To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: Allocation of Livable Communities Trust Funds to the Public Works Department (District II portion) for Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon Pedestrian Signage at the Iron Horse Crossing on La Serena Avenue in Alamo
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE an allocation of $30,000 from the Livable Communities Trust to the Public Works Department for Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon pedestrian signage at the Iron Horse Trail Crossing on La Serena Avenue in Alamo, as recommended by Supervisor Andersen.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No General Fund Impact. The proposed action allocates $30,000 from the District II portion of Livable Communities Trust Fund (Fund). The current balance in the District II portion of the Fund is $1,503,888.92 (this total does not reflect the proposed $30,000 allocation).
BACKGROUND:
The Livable Communities Trust Fund is a Special Revenue Mitigation Fund that was established by the Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2005, following the approval of the Camino Tassajara Combined General Plan Amendment Project, also known as the Alamo Creek and Intervening Property residential projects, and was required as a condition of approval. The Fund was established to implement the County’s Smart Growth Action Plan. The residential developers pay an $8,000 per unit fee (excluding the affordable housing portions of the projects) into the Fund. The Department of Conservation and Development administers the Fund. On December 3, 2013, the Board of Supervisors determined that revenue from the Fund should be spent equally among supervisorial districts. At complete build-out, deposits to the Fund will total $8,448,000. As of September 22, 2025, the account has collected $8,376,000 in revenue fees, and $1,693,310 in accrued interest with $3,505,811 remaining in uncommitted funds. The approved expenditures to date are attached.
The County Public Works Department intends to construct Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon’s (RRFB’s), to enhance the Iron Horse Trail Crossing on La Serena Avenue in Alamo. This location presents a unique opportunity for enhanced pedestrian safety measures. The trail crossing lies approximately 100 feet from Danville Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare that sees significant vehicular traffic. The Iron Horse Trail itself is heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists of all ages, including children from the nearby Rancho Romero Elementary School. The proposed Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons, equipped with passive detection technology, will provide advance warning to motorists approaching the crossing. This proactive system should alert motorists of pedestrian crossings and improve response time, creating a safer environment for trail users. This infrastructure not only supports the safety of the community but also aligns with broader goals of promoting walkability, sustainable transportation, and public health.
The District II Supervisor supports allocating $30,000 of District II's portion of the Fund towards this project. The labor is expected to be completed by County Public Works staff. The project supports goal five of the Smart Growth Action Plan to help fund transit and transportation improvements which foster smart growth principles.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Not applicable.