San Francisco Bay Area Vision Project

Focus: Focusing our Vision. A development and conservation strategy for the San Francisco Bay Area.

corridors

• measuring progress

east 14th/international

• about

• existing conditions

el camino real

• existing conditions

san pablo avenue

• existing conditions

Measuring Progress - Corridors

Methodology

Local progress toward mutual state, regional, and local goals is measured and documented by examining existing local land use and transportation conditions, local land use and transportation plans, and development in infill locations near transit.

Progress is also assessed in terms of community support for change. An assessment of public opinion is included because public resistance to new development, especially housing, is one of the most significant barriers to community change. The determination of community support is based on findings from a public opinion telephone survey performed in August 2006.

Land Use Measures

To determine whether existing land uses support state and regional objectives, we assess existing physical characteristics of East 14th/International Boulevard, El Camino Real, and San Pablo Avenue. Specific land use measures include: existing land uses, densities, and the presence of vacant, underutilized land or surface parking lots. Whether or not housing is available and affordable is determined by the total number of existing housing units, housing type available (single vs. multi-family), and housing affordability.

In addition, we evaluate local land use plans and policies, including general plans and specific plans, to determine whether vacant lots, surface parking, and other underutilized parcels/areas are identified as development opportunities. We also assess whether or not a variety of housing is being planned in the area, sufficient to meet demand and whether communities meet state and regional housing policy via the regional housing need allocation. Finally, we report whether the city has an inclusionary housing policy, or if in a redevelopment area, whether the city has plans to fund new affordable housing in the area.

Build out of local plans is reported to demonstrate whether areas close to transit are being planned at densities that can support existing or planned transit modes serving the area.

Major development projects, mainly housing and mixed use projects, are also tracked to determine on the ground progress toward state, regional, and local goals.

Transportation Measures

Existing transportation infrastructure is assessed to determine the viability of local transportation alternatives. Specific measures include mode split, transit availability and accessibility, pedestrian amenities and biking facilities.

Planned transportation choices are assessed through analysis of local plans to improve access to transit stations and public transportation services. Whether there are plans to promote walkability through a greater mix of land uses and higher residential densities and plans for improved bike facilities is also assessed.

Community Support Measures

A phone survey was developed and administered to "opinion leaders" in the neighborhoods along the three corridors: East 14th/International Boulevard, El Camino Real, and San Pablo Avenue. Survey questions were developed to determine public attitudes toward neighborhood strengths and needs, new development, especially housing, transportation choices, and involvement in planning and development processes.

Opinion leaders were surveyed to leverage the in-depth knowledge that such individuals have of their communities. This was especially important considering budget and time limitations. Opinion leaders constituted heads of community based organizations, neighborhood associations, home owners associations, environmental advocacy organizations, and merchant or business groups.

The survey questions were all open-ended, versus "yes" or "no" questions. This allowed for more in-depth responses, enabling us to capture deeper insights on the issues and the unique nuances that exist in individual communities. Open-ended questions also allowed us to learn about the variety of opinions that exist on these issues, amongst the corridors, between the neighborhoods along each corridor, and often times, within individual neighborhoods.