East Bay Regional Park District to discuss BNSF plans to run diesels in Miller Knox

   OAKLAND - The East Bay Regional Park District board Tuesday is expected to discuss plans announced by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad to run diesel trains along the shoreline in Miller Knox Park.
     The discussion is expected to be part of the board's adoption of a new land use plan for Miller Knox.
     The railroad corporation's plans for trains in the park have already received a unanimous thumbs down from the Point Richmond Neighborhood Council at its Wednesday, Feb. 27 meeting. LINK: PRNC votes to oppose.
     KCBS radio ran a report on train proposal Saturday March 9: LINK to KCBS story.

Railcars being pulled into the tunnel to Miller Knox Park

     The EBRPD's Tuesday meeting is open to the public and begins at 1 p.m. at the district's headquarters, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court in Oakland.
     "It would be good for residents to show up to support the (land use) plan and oppose BNSF,"  Eric Zell of Point Richmond said. Zell is assisting the district in efforts to keep BNSF from running diesels through the park.
     BNSF is expected to show up to oppose the board's adoption of the new land use plan.
     The district's plan for improving the 295-acre park includes a major sprucing up of the lagoon, construction of more parking and picnic facilities and adding a path from Ferry Point to the lagoon trail.
     But BNSF says the railroad needs to use the shore for a rail line in an area where company  representatives say they hold rights to do so.
     "BNSF has not recently operated trains within the easement area, but it has notified the Park District of its expanding business at Richmond Terminals," attorney L. John Nelson said in a letter to the EBRPD. He said that expansion is "necessitating the reactivation of its rail use within the easement in the near future."
     "Near future" has not been defined specifically by BNSF and is likely to be part of questions the board will bring up.
     This Sunday (March 17) traffic was backed up on West Richmond Avenue for 20 minutes when BNSF used the tracks that run through the tunnel to the park.
     Board members are also expected to ask questions about details of how many trains, railcars and hours of operation BNSF is considering.

Cars were backed up for 20 minutes Sunday, March 17 on West Richmond

Purim carnival & festival Sunday March 17

   RICHMOND - Temple Beth Hillel will hold an open-to-the-public Purim carnival Sunday, March 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
     Carnival attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and masks - and bring noisemakers for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating freedom from religious prosecution, carnival organizers say.
    There will be a reading of the Megillah - the biblical story of Esther - along with activities such as crafts and games.
    There will be home-baked goods and lunch available.
    Temple Beth Hillel is located in the Hilltop district at 801 Park Central.
    For more information, call 510-223-2560.

PRNC votes to oppose BNSF plan to run diesel trains in Miller Knox Regional Park

   POINT RICHMOND - The Point Richmond Neighborhood Council unanimously approved a motion Wednesday night opposing a plan by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad (BNSF) to run diesel engines and railcars through Miller Knox Regional Park along the shoreline to Ferry Point.
     The details of the Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad's plans were revealed in a presentation by Carol Johnson of the East Bay Regional Park District and Eric Zell of Point Richmond. Zell is working with the district opposing BNSF's plans.

The tracks - and trains - would run along the shoreline to the right

     Johnson told the PRNC that the park district is moving ahead with a land use plan amendment (LUPA) for improving the heavily-used, 295-acre park.
     The improvements planned include a major sprucing up of the lagoon (including dredging), construction of more parking and picnic areas as well as adding a promenade-path from Ferry Point to the lagoon trail.
     But the district's plans are bumping into claims by BNSF that the corporation owns the rights along the shore to use it for a rail line - and the company plans to do so soon.
     "BNSF has not recently operated trains within the easement area, but it has notified the Park District of its expanding business at Richmond Terminal, necessitating the reactivation of its rail use within the easement in the near future," attorney L. John Nelson IV said in a letter to the district dated Oct. 9, 2018.
     Nelson is with the legal firm of Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith representing BNSF.
     The detailed letter - laced with legal citations - attacks the assumptions and conclusions of a draft environmental impact report on the Miller Knox regional shoreline plan amendment.
     East Bay's Johnson said the park district is contesting BNSF's contention that it still owns the tracks all the way to ferry point - and the corporation's stated intention of reopening and reusing the rail line.
     She said the district is already battling with the railroad corporation on the legal front, but needs public help and support.
     The multi-clause motion approved Wednesday by the PRNC includes language opposing BSNF's track renovation plans, supports the park district's land use plan amendment, asks the City of Richmond to investigate ongoing problems with BNSF trains on tracks at West Richmond Avenue and directs the PRNC board to send a delegate to the March 19 East Bay Regional Park board meeting to support the proposed improvements to Miller Knox.

The proposed BNSF railroad and tracks would run along the bay shoreline on the right

Update tonight on railcars in Miller Knox

   POINT RICHMOND - The Point Richmond Neighborhood Council will hear an update from Carol Johnson of the East Bay Regional Park District about plans by BNSF railroad to move railcars through Miller Knox Park.

     The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Point Richmond Community Center and is open to the public.
     Johnson's report on BNSF's plans is scheduled to be given at approximately 7:45.
     At an earlier meeting of the PRNC, Johnson informed the group of BNSF's plans. Tonight's report is an update and expected to have more details.
   The full agenda for tonight's meeting is below.

Terminal One shoreline parking at issue

   POINT RICHMOND - The Bay Conservation and Development Commission's public hearing on the proposed 316-unit Terminal One housing project adjacent to the Richmond Yacht Club and Miller Knox Regional Park has been delayed until April.
     The BCDC has requested additional information about public parking from the developers of the project (Laconia) - and the City of Richmond.

Terminal One site, adjacent to the Richmond Yacht Club

     BCDC "asked the applicants to provide further information regarding the use of on-street parking as well as parking at nearly public access areas," Rebecca Coates-Muldoon of the BCDC said.
     Additionally, the BCDC wants to know of any measures being taken by the developers to "encourage public use for shoreline access and discourage use by residents and their guests."
     The delay in holding a public hearing to April may be partly an outgrowth of concerns raised by the Brickyard Cove Alliance for Responsible Development (BCARD) in addition to BCDC's analyses.
     In a letter to BCDC, BCARD member Brian Lewis outlined a series of the group's concerns about the proposed parking plan and existing parking issues. He included a video exhibit for BCDC to consider: BCARD video of traffic.
     "It will only be worse with the residents at Terminal One," he wrote,
     Of major concern is the planned lack of public parking along the proposed Shoreline Drive.
     "I suspect Terminal One is wanting to preserve the views from the homes and condos without cars," Lewis wrote, He noted that if it is allowed, it is a major change along the Point Richmond waterfront.
     "Every HOA in this area has on-street parking next to the water. Even San Francisco has street parking along the Embarcadero."
     Because the Terminal One project still needs finish up obtaining permits and is unlikely to receive them until fall of 2019, construction is now predicted to begin in 2021.

This map shows Shoreline Drive and the public park and pier. 

Weekend ferry service to SF this summer

Ferry arriving at new Richmond Terminal

     POINT RICHMOND - Weekend ferry service between Richmond and San Francisco will likely begin this summer, Thomas Hall of San Francisco Bay Ferry told the Point Richmond Neighborhood Council Wednesday night.
     "Hopefully by this summer," Hall said. "Hopefully in May."

     Hall came to the PRNC to give an update about the ferry service that began January 10 going from the newly constructed Richmond terminal to the San Francisco Ferry Building.
     The Richmond terminal is adjacent to the Craneway Pavilion on Harbor Way South.
     He said ridership has exceeded projections. "Overall, ridership of all the SF Bay Ferry service vessels has nearly doubled since 2012," he said.
     In his presentation, Hall also talked about about new ferries coming into service in the next year.

Schedule - click to enlarge

     The current weekday service runs ferries in the morning and in the afternoon, aimed at commuters.
     The trip takes about 35 minutes dock to dock.
    With the exception of a few dips in service (on rainy days), the ferries have been running with plenty of passengers, Hall said.
     He also noted that the new service is popular with bicyclists.
     "People like to bring bikes on the ferry and take them into the city to use."
     Bike lockers are available at the Richmond Ferry Terminal in the 352-space parking lot.
     Parking for motor vehicles is free there, for now.
     Hall can be contacted via email at hall@watertransit.org.

Traffic and road report

     The PRNC also heard a report from Dave Rodgers, a City of Richmond Traffic Engineer about a variety of traffic and road issues around The Point.
      In addition answering questions at the meeting, Rodgers gave PRNC attendees copies of questions and answers about traffic based on a list generated by the PRNC prior to Wednesday's meeting.
     Those questions and the City of Richmond's responses are below. Click on the documents to enlarge for easier reading.

PRNC to ponder traffic & new ferry service

   POINT RICHMOND - The Point Richmond Neighborhood Council will discuss and hear reports about traffic in The Point and the new ferry service from Richmond to San Francisco when it meets Wednesday evening.

PRNC agenda (click to view)

     The PRNC meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center on Washington Avenue.
     The traffic item will be discussed beginning at 7:40 and will feature Dane Rodgers, the City of Richmond's Traffic Engineer. Rogers will be available to answer questions about transportation needs and goals of The Point and Richmond.
     The PRNC will also hear a report from Maryn Hurlbut, chair of the Recreation and Parks Commission about the reopening of the Plunge.
     At 8:40, Thomas Hall of San Francisco Bay Ferry will be available to take questions and discuss the new ferry service that began on January 10.
     For an earlier story and photos about the first day of ferry service, click here: New Ferry Service Starts from Richmond to SF.
     For more information about the meeting, you can contain the PRNC via email here: PRNC EMAIL.

Ferry dock in Richmond  (Photo by the Richmond Standard)