The Greening of El Cerrito

Just how green is El Cerrito?

The City of El Cerrito is developing an Urban Greening Plan at the same time it's updating the 2007 Circulation Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians (now being called the Active Transportation Plan).

There will be a community meeting Tuesday to get input from residents and business owners about opportunities and needs for urban greening in El Cerrito. There will also be a chance to discuss ways to make El Cerrito more friendly for pedestrians and bicyclists. The meeting, the first of three scheduled workshops, will be held at Harding Elementary School's multipurpose room at 6:30 p.m.

In June 2007, the City of El Cerrito adopted the Circulation Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians. The Plan’s goals are:

1. to create a comprehensive network of bicycle and pedestrian routes;
2. promote bicycling and walking as modes of transportation through design, designation, programs, policies and education,
3. provide safe and accessible routes to schools, transit stops, and City facilities;
4. create bicycle and pedestrian facilities that fulfill the needs of both utilitarian and recreational users, 
5. accommodate bicycle and pedestrian access in the design and development of new buildings and facilities
6. engage the public in the planning process to address local needs and concerns
7. work internally and with neighboring jurisdictions and regional organizations to coordinate efforts
8. establish priorities and identify funding sources for implementing improvements

A second workshop is scheduled for October 19. The last meeting will be held in March. Prior to these workshops residents can submit ideas to help shape the discussion by uploading photos and comments to an interactive map.