major Gateway Secondary Gateway Gateway Corridor Major Arterial Streets ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 3: STRENGTHENED OHLONE GREENWAY Continue to strengthen the Ohlone Greenway through public projects and private developments that increase connectivity, create community gathering spaces and activity nodes, and improve community health and safety. 3.1 Work with private developers and property owners to implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan - Ohlone Greenway Street Type guidelines. • Encourage private developers to emphasize their connection to the Greenway early in the process to maximize opportunities for pocket parks, plazas, entrances and mews onto the Greenway. • Emphasize safety in use and design, encouraging “eyes on the Greenway” and increased levels of activity throughout the day to reduce crime. 3.2 Implement the Ohlone Greenway Master Plan, particularly projects that improve connectivity to San Pablo Avenue, the BART Stations and commercial nodes, projects that create activity nodes and community gathering spaces, and projects that improve the environmental services of the Greenway. • Pursue funding to design and construct projects identified in the Master Plan. • Inventory key species along the Avenue to ensure that major projects along and adjacent to the Greenway protect and conserve these species. • Develop a pollinator pathway along the Greenway to provide pollinator species with adequate access to pollen and nectar. 3.3 Incentivize community events and activities along the Greenway that provide recreational, environmental stewardship and community development opportunities. • Provide tools and support services to volunteer clean-up and maintenance efforts. • When developing community events, consider locating them along the Greenway to increase activity. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development; Public Works KS Figure 32. Ohlone Greenway Natural Area Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works BP KS ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 5 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Strengthened Ohlone Greenway 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw BART Station Node Activity Node Creek Crossing Ohlone Greenway Midblock Connection Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Figure 33. Strategy Map: Strengthened Ohlone Greenway ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 4: ENHANCED EXISTING PARKS Enhance and expand existing parks to improve environmental and ecological services while reducing maintenance costs, maximizing volunteer efforts and meeting multiple Urban Greening goals. 4.1 Identify and pursue funding for a Parks & Recreation Master Plan to analyze access to a variety of recreational opportunities and to identify policies and programs to address these needs. • The Plan should build off the environmental considerations of this Plan to balance the environmental and recreational needs of public parks and open spaces. • Continue to survey and engage the community better understand El Cerrito-specific recreation needs. • The Plan should consider adopting performance metrics to evaluate community access to active and passive recreation facilities in order to prioritize project construction where gaps exist. National Best Practice Standards: • 3.6 park playgrounds per 10,000 residents • 3.5 baseball or softball diamonds per 10,000 residents • 4.3 basketball hoops per 10,000 residents • 1.6 recreation and senior centers per 20,000 residents • 1.5 skateboard parks per 100,000 residents • 4.6 swimming pools per 100,000 residents Acreage: • Provide 7.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents Connectivity: • Demonstrate that 90% of households are located within 3 miles of an off-road trail Proximity: • Demonstrate that 85% of housing units in the community are located within a 1/2-mile walk distance of a public space or park Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development BP ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 6 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 34. Renovated park with new play areas and gathering spaces 4.2 Coordinate project design review to ensure that parks improvements integrate environmental benefits through restorative, resource-conserving landscaping and green infrastructure projects. • Develop design guidelines and environmental criteria to streamline project design review; these design guidelines should consider broader community priorities, such as active recreation, while balancing environmental services. • Begin to engage the Parks & Recreation Commission on public project review by providing them with trainings and environmental guidelines to ensure that proposed projects meet these criteria. • Encourage the Parks & Recreation Commission to consider environmental projects in addition to recreational opportunities in their priority project criteria. • Engage the Design Review Board on public parks projects to ensure they are consistent with landscaping and other design guidelines applicable to private projects. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development; Public Works KS ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 4.3 Continue to identify funding for Parks in the CIP to ensure continued maintenance and investment in projects that make parks more multipurpose and meet multiple community benefits. • Reference Figure 13: Opportunity Inventory to incorporate currently underutilized spaces that could provide a broader diversity of uses, including off-peak and joint use. • Consider prioritizing projects that expand and develop play fields for flat spaces, particularly in higher density areas. • Evaluate opportunities to enhance, expand and maintain existing fields, parks, trails and open spaces, including their trees and landscapes, over construction of new projects by incorporating maintenance considerations into the annual CIP process. • Consider new projects when they fulfill an unmet community need or represent a unique acquisition or expansion opportunity; new projects should include maintenance projections for the first 5 years of the project. 4.4 Continue to identify trash generation hotspots as part of the Municipal Regional Stormwater process. • Evaluate different strategies on a site by site basis to improve capture and diversion: storm drain trash capture devices, waste receptacles, recurring clean-up events and education campaigns. • When new receptacles are being considered, evaluate the use of new technologies to reduce maintenance costs and increase use. • Evaluate parks projects for hotspots and include trash capture as a component of public projects. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works, Community Development, Recreation Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works KS KS ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 6 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Enhanced Existing Parks 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Enhance Existing Park Potential Park Expansion Existing Park w/ Planned Enhancements Enhanced Existing Parks Figure 35. Strategy Map: Enhanced Existing Parks ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 5: ACTIVE COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Create and strengthen active commercial corridors that allow community members to gather and interact while meeting their daily needs close to home. The El Cerrito community has continually identified pedestrian, bicycle and streetscape conditions close to the city’s commercial corridors as a barrier to social gathering, economic development and the Climate Action Plan goal of a reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled. 5.1 Develop district specific landscaping guidelines to reinforce the El Cerrito identity and supporting economic development. • Engage the business community in the planting and maintenance of street trees. • Ensure the Design Review Board reviews street tree selection for opportunities to create and reinforce district identities, while complying with the Master Street Tree list and district-specific landscaping guidelines, as developed. Figure 36. Parklet along commercial street with children’s play opportunities Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development E ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 6 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.2 Develop a re:Streets program to provide opportunities for commerce, play and pop-up uses in existing and proposed open spaces, particularly along commercial corridors. • Complete a policy analysis to remove barriers to appropriate street activity. • Coordinate with Caltrans to allow for flexible uses on their right of way, including commercial activities and flexible uses of parking lanes. • Incorporate sustainable elements, such as alternative energy generation technologies, rainwater capture devices, permeable pavers, etc. into 1% for Public Art Projects and consider amending the requirements to allow for funds to be spent on sustainable elements. • Identify locations appropriate for mobile businesses and Incorporate infrastructure elements like electrical outlets, water sources, grease drains, etc., into these streets during maintenance projects. • Ensure that the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Open Space requirements result in a diversity of open space types along the public right of way. • Support community-generated events on the PROW by providing tables, chairs, waste receptacles, and other furnishings, promotional support and streamlined permitting. • Develop a pop-up use policy that streamlines permitting to ensure that parking lots and street ROW allow for flexible uses. • Identify existing parking lots for strategic open space improvements; include these sites in parking demand analysis and propose conversion as part of parking demand phasing plans. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works; Recreation BP Figure 37. Alberrito Street Play highlights that streets may serve many purposes Figure 38. New wayfinding systems must be compatible with existing successful signage ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.3 Identify funding to develop and implement the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Open Space In-Lieu program to develop green multi- purpose open spaces, such as pocket parks and plazas, that create active social gathering spaces and streetscape amenities to increase walkability and connectivity, catalyze continued investment, and support high density neighborhoods. • Incorporate environmental guidelines into the project design review process to ensure that these open spaces are providing environmental services, such as nodes along a pollinator pathway, stormwater capture and treatment, community gardening, connectivity, etc. 5.4 Engage the Design Review Board and Planning Commission to develop distinct, district-specific design guidelines for commercial corridors. • Encourage these project review bodies to evaluate project design based on its contribution to a sense-of-place and ability to activate the streetscape. • Design guidelines should build on existing streetscape characteristics. • Maximize the environmental services provided by streetscape elements, including pollution reduction and filtration, stormwater capture and treatment, heat island mitigation, etc 5.5 Develop an Adopt-a-Streets Program to encourage community members and business owners to clean and maintain the public right- of-way. • Provide supplies, such as tools and garbage bags, to help program members adequately maintain their portion of the ROW. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development KS BP BP ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 6 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n * * * * * * * * * Active Commercial Corridors 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw * Strolling Street Midblock Connection Pocket Park Major Gateway Secondary Gateway Active Commercial Corridors Figure 39. Strategy Map: Active Commercial Corridors ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 6: RESILIENT HIGHER DENSITY NEIGHBORHOODS Emphasize the need for strategic open spaces in higher density neighborhoods to provide multifamily housing residents with active recreation, urban agriculture, and community gathering opportunities. Public open space should be flexible and accessible, meeting the needs of community members who may not have access to private open space. 6.1 Consider amending the municipal code to include the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan open space requirements for other high density neighborhoods, as needed. 6.2 Prioritize projects that enhance existing parks in higher density areas to be more multipurpose and higher quality, such as Central Park, Fairmount Park, etc. • Include location criteria in the project prioritization process. • Evaluate open space access in high density neighborhoods on a regular basis to ensure residents have easy access to a range of parks and open spaces, including community gardens, gathering spaces, and natural landscapes; explore opportunities for land acquisition through the in-lieu program or other mechanisms where a need is identified. 6.3 As part of the General Plan update, develop zone-specific Level of Service standards to ensure residents of higher-density neighborhoods continue to have access to open spaces that provide multiple benefits. • Review Best Practices to ensure these metrics are responsive to real conditions and work as a tool to improve open space access and use. 6.4 Consider including trails projects in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Open-Space In-Lieu program to improve connectivity between higher density neighborhoods and public parks and open spaces and accomplish the Specific Plan’s goal of catalyzing mode shift. Figure 40. Central Park, a potential space for multipurpose enhancements Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Public Works E E E Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development BP ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 6 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n * * * * * * * * Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Potential Neighborhood Park Intersection/Cul-de-sac Potential Pocket Park * Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Figure 41. Strategy Map: Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 7: ENRICHED NATURAL AREAS Develop projects that enrich natural features and ecological services, particularly in dedicated natural areas such as the Hillside Natural Area, Canyon Trail Park, Creekside Park, etc.. 7.1 Strengthen and, where needed, restore natural areas in existing open spaces to restore their natural function and wildlife habitat, and ensure ecological resilience, as appropriate. • Identify priority environmental services and develop project design, management and monitoring plans to conserve and restore these services while addressing other, potentially competing community needs; consider strategic land acquisition where needed to preserve environmental benefits. • Participate in regional planning and management efforts that may identify critical services in El Cerrito. 7.2 Strengthen and, where needed, restore natural areas in existing open spaces to restore their natural function and ensure ecological resilience, as appropriate. • Analyze and address any major publicly-owned light sources, particularly as they effect light levels in natural areas. • Include light analysis in major projects and projects that border natural areas. 7.3 Designate the Hillside Natural Area and Cerrito Creek as Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Priority Conservation Areas; consider designation of other community areas in the future. • Pursue grant funding associated with Priority Conservation Areas to restore and maintain the Hillside Natural Area. 7.4 Engage the Parks & Recreation Commission on land conservation and restoration activities and projects, helping to identify funding and resources and supporting community engagement where feasible. • Pursue grant funding associated with Priority Conservation Areas to restore and maintain the Hillside Natural Area. 7.5 Analyze natural area use policies to better understand what uses are currently permitted in these areas. • Identify Best Practices for increasing use of natural areas, such as nighttime use permits and restoration activities. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works; Recreation Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development BP BP BP Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development KS E Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development; Public Works ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 7 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Enriched Natural Areas 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Enriched Natural Areas Potential Enriched Natural Area Figure 42. Strategy Map: Enriched Natural Areas ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 8: ENHANCED CREEKS Protect, enhance and celebrate creeks and riparian areas through landscaping, art, signage and other amenities that maximize their environmental services and create distinctive community gathering spaces. Restore the health of El Cerrito’s watershed through coordinated public projects and partnerships. 8.1 Create design guidelines, consistent with the Creek Protection Overlay District, for private projects that celebrate creeks as amenities. • For projects with culverted and underground creeks, develop landscape and open space design guidelines that highlight the natural path of the creek on site. • For projects with daylit creeks, develop open space standards that celebrate the creek as a community amenity, providing access and gathering spaces in proximity to the creek. • Encourage private developments to implement green infrastructure projects where creek daylighting is impractical to provide similar ecological functions. Figure 43. Creek enhancement could help celebrate riparian corridors such as this creek adjacent to the Ohlone Greenway Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development BP ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 7 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 8.2 Consider a Creek Daylighting Incentives Program to encourage private developments to daylight or naturalize creeks in culverts and channels. • Identify potential funding sources to offset costs associated with daylighting creeks. • Provide private development with funding resources to provide them with flexibility when assessing their ability to daylight or naturalize creeks. 8.3 Pursue grant funding to develop a Watershed Management Plan to identify important public and private creek restoration and watershed enhancement projects, including strategic acquisition opportunities that restore the health of El Cerrito’s creeks. • Establish watershed performance metrics to improve creeks and stormwater system quality and function and include regular monitoring of vegetation and creek conditions. • Include creek channel and riparian corridor management guidelines to reduce erosion, degradation, and deposition and to anticipate and prepare for flood risks; develop guidelines that support existing and enhance wildlife habitat. • Update the existing Stormwater Control Plan, as needed. 8.4 Develop Creek Maintenance Plans wherever the City’s Public Works Department currently maintains creek banks and vegetation to ensure compliance with Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations. • Work to ensure that the work of local non-profits and community volunteer efforts are included in Maintenance Plans and that creek maintenance projects are appropriately noticed and permitted. • Regularly monitor creek conditions to identify maintenance projects that do not require prior approval or permitting to allow for continued community involvement and sensitive maintenance activities, such as trash removal (as long as it is not embedded in the stream beds), removal of non-native invasive plants without machinery, and the planting of appropriate native vegetation. • Update the Baxter Creek Maintenance and Management Guide to meet Regional Water Quality Control Board regulations Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works BP BP Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works BP ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 44. Creekside Park provides wildlife habitat, native vegetation and stormwater control benefits, while creating a community gathering space that celebrates and engages with nature. Figure 45. The Baxter Creek Gateway Project removed the Creek from a failing culvert, daylighting it to restore its natural function and provide a northern gateway to the City. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 7 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 3a Enhanced Creeks 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Enhanced Creeks Open Creek Creeks Under Street ROW Figure 46. Strategy Map: Enhanced Creeks ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 9: GREEN STREETS Continue to invest in making the public right-of-way more sustainable by reducing impervious surfaces, maximizing access and circulation, softening the streetscape and creating streets that are safe, comfortable and attractive for everyone. 9.1 Adopt a Green Streets policy that prioritizes green infrastructure along with pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation projects along the public right-of-way (ROW). • Evaluate opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure into all City-funded streetscape, pavement or public open space improvement projects and identify funds to maintain these projects • Consider expanding Complete Streets Plans to Green Streets Plans by incorporating design guidelines to ensure that public ROW projects not only catalyze mode shift and increase pedestrian and bicycle use of these public spaces, but also reduce the environmental impacts of street hardscape. Guidelines may address pavement conditions and types, landscaping and climate considerations and should identify green infrastructure projects that address stormwater concerns. 9.2 Continue to partner with the Contra Costa Clean Water Program to require a high level of stormwater capture and treatment from new developments, municipal projects and public infrastructure improvements through the Contra Costa Clean Water Program - C3 Requirements. • Monitor and report the impacts of the program on stormwater treatment and management on private developments. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works BP KS Figure 47. Rain gardens in El Cerrito ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 7 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 9.3 Require new developments to plant trees along the PROW, where feasible. • Continue to require adjacent property owners to water street trees; require commercial developments to provide permanent maintenance of street trees and require residential developments to provide 1 year of street tree maintenance after construction. • Monitor and report on City maintenance of landscapes along the PROW to better understand how many City resources are being invested in sidewalk and median landscapes. • Assess potential maintenance programs that require adjacent property owners to maintain street trees and landscapes. Monitor and report the impacts of the program on stormwater treatment and management on private developments. 9.4 Develop a Municipal Green Infrastructure Ordinance to upgrade public spaces and buildings based upon locally adopted or recognized best practices in green infrastructure. Build on demonstration projects that enhance public support. • Consider green infrastructure and low impact development projects as part of pavement and street projects. • Evaluate opportunities for pervious pavement in sidewalk and other pedestrian right of way projects; ensure all pervious pavements meet ADA requirements. 9.5 Consider adopting a Designated Green Infrastructure Standard to ensure that sufficient land area has protected vegetated surfaces that help reduce the urban heat island, manage stormwater and provide active recreation opportunities. • Build off the Contra Costa Clean Water Progam’s C3 Requirements to ensure that the City maintains an appropriate amount of protected vegetated surface by establishing a green infrastructure threshold. 9.6 Adopt a Bay Friendly Landscaping Ordinance to retrofit resource intensive public landscapes to be more resource conserving, where appropriate. Require that private developments follow Bay-friendly landscaping guidelines and maintenance. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development BP KS KS Figure 48. Green infrastructure and public open space Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works KS ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 49. The Cities of Albany and El Cerrito host semi-regular street play events, called Alberrito Streets, to create a fun, safe, car-free place for people to meet, play and enliven their streets. Figure 50. The San Pablo Avenue Streetscape project resulted in rain gardens, bicycle facilities and pedestrian amenities to create a more pleasant and sustainable environment and help catalyze economic development. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 7 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Green Streets 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Midblock Connection Existing Park Underutilized ROW/Open Space/ FreewayBuffer Intersection/Cul-de-sac Potential Polinator Pathway Green Streets Figure 51. Strategy Map: Green Streets ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 10: VIBRANT SCHOOLYARDS Partner with the West Contra Costa Unified School District and private schools to maximize the benefits provided by their schoolyards. Encourage multipurpose spaces that jointly allow school children to learn from and interact with nature while reducing the need for additional recreation spaces for community members. 10.1 Work with the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to develop Wilderness Classroom and other outdoor education programs that incorporate natural elements into schoolyards, parks and open spaces and encourage school use of natural areas. • Provide gathering spaces in park projects that allow classes to engage and interact with nature. • Explore opportunities for school internships to provide local children with environmental management, science and gardening skills. 10.2 Partner with WCCUSD to develop Green Schoolyard Design Guidelines that encourage school-design and programming to better integrate facilities into neighborhoods, i.e. access, connectivity, neighborhood cohesion and multipurpose/public use. Develop guidelines that ensure students have the opportunity to interact with and learn from nature. • Consider guidelines that create permeable boundaries between schoolyards and neighboring parks to increase use of City resources. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Public Works; Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation; Community Development BP BP Figure 52. Vibrant green schoolyards are rich learning environments ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 8 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Vibrant Schoolyards 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Public Schoolyard Opportunity Vibrant Schoolyards Figure 53. Strategy Map: Vibrant Schoolyards ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n OBJECTIVE 11: URBAN AGRICULTURE Ensure that all El Cerrito residents have opportunities to grow their own food by removing barriers to urban agriculture. 11.1 Develop a program that allows local volunteers to request planting of food crops in the public right-of-way (ROW) when they develop an agreement to support and maintain these public resources. • Evaluate key nodes and opportunity sites for urban agriculture, including medians, sidewalks and other street ROW. When prioritizing projects, focus urban agriculture near low income and multi-family residences which do no have adequate access to space to grow food. • Notify community members of urban agriculture locations to ensure that food is gathered and used by the community. • Provide volunteer efforts tools and other resources, as needed, to ensure proper maintenance of crops. 11.2 Create a Community Garden program that streamlines the permitting process, develops maintenance and partnership regulations, and allows for flexibility in establishing neighborhood community gardens on public and private property. • Clearly identify the permits needed to establish a community garden on public open space and ensure that policies and permits do not deter or prevent community gardens on private open space. • Assess opportunities for City-supported community garden efforts in higher density neighborhoods to ensure that all residents have equitable access to open space. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Community Development; Recreation E Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development BP Figure 54. Strategic, small- scale urban agriculture provides environmental benefits while feeding the community ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 8 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 11.3 Ensure the Plant Palette allows planting of low maintenance edible plants that provide pollination and other habitat services in the public right of way and in privately-owned public open spaces. • Develop height and setback guidelines for residents interested in planting edibles in the planting strips adjacent to their property to ensure safety and access, while allowing flexibility in plant selection. • Identify and address other policy barriers that may limit growing food, including restrictions on vertical gardening and planting in the ROW on neighborhood streets. Ensure that policies do not deter or prevent community gardens on private open space. 11.4 Actively monitor regional, State and national urban agriculture policies, programs and best practices to identify new opportunities to provide residents with increased access to land and project financing. • Work with the Contra Costa County Assessor to evaluate incentive programs, such as Assembly Bill 551: Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones Act (AB 551). Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development BP Figure 55. The El Cerrito Plaza Farmers’ Market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 56. The pilot Community Garden at Fairmont Park was constructed on Earth Day 2013 and is maintained by the El Cerrito Community Garden and continued community volunteerism. Figure 57. El Cerrito’s street right-of-way provides numerous opportunities for small-scale urban agriculture, including private planting of sidewalk gardens and food crops in medians and along City streets when stewarded by community volunteers. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 8 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Urban Agriculture 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School (Owned by WCCUSD. Priority community project to be addressed outside of the Urban Greening Plan) Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE NDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON A SANTA BARBARA RU SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave or St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Midblock Connection Existing Park Underutilized ROW/Open Space Intersection/Cul-de-sac Urban Agriculture Figure 58. Strategy Map: Urban Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 4.04 VISION MAP The vision map consolidates the opportunities outlined in the previous strategy maps to provide an overview of potential locations for urban greening interventions throughout the City. Together these interventions create a well-connected, vibrant green network of open spaces, streetscapes, trails and paths that serve both the commercial corridors and neighborhoods. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 8 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE ANDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON AV SANTA BARBARA R RUG SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE TRAIL ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Central Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave ba St Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave r St Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scenic Ave Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Sunset Ct Kings Pl Fairview Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Aqua Vista Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw Wildcat Creek Trail Bay Trail Rain Garden 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station T T City Hall Library El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store Upper Stockton Neighborhood Commercial * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prospect Sierra Middle School * Cameron Center Elementary Harding Elem. El Cerrito High School Fairmont Elementary Theater Block El Cerrito Plaza Albany Middle School New Portola Middle School El Cerrito Community Center and Swim Center Madera Elementary Prospect Sierra School Safeway Former Portola Middle School Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Tiller Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Lower Fairmount Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond City Limit San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Area El Cerrito Park Park Outside El Cerrito Water Creek Destinations BART Line and Station Arterial Roads T* Major Gateway Secondary Gateway Gateway Corridor Bay Trail Wildcat Canyon Trail Ohlone Greenway Blue/Green Connection Blue/Green Bike Alternative Mid-block Connection City Sidewalk Trail Links Existing Public Trails Proposed Public Trails Proposed Nature Trail Existing Private Trails Strolling Street Planned/Proposed Greening Project Figure 59. Vision Map ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 implementation ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 91 CHAPTER 5 implementation SECTIONS 5.01 Top Projects 5.02 Pilot Projects 5.03 Supporting Policies & Programs 5.04 Funding The goals, objectives and strategies of this Urban Greening Plan were identified to address opportunities for both public and private projects that will improve the sustainability, vitality and livability of El Cerrito. Its long-term implementation will require broad participation and investment from all sectors of the community over time. This chapter outlines the public projects and supporting policies identified through the planning process, as well as potential funding sources to implement the Plan. Based on the opportunity analysis and vision assessment of potential urban greening projects, a subset of 14 projects has been selected in order to achieve multiple urban greening benefits, build off existing projects and community efforts, and catalyze additional investment within the City over time. Four of these focus areas were selected for additional conceptual design work that will pilot potential Urban Greening interventions and prepare the projects for additional outside funding. ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.01 FOCUS AREAS The 14 sites build on the planned and underway projects to represent a broad spectrum of potential urban greening interventions. The focus areas were selected based on their ability to achieve the following criteria: Address multiple Urban Greening objectives Pilot Urban Greening strategies Include green infrastructure opportunities Catalyze economic development Enhance placemaking Include implementable and funding-eligible projects Fulfill City goals and policy priorities Build on community stewardship and engagement The following map identifies the 14 focus areas, highlighting relevant objectives to illustrate the long-term potential of these projects. The urban greening potential varies project-to-project and has been captured in the opportunities identified on the following pages. Potential stormwater benefits have been identified and analyzed for relevant projects. From the 14 focus areas, four projects were selected for additional analysis and design. These four potential early implementation, or pilot, projects are the Hillside Natural Area, Blue-to-Green Connections, Fairmont Park and Lower Fairmont Avenue. The fact sheets for these four pilot projects include conceptual designs and next steps intended to prepare them for grant applications and external funding and partnership opportunities. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n THOUSAND OAKS BLVD BRIGHTON AVE E AVE VISALIA AVE SAN ANTONIO AVE SAN LUIS RD MENLO PL AN GABRIEL AVE SAN JUAN AVE SAN RAMON AVE ANDO AVE AVIS RD SANTA CLARA AVE VALLEJO ST BOYNTON AVE SANTA BARBARA R RUG SAN M VINCENTE WALK POMONA AVE ROMONA AVE NTA ROSA AVE I 80 I 580 Ohlone Trl San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Richmond St Key Blvd Moeser Ln Elm St Norvell St Colusa Ave Everett St Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St S 55th St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Schmidt Ln Balra Dr Cutting Blvd Liberty St San Joaquin St Blake St Portola Dr Stockton Ave Manila Ave Central Ave San Mateo St San Luis St Lincoln Ave Carquinez Ave Highgate Rd Seaview Dr Donal Ave Arlington Ave Scott St Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Contra Costa Dr Sutter Ave Pomona Ave Coventry Rd Carlson Blvd S 47th St MacDonald Ave Rifle Range Rd Clayton Ave S 56th St Monterey St Jordan Ave Fairmount Ave Fresno Ave Hill St Blake St Potrero Ave Wall Ave Santa Clara St S 49th St Bonnie Dr Panama Ave Franciscan Way Lexington Ave Tehama Ave Lawrence St Exit 11 44th St Tulare Ave Carlston St Columbia Ave Galvin Dr Rydin Rd Butte St Van Fleet Ave Ramp Eureka Ave Yale Ave Brewster Dr Huntington Ave Carl Ave Vista Heights Rd Knott Ave Cutting Blvd Ells Ln Shasta St Behrens St Santa Cruz Ave Betty Ln Hagen Blvd Lynn Ave Burlingame Ave Sacramento Ave S 52nd St Ganges Ave Edwards Ave Mira Vista Dr Tassajara Ave Highland Blvd S 45th St Merced St C St Gately Ave Taft Ave Poinsett Ave Mariposa St B St Snowdon Ave Bayview Ave San Jose Ave Yosemite Ave El Dorado Ave Overend Ave Curry Ave Kingston Rd S 50th St Fleming Ave S 59th St Avila St Gatto Ave Alameda Ave Mono Ave Ward Ave Walkway S 58th St Mendocino St San Benito St Lagunitas Ave Rincon Rd San Diego St Junction Ave Windsor Ave Exit 15 Stratford Rd Club View Dr Belmont Ave S 51st St Bates Ave Jefferson Ave S 57th St Fallon Ave Madison Ave Parking Lot Walnut St Tapscott Ave Cypress Ave Glen Mawr Ave Carlos Ave Lassen St Oscar St Highland Ave Santa Clara Ave Oak St Cambridge Ave Rivera St A St Ardmore Rd State Ave Lawson Rd S 46th St Kenilworth Ave Errol Dr Campbell St Orchard Ave Plumas Ave 46th St Don Carol Dr Kent Dr Tuller Ave Edwin Dr 45th St Placer St Columbia Blvd Cabrillo St Seaview Pl Conlon Ave Plank Ave Eastshore Blvd Imperial Ave Cedar St Scenic St Fray Ave Rockway Ave Oakview Ave Avila Pl Craft Ave Alta Punta Ave Point Isabel Ct Santa Fe Ave Charles Ave Alta Vista Dr Ave Victor Ave o Ave Roosevelt Ave Edith St Arno Ct Ray St S 53rd St Victoria St Waldo Ln Julian Dr Mound St Reid Ct Gloria St Garden Dr Park Way Downey Pl Madera Dr Florida Ave Earl Ct Westminster Ave State Ct School St er Ave Brooks Ave Modoc Ave Burns Ct Yolo Ave Jessen Ct Castilla Ave Bissell Ave Roberta Dr Coronado St Ridgeway Ln Humboldt St port Ave Ernest Ave Kensington Ct Hotchkiss Ave Clark Pl Willamette Ave ery Ave Bell Ct S 44th St Nason Ave School Ave Irma Ave Eldridge Ct Gordon Ave Beverly Ct Elm Ct F St Valley Rd Cypress Path Humboldt Ave Noble Ct Shevlin Pl Bay Tree Ln Morris Ave Madera Ct Peerless Ave Kent Ct Kenilworth Dr Reece Ct Yale Cir Eagle Hl Richardson Rd Prather Ave Ellerhorst Ave Napa St Janie Ct Aqua Vista Rd Harris Ave Alvarado Pl Hershey Ct Sunset Ter Carol Ct Plank Ct Ct Tahoe Pl Willow Ln Scen Willow St Walk Way Escuela Ct Duke Ct Arlington Ln Norwood Ct Harvard St Saint Albans Rd Maiden Ln Sunset Ct Kings Pl Marchant Ct Fall Ave Highgate Ct Cort Ave Dylans Way Club View Ct Baron Ct Norvell Ct Reed Pl Midcrest Way Edna St Linda Vista Dr Lexington Rd Adams St Susan Ave Cliff Ln Ohio St S 54th St Ardmore Path Devonshire Ct Summit Park Ct Ricardo Ct Princeton Ave Pebble Beach Way Marguerita Rd Lambrecht Ct Lawrence Ct Tamalpais Pl Pomona Ct Camelot Ct Brewster Ct Edgehill Ct Dewey Rd Kenilworth Ct Channel Ave Ct Estates Rd Loran Ct Crescent Park Glenwood Way Verjane Ave Cutting Cir Cresent Way Norwood Vw * * * 580 80 123 San Francisco Bay * * El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Hillside Natural Area Bruce King Dog Park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Mira Vista Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmount Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Citywide 1. Blue to Green Connections Existing Parks 2. Ohlone Greenway - Portola to Schmidt 3. Ohlone Greenway - Gladys to Blake 4. Fairmont Park 5. Central Park 6. Creekside Park 7. Hillside Natural Area Underutilized Land 8. El Cerrito Plaza 9. Conlon Avenue and Key Boulevard 10. Cutting Boulevard and San Pablo Avenue 11. Avila Street and San Pablo Avenue 12. Former Portola Middle School site Street ROW 13. Ashbury Avenue 14. Lower Fairmount Avenue Figure 60. Focus Areas For additional Urban Greening projects within the City, see Figure 11, Planned and Underway Projects ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n The goal of Blue to Green Connections is to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the area’s major natural assets: the Bay Trail and Wildcat Canyon Trail. Blue to Green Connections was identified as a unique El Cerrito opportunity and was advanced as one of the final four “Pilot Projects”. A conceptual design for this project was developed, as detailed in 5.02 Pilot Projects. Figure 61. Connecting City streets, trails and stairs to the Bay Trail and Wildcat Canyon Trail is a unique opportunity Figure 62. Blue to Green Connections will improve connectivity from the hills to the Bay FOCUS AREA 1: BLUE TO GREEN CONNECTIONS ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 63. Ohlone Greenway – Portola to Schmidt FOCUS AREA 2: OHLONE GREENWAY - PORTOLA TO SCHMIDT 1 2 3 Portola Drive Schmidt Lane NÚ Ohlone Greenway Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Creek Daylighting: Restore the existing creek channel to improve habitat and water quality benefits. Make the creek a visible amenity along the Greenway (see Fluvius Innominatus Restoration Channel Design Memorandum, 2008) 2. Activity Node: Incorporate social gathering and play opportunities near the restored creek (see Ohlone Greenway Master Plan, 2009) 3. Connectivity: Identify opportunities for mid-block access to San Pablo Avenue. Improve connectivity along Schmidt Lane between the Hillside Natural Area, San Pablo Avenue and the Greenway. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Improved Trails and Paths Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enhanced Creeks Project Stormwater Benefits Annual Runoff Treated (gal/yr): 3,740 Pollutants Removed (lb/yr): TSS: 2.010 TP: 0.003 Nitrate + Nitrite: 0.008 Lead: 0.002 Zinc:0.002 Figure 64. Fluvius Innominatus runs along the Ohlone Greenway from Portola to Schmidt and encounters regular sediment buildup, requiring significant maintenance ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 65. Ohlone Greenway – Gladys to Blake 4 4 3 3 5 2 2 2 2 1 Potrero Avenue Blake Street Gladys NÚ Kearney Street San Pablo Avenue Bruce King Dog Park Ohlone Greenway Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Green Gateway: Create a gateway experience along Potrero Avenue. 2. Biofiltration Gardens: Repurpose small portions of the landscaped areas along the Greenway for stormwater management and water quality improvements. Focus on areas adjacent to existing inlets to minimize area of disturbance and costs. 3. Connection to Greenway: Identify opportunities to connect the Greenway to San Pablo Avenue. 4. Activity Node: Create social gathering and play opportunities near Potrero Avenue to create an activity node. Enhance the existing Bruce King Dog Park. 5. Creek Crossing: Highlight the creek that runs under Potrero Avenue through landscaping, permeable paving, and/or signage. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Greener Gateways Improved Trails and Paths Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enhanced Creeks Project Stormwater Benefits Annual Runoff Treated (gal/yr): 194,161 Pollutants Removed (lb/yr): TSS: 5.07 TP: 0.05 Nitrate + Nitrite: 0.01 Zinc:0.01 FOCUS AREA 3: OHLONE GREENWAY - GLADYS TO BLAKE Figure 66. The Ohlone Greenway from Gladys to Blake includes key opportunities for increased activity and amenity improvements, particularly at the Bruce King Dog Park and in conjunction with Safeway Greenway improvements ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA 4: FAIRMONT PARK Figure 67. An aerial view of Fairmont Park The goal of the Fairmont Park project, including segments of the adjacent Ohlone Greenway, is to enhance and improve an existing neighborhood park. Fairmont Park was identified as an important community project and was advanced as one of the final four “Pilot Projects”. A conceptual design for this project was developed, as detailed in 5.02 Pilot Projects. Figure 68. Formalizing the demonstration garden at Fairmont Park was identified as a community priority Figure 69. Preservation of some existing elements, such as the stone turtle, while upgrading play equipment and park furnishings was identified as important to the community ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 70. Central Park and adjacent private parcel* * Private Property highlighted in purple; * Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by the City Council to authorize a specific project. Private developments are subject to additional City regulations. Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Creek Naturalization: Work with private property owners and/ or identify outside funding to realign and naturalize existing concrete channel south of Central Avenue to improve habitat and water quality and create a riparian edge. 2. Improved Play Structures and Gathering Spaces: Enhance the existing park by installing a new play structure and park furniture. 3. Multi-functional Park Space: Program the park as a multi-use space, with flexible recreation uses at different times to allow the park to serve more neighborhood residents. 4. Green Gateway: Create a gateway experience and improve connectivity along Central Avenue. 5. Connectivity: Create a pedestrian and bicycle pathway that connects Central Park to Creekside Park Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Greener Gateways Improved Trails and Paths Enhanced Existing Parks Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Enhanced Creeks Project Stormwater Benefits Annual Runoff Treated (gal/yr): 27,429 Pollutants Removed (lb/yr): TSS: 5.72 TP: 0.02 Nitrate + Nitrite: 0.02 TKN: 0.04 Zinc: 0.01 FOCUS AREA 5: CENTRAL PARK AND ADJACENT PARCEL AT CENTRAL AND BELMONT 1 5 1 2 3 4 2 Central Avenue Central Park Avila Street Belmont Avenue Û N Private Property* Figure 71. Opportunities to improve Central Park’s baseball diamond, incorporate new community amenities, and create a more multi-use park were identified as key opportunities to improve the livability of El Cerrito and Richmond’s neighborhoods west of San Pablo Avenue ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 9 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 72. Creekside Park FOCUS AREA 6: CREEKSIDE PARK Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Wetland: Repurpose existing shallow concrete pools to create functioning wetlands or other flow-based, stormwater treatment measure. Maintain the overall form of the existing stormwater feature to celebrate its history. Lower bottom of the feature to be consistent with adjacent creek bed and plant with appropriate riparian species of reeds/rushes. Ensure design is consistent with C.3 requirements to allow for potential future Low Impact Development (LID) credits/banking and creates a more resilient creek corridor. 2. Enhanced Gathering Spaces: Provide additional seating and furniture for social gathering near the play structure and repurposed wetlands. 3. Temporary Park Expansion: Expand park into cul-de-sacs for temporary events to increase park visibility and connection to surrounding neighborhoods. 4. Connectivity and Wayfinding: Improve park wayfinding. Expand existing sidewalk recycled glass treatments with additional improvements that lead visitors from surrounding neighborhoods and San Pablo Avenue to the park. 5. Connectivity: Create a pedestrian and bicycle pathway connecting Creekside Park to Central Park, the Ohlone Greenway and Pierce Street to connect to the Bay Trail. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Improved Trails and Paths Enhanced Existing Parks Enhanced Creeks Project Stormwater Benefits Annual Runoff Treated (gal/yr): 3,740 Pollutants Removed (lb/yr): TSS: 2.010 TP: 0.003 Nitrate + Nitrite: 0.008 Lead: 0.002 Zinc:0.002 Santa Clara Avenue 1 1 2 2 3 3 5 Û N Belmont Avenue Creekside Park Figure 73. Creekside Park currently supports wildlife habitat, stormwater management and treatment, and community gathering; opportunities to create functioning wetlands was identified as an important stormwater project with potential C.3 benefits ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 0 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA 7: HILLSIDE NATURAL AREA The goal of the Hillside Natural Area project is to enhance and improve El Cerrito’s largest open space. The Hillside Natural Area project was identified as an important next step in the open space’s development and was advanced as one of the final four “Pilot Projects”. A conceptual design for this project was developed, as detailed in 5.02 Pilot Projects. Figure 74. Continuing to improve the Hillside Natural Area’s paths and trails, while preserving its views, native vegetation and wildlife habitat was identified as a community priority Figure 75. An aerial view of the Hillside Natural Area ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 76. El Cerrito Plaza * Private Property are highlighted in purple. Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by the City Council to authorize a specific project. Private developments are subject to other City regulations. FOCUS AREA 8: EL CERRITO PLAZA Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Connectivity: Create a mid-block crossing at San Pablo Avenue to connect the east and west segments of the Cerrito Creek pedestrian trail. Improve connections to the Ohlone Greenway from Albany Middle School and the planned Creekside Apartments. 2. Neighborhood Park: Consider creating a park near the Ohlone Greenway to provide gathering spaces near commercial activity. 3. Biofiltration Gardens: Repurpose small portions of the street right-of-way for water quality management. Focus on areas adjacent to existing inlets to minimize disturbance and costs. 4. Green Gateway: Create an identifiable gateway experience at the southern entry to the City along San Pablo Avenue. 5. Commercial Corridors: Activate San Pablo Avenue and Fairmount Avenue by softening the streetscape to encourage increased pedestrian activity. 6. Enhance Creeks: Establish riparian corridors as part of the proposed Creekside Apartments creek daylighting projects. Project Stormwater Benefits Stormwater benefits were not studied for this project. 2 1 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 3 3 Albany Middle School El Cerrito Plaza Creekside Apartments (entitled) Ohlone Greenway El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Û N San Pablo Avenue Fairmount Avenue Private Property* Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Greener Gateways Improved Trails and Paths Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enhanced Existing Parks Active Commercial Corridors Resilient Higher-Density Neighborhoods Enhanced Creeks 1 1 1 Figure 77. The El Cerrito Plaza Shopping Center has been identified for strategic opportunities to improve stormwater runoff management, increase connectivity and provide strategic open space in the City’s commercial corridor ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 0 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 78. Conlon Ave and Key Boulevard area* * Private Property highlighted in purple; Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by the City Council to authorize a specific project. **Greening opportunities may be considered in aggregate or as separate projects pending site and funding availability. Traffic calming measures at Conlon and Key, as proposed in the Active Transportation Plan (in development 2015), should be considered along with urban greening improvements. Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Pocket Park: Repurpose the excess street right-of-way to create a pocket park with furnishings and space for social gathering and to improve connectivity as a gateway to the Ohlone Greenway. 2. Neighborhood Park: Consider opportunities, including acquisition of adjacent parcels or private-public partnerships, to develop active play spaces and other recreational amenities. 3. Pollinator Pathway: Establish a pollinator pathway up Conlon Avenue between the Ohlone Greenway and Canyon Trail Park. 4. Creeks: Highlight the creek that runs under Conlon Avenue through landscaping, permeable paving, and/or signage. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Improved Trails and Paths Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enhanced Creeks Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Green Streets Project Stormwater Benefits Stormwater benefits were not studied for this project. FOCUS AREA 9: CONLON AVE AND KEY BOULEVARD Û N 2 2 4 Key Boulevard Ohlone Greenway Humboldt Street Baxter Gateway Park 1 3 Private Property* Private Property* Figure 79. Street Play at the intersection of Key and Conlon highlights the excess ROW and landscaping opportunities ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 80. Cutting and San Pablo Avenue * Private Properties highlighted in purple. Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by City Council to authorize a specific project. FOCUS AREA 10: CUTTING AND SAN PABLO AVENUE Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Pocket Parks: Create increased activity and open space along San Pablo Avenue and near the BART station to encourage social gathering and economic development by integrating open space as a part of new development. Encourage private development to strategically site public open space requirements along San Pablo Avenue to activate the street. 2. Temporary Pop-up Parks: Encourage short-term activities such as community events, food vendors, and seasonal commercial uses to activate vacant properties and parking lots until a permanent pocket park can be planned and constructed. 3. Green Infrastructure: Repurpose small portions of the street right-of-way on San Pablo Avenue for runoff and water quality management. Focus on areas adjacent to existing inlets to minimize area of disturbance and costs. 4. Green Gateway: Create a gateway experience along Cutting Boulevard and at the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, using large trees and other strategic landscaping enhancements to create a gateway. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Greener Gateways Resilient Higher-Density Neighborhoods Green Streets Project Stormwater Benefits Stormwater benefits were not studied for this project. Û N San Pablo Avenue Cutting Boulevard Private Property* 1 2 3 4 Private Property* 1 2 El Cerrito del Norte BART Station 2 1 1 2 4 3 Figure 81. Wide ROW and underutilized properties provide several opportunities for Urban Greening ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 0 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 82. Avila St and San Pablo Avenue Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Pocket Park: In partnership with private development, repurpose the cul-de-sac to create a pocket park with furnishings and space for social gathering. 2. Connectivity: Enhance mid-block pedestrian and bicycle connection to San Pablo Avenue. 3. Activity Node: Plant shade trees and install seating and tables to encourage activity along San Pablo Avenue. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Improved Trails and Paths Active Commercial Corridors Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Green Streets Project Stormwater Benefits Stormwater benefits were not studied for this project. FOCUS AREA 11: AVILA STREET AND SAN PABLO AVENUE Û N Avila Street 1 2 3 * Private Property highlighted in purple; Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent and a final decision by the City Council to authorize a specific project. Figure 83. Avila Street dead ends in a cul-de-sac with pedestrian access to San Pablo Avenue. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 84. Former Portola Middle School site (WCCUSD) Urban Greening Opportunities The Former Portola Middle School site is owned by the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). The site has been identified as an important opportunity to the El Cerrito community, given its size, proximity to the El Cerrito Community Center, Cerrito Vista Park, Hillside Natural Area and Recycling + Environmental Resource Center. The site’s topography includes sections of both flat and steep terrain and provides views of the entire San Francisco Bay. The City and WCCUSD are in conversation about the future of the site, which could include new community facilities, recreational facilities and urban greening opportunities. Project Stormwater Benefits Stormwater benefits were not studied for this project. FOCUS AREA 12: FORMER PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE Portola Drive Moeser Lane Navallier Street Former Portola Middle School Site ---PAGE BREAK--- Figure 85. Ashbury Avenue FOCUS AREA 13: ASHBURY AVENUE - BRIGHTON TO LYNN Urban Greening Opportunities 1. Edible Orchard: Create an edible orchard within the existing large median to attract public use of the street right-of-way and provide an urban agriculture opportunity. (Will require a strong community organization to steward the orchard). 2. Biofiltration Gardens: Repurpose a small portion of the grassed median for runoff and water quality management. Focus areas adjacent to existing inlets to minimize area of disturbance and costs. 3. Pollinator Pathway: Establish a pollinator pathway through appropriate landscaping within the median and along Ashbury Avenue. 4. Social Gathering: Create areas for seating and social gathering. Also encourage use of median and street right-of-way for community events. Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Greener Gateways Enriched Natural Areas Urban Agriculture 1 2 2 3 4 4 Û N Ashbury Avenue Behren Street Pomona Avenue Albany Middle School A Street Project Stormwater Benefits Annual Runoff Treated (gal/yr): 117,774 Pollutants Removed (lb/yr): TSS: 77.3 TP: 0.07 TKN: 0.68 Zinc:0.1 Nitrate + Nitrite: 0.11 Lead: 0.05 Copper: 0.02 Figure 86. Volunteers plant trees on the wide Ashbury Avenue median on Earth Day ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA 14: LOWER FAIRMOUNT AVENUE The goal of the Lower Fairmount Avenue project is to re-envision and reinvigorate street right-of-way space within El Cerrito. The Lower Fairmoutn Avenue project was identified as a unique opportunity to pilot place-making and green street interventions in El Cerrito and was advanced as one of the final four “Pilot Projects”. A conceptual design for this project was developed, as detailed in 5.02 Pilot Projects. Figure 87. Lower Fairmount Avenue Figure 88. The Off the Grid food truck market currently shuts down lower Fairmount Avenue every Wednesday night ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 0 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.02 PILOT PROJECTS The Hillside Natural Area, Blue-to-Green Connections, Fairmont Park and Lower Fairmount Avenue projects were all selected for additional opportunity analysis and conceptual design based on their near-term ability to address multiple urban greening objectives and achieve community priorities. The project descriptions and identified improvements are based on extensive community engagement and serve to identify existing opportunities within each site. Conceptual design of these projects prepares them for grant application and outside funding sources to perform additional design and community engagement prior to construction. ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 0 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 89. Pilot Projects Bay Trail Fairmont Park Lower Fairmont Hillside Natural Area Blue to Green Connections San Francisco Bay Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond * * El Cerrito del Norte BART Station El Cerrito Plaza BART Station San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Arlington Blvd Richmond St Richmond St Moeser Ln Moeser Ln Arlington Steps Norvell St Colusa Ave Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Schmidt Ln Portola Dr Lincoln Ave Central Ave Seaview Dr Waldo Ave Stockton Carlson Blvd Rifle Range Rd Fairmount Ave Hill St Blake St Snowdon Ave Potrero Ave Potrero Ave Cypress Ave Central Ave Cutting Blvd Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Fresno Ave S 55th St San Luis St S 56th St Ells Street Pathway Ohlone Greenway W i l d ca t C r e e k Tr a i l Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Havey Canyon Trail Conlon Trail Mezue Trail 0 400 800 1,200 1,600 200 feet 1” = 400’ Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, City of Berkeley GIS, Fehr & Peers Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent El Cerrito Urban Greening Pilot Projects City Limit BART Line Blue-Green Connection Route Blue-Green Bike Alternative Pilot Project Area ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 1 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA PLAN Fairmont Park Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Overview Fairmont Park is a 78,000 square foot park along the Ohlone Greenway at Eureka Avenue and Liberty Street, bordering the Senior Center, Fairmont Elementary School and a predominantly residential neighborhood near San Pablo Avenue and the Stockton Avenue/San Pablo Avenue commercial areas. The park is home to a “pop-up” community garden project constructed during Earth Day 2013 that is maintained by the El Cerrito Community Garden Network, and serves as an informal gathering space and dog park for residents of the surrounding medium- density neighborhoods and Ohlone Greenway users. A group of Tai Chi practitioners meets in the park daily and local community groups maintain wildlife habitat along the recessed areas at the base of the retaining wall on the east side of the Ohlone Greenway. The park’s existing design and furniture were a 1965 project by the landscape architecture firm Royston, Hanomoto, Mayes & Beck and include elements that have been identified as important to the community, including a stone statue of a turtle near the playground and steps and field-stone walls classic of the firm’s design. Fairmont Park sees fairly significant foot and bicycle traffic, despite its aging infrastructure, due to its proximity to the Ohlone Greenway, Stockton Avenue and community facilities and accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods. There is a unique opportunity to upgrade Fairmont Park with new, more accessible paths, improved playground and gathering spaces and a formalized community garden. The project could provide the community facilities and environmental services needed to create a greener, safer neighborhood park within walking distance of San Pablo Avenue, the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and denser residential neighborhoods. Improved Trails and Paths Strengthened Ohlone Greenway Enhanced Existing Parks Vibrant Schoolyards Urban Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n PROJECT BACKGROUND Fairmont Park is located along the Ohlone Greenway at Eureka Street. Today its facilities include outdated playground equipment, worn benches and seating, and a “pop-up” community garden, as well as unprogrammed and largely unimproved green space. OPPORTUNITIES • Urban Agriculture: Build on Earth Day pilot project to make community gardens permanent. • Urban Wilderness Classroom: Connect to Fairmont Elementary School to bring nature closer to students. • Improved Play Structures and Gathering Spaces: Enhance the existing park and attract multi-generational use. • Connections to Greenway: Improve access from Eureka Street stubs, and create a defined entry from Liberty Street to the Greenway and Park (per Ohlone Greenway Master Plan). • Wildlife Habitat: Protect wildlife habitat and connect to wilderness classroom activities (per Ohlone Greenway Master Plan). • Potential Connection: Study a future connection to Lexington Avenue. CATALOG OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS • Community Garden: Formalized community garden at north end of park, bordering schoolyard. • New Path Network: New fully-accessible pathways throughout the park, with emergency access. • Entry Plaza: New welcome kiosk, seating, signage, and group exercise area. • Children’s Play Area: New nature-based play areas with seating, picnic tables, and drinking fountain. • Overlook Terrace: Quiet meditation or group exercise area with seating and views over the lawn. • Community Art Mural: A new art mural to enliven the retaining wall bordering the Ohlone Greenway. NEXT STEPS 1. Identify potential design and construction funding 2. Final design of complete site 3. Construction, could take place in phases Lexington Ave Liberty St Lexington Ave BART -Richmond Line + Ohlone Greenway Fairmont Elementary School Senior Center E School Property Line BART Property 12.3.2014 I Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, City of Berkeley GIS, Fehr & Peers Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent El Cerrito Urban Greening Fairmont Park Property Limit Fairmont Park Study Area 0 20 40 60 80 10 feet 1” = 20’ Fairmont Park * El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Castro Park Cerrito Vista Park Central Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park El Cerrito Richmond San Pablo Avenue Richmond St Richmond St Moeser Ln Arlington Steps Norvell St Colusa Ave Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St Ashbury Ave Schmidt Ln Portola Dr Lincoln Ave Central Ave Waldo Ave Stockton Carlson Blvd Fairmount Ave Potrero Ave Fresno Ave San Luis St S 56th St Û N Figure 90. Fairmont Park Key Map Figure 91. Fairmont Park site COST ESTIMATE Final Design: up to $75,000 Renovation: up to $630,000, including design For more detailed information on project cost estimates see Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 1 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 92. Bare space, used as a dog run and active recreation space Figure 93. Community garden Figure 94. Play equipment, including historic stone turtle Figure 95. Community garden Figure 96. Outdoor education Figure 97. Improved play area and Tot Lot Figure 98. Connections to park Figure 99. Connections to Greenway Figure 100. Wildlife habitat EXISTING SITE EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 101. Fairmont Park Concept Plan STONE TURTLE TO REMAIN ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 1 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA PLAN Lower Fairmount Avenue Overview The Lower Fairmount Avenue site is a 18,000 square foot street stub between San Pablo Avenue and Carlson Boulevard in El Cerrito’s downtown; it represents an opportunity to add a distinct identity to downtown El Cerrito, supporting the commercial and higher-density residential neighborhoods. Despite its sufficient right-of-way and downtown location, the street segment currently offers few pedestrian amenities with narrow sidewalks, no street furniture and minimal landscaping. The street is currently closed one night a week for the Off- the-Grid food truck market. Two project design alternatives were presented to the community. The first alternative, shown here, reallocates the wide central median and travel lanes to create a downtown plaza on the south side of the street. Site design could include street trees and improved landscaping, pedestrian amenities, and opportunities to highlight historic resources and incorporate public art. This design alternative would provide opportunities for smaller events on an ongoing basis and would continue to require street closure for larger events, like Off-the-Grid. An alternative design would including vacating the street and creation a larger plaza. This would require permanent rerouting of the north- bound left turn lane and would reduce the need for ongoing Caltrans permits. This alternative could be constructed as a second phase to the first design alternative or could be pursued from the onset. A complete street closure should consider maintained bicycle access and connectivity through the site. Improved Trails and Paths Greener Gateways Active Commercial Corridors Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Enhanced Existing Parks Green Streets ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n PROJECT BACKGROUND Lower Fairmount Avenue is the stub end of Fairmount Avenue between San Pablo Avenue and Carlson Boulevard. Today it primarily serves as an additional connector route for vehicles, and does little to improve or add open public space to the district. OPPORTUNITIES • Pocket Parks: Explore opportunity to reallocate street space or vacate street and convert to downtown plaza/park space for social gathering, pop-up uses, and play. • Connectivity: Enhance pedestrian and bicycle connections to San Pablo Avenue by providing additional facilities and on-street amenities that encourage strolling and community gathering. • Activity Node: Plant shade trees and install seating and tables to encourage active use along San Pablo Avenue. • re:Streets: Consider opportunities for green infrastructure, and events and programs, and use wayfinding and signage for distinctive image and identity. CATALOG OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS • Safer Street and Crossings: Narrowed and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks will calm the street and improve safety for all users • Bicycle Connectivity: New bicycle facilities will improve safety and comfort for bicyclists on a key connecting route. Consider bicycle improvements consistent with the Active Transportation Plan (2015). • Public Space: New shade trees and seatwall with history wall will anchor expanded public space on south side of street, which can accommodate pop-up uses and public events, such as Off the Grid. • Public Art: A new kiosk for wayfinding, new public art and signage will create a distinctive image and identity. • Street Trees: Asphalt and concrete will be replaced with new street trees and plantings to green the area. • Stormwater Management: Permeable paving in the paving lane could help manage stormwater on site. NEXT STEPS 1. Engage residents and businesses to understand needs, opportunities and desires, including tolerance for the full plaza 2. Identify design and construction funding 3. Final design, including traffic analysis of full street closure 4. Construction Lower Fairmont * El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Cerrito Vista Park Central Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park El Cerrito Albany Richmond San Pablo Avenue St Richmond St Moeser Ln Norvell St Colusa Ave Terrace Dr Kearney St Ashbury Ave Schmidt Ln Portola Dr Lincoln Ave Central Ave Waldo Ave Stockton Carlson Blvd Fairmount Ave Central Ave Fresno Ave San Luis St Û N Figure 102. Lower Fairmount Avenue Key Map Figure 103. Lower Fairmount Avenue site COST ESTIMATE Alternative 1: Final Design: up to $75,000 Construction: up to $465,000, including design Alternative 2: Final Design: up to $99,000 Construction: up to $670,000, including design For more detailed information on project cost estimates see Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 1 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 104. Wide pedestrian crossings Figure 105. Wide right of way Figure 106. Temporal events and community gathering Figure 107. Enhanced Pedestrian Activity Figure 108. Enhanced Bike Connectivity Figure 109. Parklets Figure 110. re:Streets: Temporal plazas and public spaces Figure 111. re:Streets: Gathering spaces EXISTING SITE EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 112. Lower Fairmount Avenue Concept Plan POTENTIAL LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS • Additional Trees and Greening: Engage neighboring businesses to consider replacing north-side on-street parking with street trees to increase greening and improve the pedestrian experience with wider sidewalk. • Alternative 2: Study impacts of street vacation to dedicate full right-of-way to public open space. • Integration: Work with business district to orient new buildings toward the plaza, including pedestrian access and additional open space where appropriate. • Additional Space: Work with owner of green space on southwestern corner to integrate additional open space into the project. Adding this space would allow for a larger plaza footprint, enhanced greening and additional street trees. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 1 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA PLAN Hillside Natural Area Overview The Hillside Natural Area is 108 acres of open space in the El Cerrito hills, surrounded by built-out, predominantly single-family, residential neighborhoods. Home to small creeks, grasslands and forests, the Natural Area provides habitat for native vegetation and wildlife that is rare in urban environments. In addition, it provides the largest active recreation space for hikers, bikers, and dog walkers who have easy access through several neighborhood entry points and enjoy the quiet oak groves, open fields, and expansive views of the San Francisco Bay. As such, it not only presents myriad benefits but also many potentially conflicting needs, such as safe trail use, natural habitat preservation, ecological function, fire and community safety, to be resolved through a master planning process. While extensive, the existing trail network includes opportunities for trail improvements, new trail connections, and the design of a multiuse trail system to better meet needs while connecting to natural habitats, outdoor educational opportunities and community gathering spaces. Trail Trekkers, Friends of Five Creeks, the El Cerrito High School Mountain Bike Team and other active community groups and volunteers help inventory, build and maintain the trails, paths and habitat areas with maintenance projects, invasive species pulls and creek cleanups. The El Cerrito Fire Department conducts regular controlled burns and vegetation management to reduce fire risks, particularly in areas with significant, identified fuel loads. To facilitate strategic coordination of these disparate efforts, a master plan would enable the community to highlight their priorities while providing the additional vegetation, watershed and fire risk analyses to define projects going forward. Enriched Natural Areas Enhanced Creeks Improved Trails and Paths Enhanced Existing Parks Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Vibrant Schoolyards Urban Agriculture ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 1 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n PROJECT BACKGROUND The Hillside Natural Area is 108 acres of largely unprogrammed open space with views of the San Francisco Bay, extensive woodlands, grasslands, creeks, trees, native and non-native vegetation, and unmarked trails. The site includes maintenance, fire abatement, and vegetation management needs, which have been increased by the 2015 purchase of the 8 acre Madera Property. OPPORTUNITIES • Connectivity: Improve trail connections between natural areas, schools and other community assets using sustainable trail building practices. • Park Expansion Integration: Integrate the recently-purchased Madera property and investigate opportunities to acquire privately- owned, in-holdings. Explore opportunities for access, recreation and/ or conservation easements on adjacent properties. Acquisition of private property or easements is subject to owner interest and the City Council’s final decision to authorize a specific project. • Creeks: Celebrate creek corridors that run through the Natural Area • Green Gateways/Trailheads: Create more welcoming entry experiences at key park gateways and trailheads. Develop a master signage plan. • Active Recreation: Enhance opportunities for active recreation by constructing bicycle trails, parks and other amenities. CATALOG OF IMPROVEMENTS • Trail Network: Formalize some of the existing unimproved trails and close gaps to create a coherent and connected multiuse trail system. Consider opportunities for accessible trails. • Nature Trail: Create a special, pedestrian-only nature trail through the park with interpretive signage and education about the park. • Preserve and Enhance Creeks: Assess and improve the existing open creeks to assure they are healthy in their run through the natural area. • New Trailheads: Create defined major and minor gateways at key park and trailhead locations, with signage and park information. • Improved Crossing: Implement pedestrian crossing improvements and safety and streetscape enhancements at the key park street connection across Potrero Avenue. • Vegetation Management: Continue to manage native and non-native vegetation for fire management; establish more native plantings where appropriate. • Recreation: Support community-led efforts to create active recreation areas, such as bicycle trails, bike parks and other amenities. Figure 113. Hillside Natural Area Map* *Properties shown in light green are private. Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner’s interest and consent El Cerrito Cerrito el Norte ART Station San P Arlington Blvd Arlington Blvd Richmond St Moeser Ln Moeser Ln Arlington Steps Navellier St Schmidt Ln ortola Dr Rifle Range Rd Hill St Blake St Snowdon Ave Potrero Ave ero Ave Blvd Castro Park Cerrito Huber Arlington Park Ohlone Gre Û N Figure 114. Hillside Natural Area Aerial Castro Park Madera Elementary School New Fred T. Korematsu Middle School (under construction) Castro * rk ed T. K School truction)* Mader ementa S h* Potrero Ave Mound St M Donal Ave Manila Ave Schmidt Lane dys Ave Gladys Ave Blake St Douglas Dr Regency Ct King Dr Buckingham Dr King Ct Earl Ct Shevlin Pl Navallier St Navallier St Norvell St Everett St anges Ave Madera Cir Ave Arlington Blvd NEXT STEPS 1. Master Plan, including trail maintenance and design guidelines, a vegetation management plan, and multi-use trail analysis and designation 2. Construction of discreet trail projects COST ESTIMATE Master Plan: up to $300,000 Improvement Buildout: up to $1,750,000 for full project, including design. Implementation could be incremental. For more detailed information on project cost estimates see Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 115. Distinctive spaces and natural area access Figure 116. Views Figure 117. Quiet Groves Figure 118. Wilderness Education Figure 119. Nature walks and speakers Figure 120. Enhanced Creeks Figure 121. Bike park and recreation Figure 122. Native habitat Figure 123. Running, hiking and recreation EXISTING SITE EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 2 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Hillside Natural Area Hill” Hillside Natural Area Madera Property Mira Vista Country Club PG&E Property Existing Trails on Undeveloped Private Property EBMUD Water Tower Castro Park Madera Elementary School * * Recycling & Environmental Resource Center * Potrero Ave al Ave Manila Ave Schmidt Lane s Ave Navallier St Norvell St Everett St Ganges Ave Arlington Blvd Existing Trails (mapped by Trail Trekkers) Existing Trail System Entry Points Major Proposed Gateway/Trailhead Destination Focus Area Boundary * Minor Proposed Gateway/Trailhead Enhanced Creek Underground Creek El Cerrito Urban Greening Hillside Natural Area Concept Plan Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, City of Berkeley GIS, Fehr & Peers, Trail Trekkers Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent Proposed Trails Proposed Nature Trail (Interpretive, pedestrian-only) 0 150 300 450 600 75 feet 1” = 150’ Improve Trail Crossing Trail Gap Closures Trail Gap Closures Trail Gap Closure Enhance Creeks New Trail Connection Nature Trail Connection to Madera School U n nam ed Cr ee k Un na med C re ek W i l dw o od Cr e e k U n n a m ed C ree k Figure 124. Hillside Natural Area and Madera Property Concept Plan POTENTIAL LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS • Full Master Plan: Engage stakeholders and residents in community planning process to create full master plan for all Hillside Natural Area and Madera Property lands. • PG&E Property Integration: Work with PG&E to include adjacent open space owned by PG & E in the master planning process for Hillside Natural Area. • New Education and Community Programs: Study new programming such as summer camps and other community-based programs. Explore opportunities to use these programs to help fund Natural Area improvements and maintenance. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n FOCUS AREA PLAN Blue to Green Connections Overview This city-wide, long-term project would address barriers to connect key open spaces on the edges of El Cerrito - the “blue” San Francisco Bay and Bay Trail to the west, and the “green” Wildcat Canyon and its trails to the east - with a well-defined and designed network of green corridors. These routes would help highlight and connect signature open spaces from the Bay to the hills with key community open spaces and destinations, including the Ohlone Greenway. The project prioritizes active transportation and recreation along its corridors, resulting in a network of safe green streets, improved multi-use trails, enhanced neighborhood staircases, and on- and off-street bike routes. Currently the I-80 Freeway, high traffic volumes and poor pedestrian conditions on Central, minimal wayfinding and signage citywide, trail and sidewalk gaps, and limited Wildcat Canyon trail connections restrict community access to these regional amenities. The catalog of project improvements are intended to identify and address these barriers, while providing strategies and interventions that create a defined and recognizable identity that draws people in and helps them find where to go. The Blue to Green Connections project is envisioned as a long-term project to be developed and built-out over the next 20 years and will require a range of investment. The routes follow four predominant corridor types: on-street routes, multi-use path corridors, pedestrian trails, and staircases; bicycle alternatives are provided where bicycle travel is difficult or not allowed on the primary route. A subsequent design process to finalize routes and key project components, such as signage, landscaping and pavement conditions, will be required. Prototypical projects are detailed on the following pages. Greener Gateways Improved Trails and Paths Active Commercial Corridors Urban Greening Objectives Targeted Green Streets ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 2 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n PROJECT BACKGROUND Connecting trails like the Bay Trail, Wildcat Canyon Trail, and the Ohlone Greenway, El Cerrito’s Blue to Green Connections will develop green and safe active transportation corridors that will inspire and educate generations to come. The project celebrates El Cerrito’s unique proximity to the Bay and the hills by formalizing critical arteries that connect and enliven streets, sidewalks and public spaces throughout the city. OPPORTUNITIES • Connectivity: Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between natural assets. Enhance access to major trailheads. • Wayfinding and Signage: Develop distinct signage and pavement markers to identify the routes. • Street Trees: Implement a consistent yet diverse palette of street trees and other coordinated landscaping. CATALOG OF IMPROVEMENTS • Traffic Calming and Sidewalk Improvements: Calm and improve all on-street routes to make them safe for all ages. • Multiuse Trails: Enhance multiuse trails and add wayfinding, signage, and artistic elements to clearly identify them as key connections. • Upgrade Staircase Routes: Assess and improve existing staircases to ensure they are identifiable, interesting and safe to travel. • New Trailheads Create defined gateways at key entrances and trailheads, with signage, route information, and other amenities. • Alternative Bike Routes: Implement alternative bike routes where needed, consistent with the Active Transportation Plan (2015). • Green Infrastructure: Use low-maintenance plantings, furnishings and materials and integrate green infrastructure to lower resource use. • Recreation and Public Spaces: Support community-led efforts to create active recreation areas and public spaces along the routes. NEXT STEPS 1. Finalize preferred routes 2. Develop and implement signage, landscaping and pavement condition plans 3. Identify and construct discreet on-street, trail and stair projects COST ESTIMATE The estimated cost for improvement build out on all routes is up to $6,000,000. Implementation could be incremental Figure 125. Blue to Green Connections Key Map Figure 126. Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the San Francisco Bay Figure 127. Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the El Cerrito hills Bay Trail Bay Trail Bay Trai Bay Tra 0 400 800 1,200 1,600 200 feet 1” = 400’ Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, City of Berkeley GIS, Fehr & Peers Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent Note: This project will require close coordination with the City of Richmond El Cerrito Urban Greening Blue to Green Connections City Limit Pathway Type Shared On-Street Pedestrian-Only Stairs/Unpaved Multiuse Off-Street 4.6.2015 Route Number Alternate Bike Route Existing Trail/ Ped Connection Potential Trail/ Ped Connection Existing Bikeway Proposed Bikeway BART Line 1 For more detailed information on project cost estimates see Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 128. Potrero Avenue looking east: wide streets, intermittent views, and minimal pedestrian amenities Figure 129. Moeser Lane looking northeast: steep topography, wide medians, and significant vegetation Figure 130. Central Avenue looking west toward the I-80 Freeway: limited pedestrian infrastructure and heavy traffic are barriers to Bay Trail access Figure 131. Central Avenue & Rydin Road (Richmond) entrance to the Bay Trail Figure 132. Rifle Range Road entrance to Wildcat Canyon Figure 133. Integrated interpretive signage and green landscaping Figure 134. Staircase upgrades and place-making opportunities Figure 135. Distinctive wayfinding signage EXISTING CONDITIONS EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 2 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Figure 136. Wayfinding and interpretive signage Figure 137. Distinctive pavement markings (Seattle Lake to Bay Loop) Figure 138. Green street design Figure 139. Bay Trail wayfinding Figure 140. Design, branding, and connectivity through public art, multi-use plazas and pavement markings (Indianapolis Cultural Trail) Figure 141. Stairs as community spaces with art and other amenities Figure 142. Trail wayfinding Figure 143. Environmentally sensitive landscaping (Seattle Pollinator Pathway) ON-STREET ROUTE INSPIRATION MULTIUSE TRAIL INSPIRATION TRAIL AND STAIRCASE INSPIRATION ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n Bay Trail Bay Trail Bay Trai Bay Tra San Francisco Bay 580 80 80 123 * * El Cerrito del Norte BART Station Area Improvements El Cerrito Plaza BART Station Area Improvements Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Castro Park Hillside Natural Area Hillside Natural Area Canyon Trail Park Cerrito Vista Park Huber Park Arlington Park Tassajara Park Central Park Poinsett Park Baxter Gateway Park Fairmont Park Ohlone Greenway Harding Park Creekside Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Havey Canyon Trail Conlon Trail Mezue Trail Madera Property Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Eastshore Park State Court Park Abraham Braxton Park Tiller Park Mira Vista Park Kensington El Cerrito Albany Richmond Richmond San Pablo Avenue Arlington Blvd Arlington Blvd Richmond St Richmond St Moeser Ln Moeser Ln Arlington Steps Norvell St Colusa Ave Terrace Dr Kearney St Navellier St Ashbury Ave Barrett Ave Schmidt Ln Portola Dr Lincoln Ave Central Ave Seaview Dr Waldo Ave Stockton Ave Carlson Blvd Rifle Range Rd Hill St Blake St Snowdon Ave Potrero Ave Potrero Ave Cypress Ave Central Ave Cutting Blvd Cutting Blvd Potrero Ave Cutting Blvd Fresno Ave S 55th St San Luis St S 56th St Ells Street Pathway Terrace Dr Shevlin Dr Shevlin Dr Buckingham Dr Galvin Dr W i l d ca t C r e e k Tr a i l Stockton Ave Fairmount Ave 1 4 1 1 1 2 3 3 2 2 Upgrade Unimproved Pathway Enhance Arlington Steps New Wildcat Gateway Arlington Blvd On-Street Enhancements Colu Colu Co Co Richmond and Norvell On-Street Enhancements Creekside Mulituse Trail Improvements Blake and Snowdon On-Street Enhancements Hillside Trail and Wayfinding Improvements Potential New Moeser Park Connector Trail 0 400 800 1,200 1,600 200 feet 1” = 400’ Data sources: El Cerrito GIS, City of Berkeley GIS, Fehr & Peers Note: Any opportunities on a private parcel will be dependent on property owner's interest and consent Note: This project will require close coordination with the City of Richmond El Cerrito Urban Greening Blue to Green Connections City Limit Pathway Type Shared On-Street Pedestrian-Only Stairs/Unpaved Multiuse Off-Street 4.6.2015 Route Number Alternate Bike Route Existing Trail/ Ped Connection Potential Trail/ Ped Connection Existing Bikeway Proposed Bikeway BART Line 1 Figure 144. Blue to Green Connections Route Design Concept ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 2 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.03 SUPPORTING POLICIES AND PROGRAMS The following policies and programs are supported by specific goals and implementation strategies that will enable the City and community of El Cerrito to bring the vision of the Urban Greening Plan into being. The icons at right are used in this section to indicate the current level of effort that is expected to be required for each objective. “KS” stands for Key Strength, and indicates that the City is generally already exceeding the level of effort needed for this objective. stands for Enhancements, and indicates that the City is generally meeting the level of effort needed for this objective. “BP” stands for Best Practice, and indicates that the City generally needs improvement in the level of effort needed to achieve this objective. SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE POLICIES Implement sustainable landscape maintenance practices to conserve natural resources and reduce costs in order to maximize the ecological services of existing parks and open spaces. 1. Develop a Sustainable Landscape Program to educate residents on sustainable landscape and maintenance practices, including but not limited to programs related to pesticide-free and integrated pest management gardening, Bay Friendly Landscaping, and water conservation practices. 2. Continue to implement the City’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy. • Periodically review the IPM Program to ensure that it is meeting local and regional goals • Appoint a single point person responsible for citywide IPM implementation and adhere to IPM decision-making steps • Maintain accurate records on IPM implementation and pesticide use • Continue to train staff on IPM best practices Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Recreation E E BP E Best Practice Enhancements Key Strength KS ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 2 8 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n • Include IPM policies and practices in pest management contracts and maintain a list of available expert resources accessible to staff. • Develop a citywide invasive species management plan to identify invasive species of the greatest threat and priority areas for protection; include monitoring to ensure that projects are efficiently reducing identified invasive species. • Notify community members via the City’s website of pesticide use in public spaces. 3. Develop sustainable specialized landscape practices, including seasonal and annual maintenance schedules. • Establish an athletic field maintenance schedule to encourage field “downtime” and reduce regular maintenance requirements. • Establish a natural landscape maintenance schedule that reduces the maintenance requirements for self-maintaining areas. • Include vegetation management and maintenance guidelines in new City projects to ensure the establishment of functioning, resilient plant communities, particularly in riparian and native landscapes. • Establish standard operating procedures to hand over the maintenance of new landscapes from the contractor hired to build and maintain them to the City’s general landscape maintenance team at the time of project completion; procedures should include early site visits and coordination with City maintenance to ensure understanding and ownership of the project. • Develop internal protocol to recycle and compost plant debris in City facilities to reduce costs of disposal and purchasing new materials Periodically review the IPM Program to ensure that it is meeting local and regional goals 4. Establish pollinator friendly maintenance guidelines. • In coordination with the Fire Department, establish “No Disturbance” areas, as appropriate, free from mowing, tilling and mulching, which may disturb ground nesting bees that play an integral part in natural pollination. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Recreation Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works BP BP Figure 145. Maintenance is necessary for promoting plant health ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 2 9 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n • Ban the use of neonicotonoids on City property. • Design pollinator corridors through coordinated park plantings that meet established best practices. • Encourage the use of pollinator friendly plants in other sidewalk, median and linear planting strips. Clearly identify the permits needed to establish a community garden on public open space. 5. Expand Bay-Friendly Landscaping requirements. • Continue to train maintenance staff in Bay-Friendly Landscaping practices. • Ensure that all landscape maintenance is performed by Bay- Friendly qualified professionals, including outside contractors. • Encourage new developments to pursue Bay-Friendly ratings for all new landscapes. 6. Continue to update and implement the City’s Landscape Management Plan, emphasizing the removal of invasive species, planting of low-maintenance, resource-conserving species, and leveraging of community partnerships. • Identify projects to convert resource-intensive landscapes to Bay- Friendly, low maintenance palettes. 7. Develop Creek Channel and Riparian Corridor Management guidelines to reduce erosion, degradation, and deposition and to anticipate and prepare for flood risks. • Guidelines should first and foremost comply with Regional Water Quality Board and Fish and Game requirements. • Guidelines should include regular monitoring of vegetation and creek conditions, visual access and safety guidelines, and maintenance management. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development BP KS E Figure 146. Bay Friendly and drought tolerant landscape have lower maintenance requirements ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 3 0 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n SUPPORTING OBJECTIVE: VOLUNTEERISM Engage the El Cerrito and East Bay community in stewarding public lands in partnership with the City, both to increase community ownership of public lands and to conserve City maintenance resources. 1. Develop and coordinate a Trail Maintenance Volunteer Program that leverages existing community efforts and partnerships to better meet trail maintenance needs. • Help facilitate communication between disparate volunteer efforts. 2. Expand the Green Teams program to include additional work days, clean-ups, invasive species pulls and maintenance tasks. • Provide additional assistance in outreach and community engagement. • Help establish a list of priority projects at the beginning of each fiscal year. • Identify funding sources to complete clean-ups and invasive pulls and to support community volunteer efforts. 3. Continue to co-sponsor nonprofits and community organizations, providing the support necessary to increase access to and awareness of their efforts. Coordinate to provide education, outreach and volunteer opportunities that enhance and expand the City’s environmental stewardship and sustainability. • Establish feedback loops to engage co-sponsored organizations and identify what additional support is needed. 4. Explore various Adoption programs to encourage community members to take responsibility for their trees, parks, streets, and trails, including the Ohlone Greenway. • Provide access to tools and other resources. • Clearly define an application process that provides community members with information about neighboring adoption activities and encourages joint community efforts. • Celebrate volunteer efforts online and through community events, such as garden tours, volunteer appreciate events, and community volunteer spotlights online. Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Recreation Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works; Community Development; Recreation Current Level of Effort: Responsible Party: Public Works BP BP KS E ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 3 1 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 5.04 FUNDING Federal, State, regional, County and local agencies provide funding for active transportation, urban greening, parks and place-making projects. The successful implementation of this Urban Greening Plan will depend on leveraging these external funding sources to support projects and programs funded by the City. INTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES The following special funds were established to dedicate funds associated with new development to the construction of park improvements and public art projects. Money raised through these funds may be allocated to projects and programs identified in this Plan. Park In-Lieu Fund This Fund accounts for money received through negotiations with developers to be used for park improvements; historically this fund has been small, but with passage of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, it is anticipated that fund revenues will grow. Art in Public Places Fund This Fund was established to account for the public art in-lieu contributions and any and all other revenues appropriated or received for public art and/or public arts and cultural programs, including donations from the public. Urban Greening Projects have identified a need for more public art and could construct new projects with money from this fund. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 3 2 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES A number of State and federal grant programs allocate funds to park, open space, trail, path and sidewalk projects that accomplish the goals outlined in this Plan. In addition, regional bond measures have been supported by El Cerrito’s community members to raise money specifically for parks improvements and public projects. Measure WW An Alameda and Contra Costa County park bond measure to make funding available directly to cities and special park districts for high priority community park projects, such as urban creek restoration, wildlife protection and land acquisition. El Cerrito is eligible for a percentage of Measure WW funds, which could fund Urban Greening acquisition and construction projects. Habitat Conservation Fund Program The State of California Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) administers the state-funded Habitat Conservation Fund grant program which allocates approximately $2 million each year to cities, counties, and districts. This program requires a 50% match from grantees. Eligible projects: nature interpretation programs to bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas, protection of various plant and animal species, and acquisition and development of wildlife corridors and trails. Land and Water Conservation Fund Program OGALS administers California’s appropriation of Land and Water Conservation funds for park acquisition and development projects up to $2 million. Projects must meet state-identified funding priorities that support access to recreation and conservation of natural resources. Proposition 84 Urban Greening Projects In 2006, the California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, flood Control, River and Coastal Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84), which authorized appropriation of $70 million for urban greening projects and plans that reduce energy consumption, conserve ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 3 3 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n water, improve air and water quality, and provide other community benefits. There are no longer any funds available through the Proposition 84 Urban Greening Projects program, but consideration of another bond measure may be feasible in the future. Active Transportation Program In 2013, the California Legislature created the Active Transportation Program by consolidating the federal Transportation Alternative Program, State Bicycle Transportation Account, and federal and state Safe Routes to School programs into a single program to encourage use of active transportation. The Program is intended to increase the proportion of biking and walking trips, increased safety and mobility for non-motorized users, help advance greenhouse gas reduction goals, improve public health and provide a broad spectrum of projects that benefit active recreation users. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 3 4 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- A appendix ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 3 6 - P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n ---PAGE BREAK--- P u b l i c D r a f t M a y 2 0 1 5 - 1 3 7 E l C e r r i t o U r b a n G r e e n i n g P l a n 137 Appendix A: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY (INCLUDING SURVEY RESULTS AND CHARRETTE SUMMARY) B: BEST PRACTICES CATALOG C: PLANT PALETTE D: EXISTING PLANS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT THE OBJECTIVES E: PILOT PROJECT COST ESTIMATES