This Environmental Justice funded project is intended to improve current traffic and parking problems in Oakland Chinatown and also to use urban design/streetscape treatments to enhance the image of Oakland Chinatown, so it can better compete with the suburban shopping centers.

CHS is the lead firm for this project. CHS worked closely with the community stakeholders to design survey instruments and conduct surveys. The surveys included merchants, employees, residents, and visitors. Focus group surveys were also conducted to gain in-depth understanding of Chinatown issues. A charrette was conducted that involved design professionals and students who provided ideas of potential urban design/streetscape strategies.

CHS used videotape, still photo images, animation images from the simulation model to illustrate existing issues and proposed recommendations. CHS also conducted a planning level simulation modeling analysis to compare project alternatives. A total of five project scenarios were analyzed.

The final recommendations were divided into short-term, mid-term, and long-term projects. Order of magnitude cost estimates were developed. Short-term projects included expansion of scramble signal system, enhanced pavement and signage (including bilingual signage) at the scramble intersections, corner bulb-outs to increase pedestrian storage area, parking management program to reduce double parking and increase parking supply, and a parking enforcement program. Mid-term strategies including the change of circulation system from one-way to two-way and further improvements to improve pedestrian access to the existing parking resources and to create a park-and-ride shuttle bus connecting the existing under-utilized parking structures to Chinatown core. Streetscape concepts were developed. Initial focus would be on pedestrian-scale lighting. Future improvements would include street trees, banners, benches, etc along the sidewalks. All of these won wide community support.