El Sobrante panel to discuss corridor plan for two roads
Traffic study, potential changes on San Pablo Dam Road, Appian Way to be focus of session
By Chris Treadway

http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_7298756

STAFF WRITER
Article Launched: 10/27/2007 03:06:11 AM PDT

Changes envisioned for development along San Pablo Dam Road and Appian Way in El Sobrante and the results of a traffic study of the two thoroughfares will be the focus of a special study session Tuesday.

The city's Municipal Advisory Council meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2830 May Road.

The session will include a presentation by Patrick Roche, principal planner for the Contra Costa County Community Development Department, on the traffic study and elements of the San Pablo Dam Road and Appian Way Corridor Plan.

The plan, the result of several years of meetings, addresses the corridor defined as the area along San Pablo Dam Road from El Portal Drive to Appian Way and up Appian Way to Valley View Road.

The plan calls for rezoning commercial areas along San Pablo Dam Road and some parts of Appian Way to allow taller buildings and add office and residential space, as well as create a walkable town center and additional parking.

While nothing will be voted on at the meeting, "I think people ought to come and understand what is being proposed and give input on it," said Barbara Pendergrass, chairwoman of the advisory council.

Denser development on the corridor would mean greater vehicle traffic, and Tuesday's discussion will cover the county traffic study, steps to be taken to control traffic that cuts through side streets, promoting public transit use and making the thoroughfares more friendly for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Discussions will include the plan's goal of adding 250 parking spaces to downtown El Sobrante. Reconfigurations planned for San Pablo Dam Road have been modified from earlier drafts of the plan.

If it is ultimately adopted by county supervisors, the corridor plan would become an amendment to the Contra Costa County General Plan for El Sobrante.

Reach Chris Treadway at 510-262-2784 or ctreadway@ bayareanewsgroup.com.