updated 8-08-06
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The traffic circle concept: this has been tried and proven in Australia and England, would provide an exceptional design element and "ID" to the neighborhoood, as well as improve traffic safety - a sculputural element could be incorporated in the design - possibly produced in partnership with Chabot as a form of branding/and subtle wayfinding.
Description: traffic circle constructed at the Shepard Skyline intersection would serve the function of controlling the speed, and creating a "moment" or "sense of place".
Features: Central scullptural element, either with a celestrial theme in keeping with the nearby Chabot Observatory, or other scultpiural feature TBD. Inclusion of a water element and the use of natural stones and b oulders would seem appropriate.
Objectives: use circle to mitigate conditions of high-speed egress/interchange that now dominates the intersection.
There idea behind this strategy is to enact changes in the road system that deter the use of these streets for high-speed commuting, racing or other misuse, that is incompatible and funamentally unsafe give the lack of sidewalks and predomience of bicycles and pedestrians in the area.
Basis of Concern:
OPT has stated that the reason there are no pedestrian markings stems from their aweness of the danger of the intersection, and the possibility that the pedestrian would be lured uyntil a false sense of security that the "crosswalk woiudl protect them", hence drivers respect the legal meaning of the vehicle code as related to crosswalks. We find this to be an unacceptable evaluation, as it presuming that the vehiciles are driving in manner not consistent with 25mph travel and interaction with numerous pedestrians and cycling that have NO OPTION other than to share the roadway due to the lack of sidewalks and other factors.
Additionally there are two trailhead options directly adjacent to this intersection
Scullpural Element - Neighbood or Area Identity program
We propose that this are be named the Ed Weiss Overlook or similar, in honor to Mr. Weiss how was killed shortly from this location
updated by BH, 8-8-06
Bennett Hall
Intersection of Skyline (left) and Manzanita (right), facing North. Pinehurst is to the far right, Shepherd to the far left.
In conjunction with this initiative, a view-park would be constructed at the Pinehurst/Skyline corner, which affords an exceptional vantage point of Mount Diablo. with suitable landscaping, bench seating, trail-head amenities.
We received emails today indicating the members of the community would be willing to donate time and funds to facilitate landscaping efforts in this area, soil ammendment. If you are interested in donating time or funds to aid in this - please let me know - I will keep a running "thermometer" of pledges and keep that posted here.
FOR: Ed Weiss Viewpark
Allocation of funds: landscaping materials, soil elements, plants, benches and furniture
RESOURCES NEEDED:
If you are landscaping designer, architect or have experience with the design and development of exterior prorams of this type and are willing to help - please let us know