Open Session: South City's Walkability and Carbon Footprint

Thursday evening the South San Francisco Planning Commission and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold a joint study session to hear updates on South City's Climate Action Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan, both of which are currently works in progress. 

When implemented, the two plans could have a big impact on the walkability and carbon footprint of South City.

Consultants and staff are recommending several policy changes, including creating incentives for exceeding building energy efficiency standards, reducing the city's water demand, traffic speed reduction improvements, additional sidewalks, curb ramps and crosswalks.

According to a staff report from April 2012, transportation, commerce and industry are the primary contributors to South City's greenhouse gas emissions, and is thus key focus areas for the Climate Action Plan.

In the past year, consultants and city staff have held two community workshops, conducted 16 walk audits in South City, identified gaps in the city's current climate policies and laid groundwork for setting future greenhouse gas reduction targets.

A third and final workshop will be announced for later this fall. After more complete drafts of the climate and pedestrian/biking plans are submitted before the end of the year, an environmental review will be conducted and staff hope to return final plans to the Planning Commission and BPAC in late spring 2013.

Thursday's study session is open to the public and will be held at the Municipal Services Building at 33 Arroyo Drive at 6 p.m.

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