Teresita Speed Cushions and Stop Signs

Like many of you, I did not have a lot of time to attend the public hearings. But I did make the effort (and loss of hourly pay) to attend the one on Friday, the 23rd of March. I found it particularly educational on both the workings of our government, and neighborhood politics. Although they had previously stated that they would not be addressing the Stop Signs in this hearing - they did to some degree anyway... Some of what one of the MTA personnel was not exactly positive in our current situation. But did elude to possibilities that I will be diligent on perusing in the future. I'll need all of your help on that one, at that time. Trust me in knowing that I will politely let you all know when the time is....

As far as the Speed Cushions, allow me to briefly describe the proceeding:

• The issue of the Speed Cushions was tabled as Speed Cushions with Choker Islands on both sides of Teresita to accommodate an area for plants, with a reduction of parking in those areas to be placed at 349 - 350 Teresita.
• Five persons spoke on the issue from the neighborhood - Three in support of the proposal as tabled, and two with comments and suggestions on the issue. (Myself being one of those two.)
• There was a submission at the last minute of those with frontal property at the proposed location.
• There was some education about the process of  how the City decides on whether to proceed or not based on the opinions of affected residents that boarded the effected area. (Basic majority for approval - 2 of 2, 2 of 3, 3 of 4, etc.)
• And roughly an hour of discussion on the issue. Which seemed exceedingly long compared to the '30 second' issues that were rubber stamped before us.
• At one point the issue seemed to be completely finished in terms of continuing the idea as a whole. Fortunately there were some very fluid conversations on the part of all involved - specifically the woman running the hearing - and another alternative was addressed. More on that in a moment.

I haven't been living here a long time, about 3 years. Some of you have been here for 30 years and well aware that something needs to be done about the traffic in our neighborhood on a broad scale. Be assured that there are plans for that broader scale by a number of individual neighbors, our local neighborhood association and the City as well. Granted that there at times can be some conflict about the specific details - it was shown at the second hearing, that a consensus can be reached.

Below you will find some hyperlinks to information that I have found out about what exactly the "Speed Cushions" are, and approximately where they are proposed to be placed.

What is a "Speed Cushion"? It is a speed bump you can drive a bus through - no joke! More can be found about this here: While I have the personal opinion that they will be only of a psychological effect on slowing traffic - I believe something needs to be done, and needs to remain on the table for the agencies involved to do something with. (As funding and political momentum is in place) And without creating additional hazard to us as a neighborhood by placing them too far north too close to the turn and on the grade - as was suggested in the second hearing on the matter. The original proposal also had an additional element included in the form of "Choker Islands" that would have created a planting area in front of the homes the Speed Cushions were to be placed in front of. This would have resulted in a loss of street parking in front of those homes. The MTA (Municipal Transportation Agency - the agency in charge of these matters for the City) should not be including these "Choker Islands" in the next proposal of the project. While they might have been a 'pretty' aspect of the original plan - they would have created a loss of street parking in front of the home in which the Speed Cushions were to be placed.

These are some of the accidents that I know of in recent history. If you remember more, or think anything on this page needs correction, please let me know by using the form at the bottom of the page. What I found out about the data that the City has and collected over the years, is that they only have heinous injury or deaths, and high value property damage as their data. Which was disconcerting... Because unless a hospital/morgue was involved - they don't really know about our true history of accidents or the reasons or methods of how they happened.

So what do I think about the speed cushions? I am making this suggestion to the City myself. Why? Because I think it is a better idea. And accommodates the broader scope of traffic calming effect, for a broader scope of residents of our block, without being an additional danger, loss of parking or quasi-planter box property with the addition of choker islands. It is a more 'Bang for Buck' mechanical solution for a greater number of people in terms of safety in my opinion, with no hidden benefits for an individual or group. If they go forward with this suggestion, (from what I understand) it would need approval of the 2-4 frontal properties with a simple majority to continue.

As mentioned before about Stop Signs, the issue does not seem to be completely closed. And I will continue to advocate for positive change at the intersection of Teresita and Isola, but there may need to be some other approaches first.

You too can also write to the City to voice your own opinion... And it will become part of Public Record if you attend the Public Hearings or not.

"Opinions on these proposed changes may be filed in writing prior to the hearing with the City Traffic Engineer at the Traffic Engineering Division, 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5417. Written opinions may also be transmitted to the Traffic Engineering Division via fax at 701-4737. Submitted opinions will become part of the official public record and will be brought to the attention of the person(s) conducting the hearing."

They also have a website were more can be learned, and you can contact them on-line here: http://www.sfmta.com/cms/ocontact/indxlicont.htm Be sure to add 'livable streets re: Teresita - Attn: Dan Provence' in the subject.

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