Questions from El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk & Roll

Question 1: Access to BART stations

Plans are underway to repurpose parking lots at El Cerrito Plaza BART to provide housing, retail, and possibly a new library. How would you support affordable, low-carbon access to BART thus reducing parking needs on BART property?

I would 100% support low-carbon access to BART thus reducing parking needs on BART property. There are HUGE unused lots that should be used better. The main thing that I see as being lost by this project (because I firmly believe there will not be an issue with less parking) is the loss of a big open bike area for kids and people learning new roller sports in the parking lot on the NE side of the station.

Question 2: Travel on San Pablo Avenue

Despite being one of the commercially richest corridors in West Contra Costa County, San Pablo Avenue does not feel safe to travel on except by car. It is also challenging to safely cross by bicycling and walking and it is where the majority of roadway crashes in our area occur. What kinds of changes would you support for San Pablo Avenue so that it is safer to bicycle and walk on, both along and across?

I would support a large number of improvements to San Pablo including a protected bike lane, lit crosswalks and traffic calming measures.

Question 3: Financial sustainability

Communities rely on various taxing, bond measures, and grants to support infrastructure. At the same time, there is ample evidence that creating walkable (and bike-able) urbanism with destinations easily accessible without a car generates significant wealth that can be taxed. What will you do to move El Cerrito toward a financially sustainable urban form that reaps the benefits of walkability?

I support the theory that by increasing foot traffic, we can increase local sales. San Pablo has great shopping, especially on the south side of the city. I would like to see a promised allocation of the sales tax to improve walkability. This could be coupled with low cost measures to improve education around starting new businesses, offering a more robust farmers market, and a "take back our streets" kind of day to show people how great San Pablo can be without the dangers of cars.

Questionnaire from Transbay Coalition

Link to page with candidate’s answers

To learn more about Ms. Dodge:

dodge4elcerrito2024.com