HomeMy WebLinkAboutGilroy BPAC MTC 2024 Climate Program Implementation GrantDecember 1,2024
Re:Public Comment Item 7.1 Planning Commission Review of Metropolitan Transportation
Commission Complete Streets Checklist for 2024 Climate Program Implementation Grant
Gilroy Planning Commission,
We are in support of the proposed Electric Vehicle (EV)Charging Stations at the Gilroy Community
Library and the federal grant assistance to design and construct EV chargers at the Gilroy Community
Library.We are glad to see staff bring this item to you since as part of the grant application process,the
MTC requires the City’s bicycle and pedestrian advisory body to review and provide input on the
Complete Streets Checklist.As the Planning Commission acts as the bicycle and pedestrian advisory
body for the City of Gilroy,staff is seeking feedback from the Planning Commission.The MTC grant aims
to expand access to clean mobility options and related charging infrastructure throughout the Bay Area,
supporting the goals of Plan Bay Area 2050.Eligible expenses include the acquisition,installation,and
operation of EV charging equipment,as well as preliminary engineering,project design,and engineering
costs.This project aligns with the Gilroy 2040 General Plan,specifically Chapter 8:Natural and Cultural
Resources by expanding the City’s alternative vehicle refueling infrastructure.With the recent adoption of
our City’s General Plan 2040,we as a community called for bold actions that include continuing to
promote cleaner modes of transportation.
The current bike racks at the Gilroy Community Library are a great artistic feature but they don’t provide
the functionality of modern inverted “U”style bike racks which provide less land use,a more orderly
configuration of bike parking,and two points of contact between the bike and bike rack.We would like to
see the addition of these bike racks added in any future design plans.
General Plan 2040 Mobility Element-Gilroy uses a complete streets approach to the design of its
transportation network.Complete streets are designed for all users in mind,including those of varying
abilities,and may include sidewalks,bicycle lanes,dedicated transit lanes,and safer intersections.
Careful planning and coordinated development of complete streets infrastructure can improve public
health by encouraging active lifestyles and improving roadway safety;it can provide economic benefits to
property owners and businesses;and it can decrease pollution.Policies in this section guide the overall
provision of a balanced multi-modal system of transportation facilities and services in Gilroy.
Land Use and Location (VMT/vehicle charged):The type of land use (residential,commercial,
institutional,etc.)affects the character of vehicle trips (home-based,work-based,and other)associated
with the charger location.The location of the charger will influence the amount of use,the types of trips,
and the distance of trips that are facilitated for EV use.The combination of land use and location
determined the vehicle-miles traveled (VMT)associated with home-based,work-based,or other based
trips shifted from fossil fuel to EVs.We suggest all new construction incorporate an all-electric model and
be fossil fuel free in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We are supportive of the proposed project which involves the installation of four Level 2 EV charging
stations and two Direct Current Fast Charging stations at the Gilroy Community Library,strategically
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located to maximize community access and utility.These chargers will not only serve library patrons but
also provide a valuable resource for visitors to nearby facilities,such as City Hall,the Senior Center,and
the Police Station.To ensure efficient and high-quality implementation,staff will contract out the design,
installation,and ongoing operation and maintenance of the chargers.This approach leverages external
expertise while streamlining the City's role in project delivery and long-term management.By integrating
EV charging infrastructure at a highly visible and accessible public location,the project aims to encourage
the adoption of zero-emission vehicles by providing access to reliable and convenient charging.It also
aims to enhance regional air quality by supporting the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.
In addition,the project aligns with local and state sustainability goals,including those outlined in the Gilroy
2040 General Plan and California Executive Order N-79-20,which mandates all new vehicle sales be
zero-emission by 2035.
The project addresses a key regional objective by contributing to the implementation of Plan Bay Area
2050,which emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean mobility advancements.This
grant-funded initiative not only expands EV charging access,but also strengthens Gilroy’s position in
environmental sustainability and regional collaboration.The project will initially be funded using Library
Bond proceeds,with reimbursement anticipated through the MTC Climate Program Implementation and
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Grants.This funding strategy ensures there will be no net fiscal impact on the
Library’s Bond proceeds or the City’s General Fund.
We are actively embracing,advancing ideas,and projects that promote the concept of free-range people
in the City of Gilroy.We advocate for building and planning that considers future generations as well as
current residents who don’t own cars.Advancing mobility options reflects what we are teaching the youth
in our community through Safe Routes to School and why we are nationally recognized as a Bicycle
Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists,as well as recognized by the World Health
Organization as an Age-Friendly Community.
Sincerely,
Gilroy Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Gilroy BPAC)
GilroyBPAC@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/GilroyBPAC
We are a community group actively embracing,advancing ideas,and projects that promote the concept of
free-range people in Gilroy.We support building projects that are energy resilient and promote the
reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHG).We are seeking your input whether you are a BMX rider,trail
runner,recreational bike rider,MTB rider,walker,and hiker!#GilroyBPAC
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