We’re disappointed to report that some Grand Street homeowners are suing the city to stop the protected bike lanes that the Council approved last year from being built in front of their property. They’re suing on procedural grounds, saying that one (of the three) City Council meetings where this plan was discussed weren’t properly noticed. However, in reality, they’re suing because they lost their argument to preserve what they see as their street parking. After all, staff, our Transportation Commission, and our Commission on Persons with Disabilities all (rightly) decided that the safety of children riding their bikes to school is more important than preserving the overabundance of street parking on Grand Street.
Although the homeowners’ arguments were heard repeatedly, they still won’t accept no for an answer, and are taking their case to the County Court to try to stop the project. The irony is that these homeowners were heard much more than any ‘less-resourced’ constituents would be in similar circumstances. Our overburdened staff spent many hours meeting with homeowners addressing their concerns, reviewing plans, and doing site walks with them.
The naked entitlement these homeowners are showing toward the public property next to their houses is astounding. We’re shining a light on this attempt to subvert the public process so the broader community is aware, and so that our leaders take whatever steps are necessary to ensure this important safety project isn’t impeded in any way.
The case was scheduled to be heard on February 27 in the County Court in Hayward. A link to entire filing is here: https://bikewalkalameda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-04-Amended-Grand-Street-Petition-for-Writ.pdf
More on this from Streetsblog:
Alameda NIMBY Sues to Preserve Parking