Livable Communities

By Patricia Kernighan

I will work to make every District 2 neighborhood a "livable community"

Consistent with this vision, I support:

-- Well-planned development of housing and retail that respects the character of our neighborhoods near public transit and transportation corridors.

-- A plan for increasing the stock of affordable housing, including consideration of an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.

-- Implementing models used in other regions to develop affordable housing for local public sector workers such as teachers, nurses and fire/police.

-- Improving maintenance of our parks and public spaces. I'll push to set standards for parks maintenance and restore parks maintenance jobs previously cut.

-- Implementing a long-range plan for re-paving Oakland's badly neglected streets.

-- Making pedestrians a priority in the design of all infrastructure improvements.

As Chief of Staff to Danny Wan, I have worked hard to complete projects which have enhanced the livability and walkability of several District 2 neighborhoods:

-- The new Splashpad Park and related street and crosswalk improvements have greatly improved pedestrian access to the park and under the freeway, and with the Farmers market in operation creates an exciting urban village.

-- In the Eastlake shopping district, the recently completed streetscape with beautiful palm trees and re-designed sidewalks (International and E. 12th between 5th and 8th Avenues) was funded by a highly competitive grant called "Transportation for Livable Communities." International Blvd has the most heavily used public transit lines in all of Alameda County.

-- With my help, a major project to improve pedestrian safety in Chinatown is underway with funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Chinatown is the epitome of Smart Growth--people living, shopping, and working in the same neighborhood without having to drive.

I look forward to getting results like these in more District 2 neighborhoods. As Councilmember, I will continue working with residents and merchants to improve our parks and plan for affordable housing and pedestrian safety improvements.