The City of Piedmont and Park Commission invite all Piedmonters to attend the annual Arbor Day Celebration. This year’s celebration of Piedmont’s urban forest focuses on trees recently planted on >Wyngaard Avenue, location of the celebration.  Piedmont’s numerous garden clubs will be present to accentuate the event.  The keynote speaker is Ralph Osterling, consulting arborist of San Mateo.

  Celebratory refreshments will be served.

Our Urban Forest – Arbor Day Celebration in Piedmont

Thursday – April 6, 2017 – 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Map>Wyngaard Avenue – Piedmont

Read the flyer >:   SPublicWork17032813450

Years of work to improve Hampton Park, –  the tennis courts, softball field, play areas and grass field – will culminate with a grand celebration on Saturday, March 25.

Numerous individuals, organizations, and the City have contributed along with the East Bay Regional Park District bond funds to complete the comprehensive park renovation.

Hampton Park City Celebration

Free

Please join the City of Piedmont to celebrate the re-opening of Hampton Park! Tour the renovations and play in the park!

Kids activities, refreshments served and brief remarks at 3:30pm. (Weather permitting!)

When

March 25, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Where

Hampton Park
Corner of Hampton and La Salle Avenues
Piedmont, CA 94611

Contact information – 

Piedmont Recreation Department
510-420-3070
su.ac.tnomdeip.ic@drp

At their March meeting, the Park Commission discussed the approval of new post mounted signs and path medallion designs for on and off leash areas for dogs at Dracena Park. These new signage designs include post mounted signs which would be aluminum panel signs with a map which identifies the areas where dogs can be on and off leash. While the path medallions would be placed on the pavement or path intersections to indicate areas where dogs are off leash.

The agenda began with background information which was provided by Parks and Project Manager, Nancy Kent, which was then followed by discussion by the Park Commissioners and Piedmont Police Department.

The Commission brought up their opinions on the new signage and medallions being added to Dracena Park in which they are concerned about the scale of the post signage and their impact on the community friendly ambience of the park. It was highly recommended by the Commissioners to try a mock-up to visualize where the signs can be placed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as have an explicit message for park visitors. The Commission unanimously agreed on the addition of the signs but still needed to deliberate on the design, location, size, and material of the signage and medallions.

Afterwards, the Piedmont Police Chief addressed increased presence of animal control in the park and a recent case of a sign being stolen. The Piedmont Police Department has investigated the case and are therefore wary of vandalism and signs being stolen. They are hopeful with the addition of the new signage that more park visitors will be aware of the designated dog leash areas.

In my opinion the addition of new signage to Dracena Park is advantageous in properly and clearly indicating the areas of where dogs can be on and off leash. In developing new signage ideas, it will further enforce Park regulations which could be incremented in other parks.

I interviewed a member of the commission, Patty Siskind, who closely worked at the college and career center at Piedmont High School, and has a business in landscape design. She stated that she came to the meeting as a part of a designated subcommittee for the new signage proposal. Her concerns were pertaining to the overall atmosphere and scale of new signage in Dracena Park. Siskind stated that the signs were too tall and therefore has an impact on the outlook of the park. She plans on addressing her concerns by further engagement with the Park Commission in addition to working with City Council and staffs who are designing the new signage.

The Park Commission meets once a month to discuss updates on the various parks in Piedmont.

by Nicole Jiang, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Opportunities to serve Piedmont in important volunteer positions!

Be a part of Piedmont’s decision processes!

Application Deadline:

Monday, March 20th – 5PM

Numerous changes to Piedmont building laws are proposed for Chapter 17 of the City Code. Piedmonters generally are not aware of the significance of Chapter 17 on their property and lives until they, their neighbors, or the City considers changes to property, such as: building a fence, remodeling a house, excavating, changing property lines, or adding an additional living space.

The City Council will consider proposed changes and a possible first reading of the ordinance on Monday, March 6, 2017 during their regular Council meeting, starting at 7:30 p.m., 120 Vista Avenue.  The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 27 and from the City website for remote viewing. 

Lack of public involvement and engagement

Much has been made of the lack of information and interactive opportunities provided to Piedmonters and how proposed construction laws might impact them and their community. Some familiar with the City Charter’s intent and language have found the zone use proposals inconsistent with the Charter’s requirement of voter approvals.

Many items proposed are an improvement; others modifications change the meaning of the original code language and that of the City Charter.  Some items typically found in other cities’ ordinances appear to be missing in the “comprehensive” proposal.  There are two parts to the proposal – the ordinance (Chapter 17) and the “Interim Design Review” proposal.  It is unclear on why some items are being repealed prior to replacement.

Following is an abbreviated, partial overview of some matters of consideration:

1. Omission of a standard for public safety in regard to traffic impacts and parking needs
2. Misinterpretation of City Charter in regard to voter rights to determine uses allowed in zones and size of zones
3. New cost to neighbors or applicants to have matters considered by the Planning Commission
4. Reduction in notices publicizing what is being considered by the City Planning Director and new policies
5. Apartments on top of commercial buildings such as Mulberry’s to 3 floors in height adjacent to Havens School and across from Piedmont Emergency facilities
6. Reduction in the required size and frontage of parcels in Lower Piedmont
7. No setback or building height restrictions on City property
8. Lack of clear definition of Accessory Structure
9. Disparate division of residential zones with different requirements
10. Reduced requirements for parking space size and number of spaces
11. Increased development in Piedmont Civic Center near schools, civic activities, and emergency services
12. Unclear as to which fences require design review
13. Corner property obstruction limits established
14. Existing accessory residential units grandfathered 
15. No rentals less than 30 days allowed (airbnb style)
16. Appeal process timing does not allow for Planning Commission verification of their decision before scheduling a Council appeal.
17. Traffic and safety requirement omitted from Planning Commission consideration for certain variances
18. Ten year period for low income accessory housing rentals  where  parking requirements are forgiven
19. No requirement for longer term low income housing rentals
20. No time limit for applicants to withdraw Planning Commission consideration of application prior to the hearing
21. No provision to request architects to allow copies of their plans during public review
22. Reclassification, a City Charter provision, is misinterpreted in the ordinance language. 
23. Safety is not emphasized in Design Review Guidelines
24. Title of “Director”(unclear to whom this refers) determines what is a “significant change” or a “minor modification” to Planning Commission approved plans without clear definitions.
25. Planning Staff approves plans up to $125,000 (annually adjusted for inflation) unless there is an expensive fee paid for an appeal to the Planning Commission.
26. New language on zoning appears to conflict with the City Charter.
27. No language regarding overseeing the true cost of projects in relation to a building permit is included. 
28. Code language fails to acknowledge the right of voters to control zoning uses (classifications) and boundaries.
29. Reference to the City Charter in zoning regulations does not provide the reader with actual Charter language.
30. The right of a Planning Commissioner, Council Member, or City Administrator to call for a review of a planning decision is unclear and does not specify the planning decision origin.
31. Caveat added to the right of the above noted individuals to require a review of planning decisions has been hampered by new non-disclosure language of the requester’s opinion to one other participant could be against the Constitution. 
32. Designated views are limited to distant views.
33. Preservation of historic public buildings is missing.
34. Traffic, congestion, pedestrian access, bicycle routes, parking, and right of way impacts are not fully identified in design review.
35. Unclear if items noted for repeal are being replaced within the ordinance.
36. Height of accessory structures limited to 7 feet measured from unclear point
37. Definitions and terms within the “Interim Design Review” proposal are inconsistent with proposed code language.
38. Information sheet is inconsistent with proposed code.
39. Parking, driveway, disabled access, vehicle turnarounds: key elements to traffic and public safety – are insufficiently specified.
40. Inconsistent use of language, example: Director – Planning Director or Public Works Director ?       
41. Setbacks for residences or other buildings to be measured from the building wall rather than any eave overhangs potentially making building structures closer together.
42. Commercial uses allowed on public property
43. No parking requirements for public uses
44. Greater control over planning matters by the Planning Director
45. Fewer responsibilities for Planning Commissioners

Numerous other issues of interest to Piedmonters are available in the 500+ page documents. Readers are referred to prior PCA articles here and City sources here.

Editors Note: Attempts have been made to present to the public some of the issues related to the Chapter 17 proposal. Any incorrect statements were legitimately made in attempting to explain to the public some proposal aspects. Corrections and comments are always welcomed on this website. See below or email editors@piedmontcivic.org

    On February 15th, 2017, the Piedmont Recreation Commission held its monthly meeting to discuss the updates and planning for construction projects around the city of Piedmont. The meeting covered construction of Hampton Field, the plan for the Piedmont Pool, Linda Beach Playfield restrictions, and various other proposed projects to improve Piedmont.

    The meeting was called to order and it was announced that the memorial service for Wildwood Elementary School teacher, Andy Weidcamp, would be held on March 8th. Shortly after announcements, a report was given about the Piedmont Community Pool by Aquatics Coordinator Tyler Waespi. The report involved details of activities the pool will be offering throughout the coming year. The medium pool will soon be opening and the Piedmont High School Swim Team will start practice beginning early March, marking the beginning of the pool’s spring season. Additionally, over Spring Break lifeguard training will be held to recruit lifeguards in preparation for the busyness of the pool over summer. Activities such as water polo, water aerobics, and swim lessons will be offered as summer approaches.

    Next, Recreation Director Sara Lillevand brought to discussion the Linda Beach Playfield restrictions, which set limits on when the field could be used by the public. These restrictions were made to allow time for sports programs to use the field that previously used Hampton Field which is currently under construction. It was proposed that public use of the Beach Playfield on Sundays be made permanent and that an additional four hour block of time for public use would also be allowed. Given that there have been no complaints about these changes to the Playfield access, the proposal was passed unanimously by the commissioners.

    The meeting next moved on to an update on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) given by Commissioner Betsy Smegal Anderson. The CIP is a committee that residents can send ideas to about projects to better the city. It was suggested that the lights along the Piedmont Bridge along Oakland Avenue over Beach Playfield be extended. This project is currently being funded by the CIP and will soon undergo installation.

    Lastly, Director Lillevand gave an update on the construction of Hampton Park and the Aquatics Master Plan Concept. Four to five trees came down behind the basketball courts at Hampton Park during several storms and will delay the target opening date by one week. Hampton Park is set to have its grand opening on March 25th and all are welcome to attend the celebration. The Aquatics Master Plan requires a cost-operative test before a budget can be submitted to the City Council for their consideration.

    After the meeting had come to a close, Recreation Director Sara Lillevand was kind enough to share some of her thoughts about the meeting. She enjoys being a part of these meetings and being able to influence projects that bring positive changes to the city. Having discussed the Hampton Park project on several occasions, she is very excited for its completion and looks forward to the grand opening.

By Ian Dickson, Piedmont High School Senior

Recreation Commission discusses Linda Beach Playfield Restrictions, the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project, and progress on the Aquatics Center Design.

    On the evening of February 15, 2017, I attended the monthly meeting of the Piedmont Recreation Commission at the Piedmont City Council Chambers (120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA, 94611), where they discussed the upkeep of the City’s recreational facilities. On this particular night, the commission covered such topics as the Linda Beach Playfield Restrictions, the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project, and a price estimate for the Aquatics Master Plan Conceptual Design.

    The meeting began with Tyler Waespi, the Aquatics Director at the Piedmont Pool, giving a presentation about the the programs and opportunities that the pool would be offering in the coming months. Waespi covered information regarding the seasons of Fall, Spring, and Summer, and what each season would offer. Swim lessons would be available on Monday thru Thursday during all three seasons for anyone interested with the exception of Spring Break. During which time the pool will be offering the Spring Break Aqua-Camp for any youth that are interested.

    Following the presentation on the Piedmont Pool, Recreation Director Sara Lillevand discussed the success of the restrictions on the Linda Beach playfield that were implemented during the Hampton Park construction to address noise complaints from the surrounding residents. Due to the success of the restrictions, Lillevand proposed making these restrictions permanent with a motion made by Commissioner Steve Roland and passed unanimously by the commissioners.

    Lillevand then updated the commission on the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project in light of recent weather related setbacks. The final steps in the completion of the field, the pouring of the concrete, may need to be postponed due to the weather in order to ensure that the concrete is able to set properly. The extreme wind also caused four of the trees towards the back of the park to fall, which must be removed by a cleanup team before construction can continue. At the time of the meeting, construction was a week behind but estimated to improve due to the weather forecast over the next few weeks.

    Finally, Lillevand concluded the meeting with an update on the Aquatics Master Plan Conceptual Design. Since no members of the audience were prepared to speak about the topic, the details of the plan were not repeated from last meeting.  An “operational cost analysis” will be acquired and presented to the Council at their second meeting in March or first meeting in April according to Lillevand.  The commission could then continue with the implementation of the plan.

    After the meeting came to a close, I approached Director Sara Lillevand to ask her a few questions about her time as Director of Recreation. For Ms. Lillevand, “working on projects such as Hampton Park allows [her] to have a direct positive impact on the community”, something that few other jobs can offer. When asked about her reaction to the meeting that just took place, she responded saying that she enjoyed the meeting like she does with the majority of her Recreation Commission meetings. Lillevand stated, “It is always exciting when a project is nearing completion,” and for a project such as the the Hampton Park Improvement Project where weather has caused some unpredictable issues, it is important to stay in the right state of mind and not let the issues go without acting on them. Overall, she is happy to be working with a group of people that are so involved with the betterment of the community, and cannot wait to see the finished Hampton Park project.

by Geoffrey Burge, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.