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BPAC discusses TDA Article 3 priorities as possible state grant could free funds for other projects
Summary
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission reviewed options for allocating $811,845 in TDA Article 3 funds and heard staff say a separate state‑level Housing Incentive Pool (HIP) request for the Poplar Avenue sidewalk project is under MTC review; if HIP fully funds Poplar, the TDA funds could be reallocated to other active‑transportation projects.
At its March 20 meeting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission considered how to prioritize approximately $811,845 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds for fiscal years 2025–26.
Staff briefed commissioners on an updated funding landscape. The city has applied for a separate Housing Incentive Pool (HIP) grant to fully fund the Poplar Avenue sidewalk project; staff said Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) staff is recommending Poplar for full HIP funding and that the MTC commission will consider that recommendation April 23. If the HIP award is approved, the TDA Article 3 allocation could be available to fund other small or mid‑sized projects.
Staff explained the current choices and constraints: Poplar sidewalks is a high‑priority project but the city may not need TDA Article 3 funds for Poplar if HIP money is awarded; conversely, if HIP funds do not materialize, the city would need to close a funding gap to deliver Poplar as planned. Commissioners were asked for preferences and staff said final action would return to BPAC in May when the HIP decision is known.
Key funding points discussed: - Staff reported a project cost estimate and noted a roughly $895,000 benchmark used in commissioner questions; the currently available TDA Article 3 balance is $811,845. Commissioners asked where any remaining funding gap would be covered if Poplar proceeds without the TDA money. Staff said the city could ask City Council to appropriate the difference as a budget modification if needed. - Staff advised that the TDA Article 3 funds are reimbursement‑based and that awards and construction timelines depend on final program agreements.
Commissioners and public commenters discussed which other projects might receive TDA Article 3 money if Poplar is fully funded by HIP. Commonly mentioned potential priorities included: - Homestead road diet / bike‑lane conversion (slurry‑seal timing could enable stripe changes) — often raised as a near‑term candidate that would fit a smaller budget increment (staff estimated roughly $60,000 for striping change during slurry work). - Evelyn Avenue multi‑use trail (design underway; additional funds would improve protected bike features, landscaping and rapid‑flashing beacons at crossings). - Smaller safety and curb‑extension projects to reduce crossing distances.
Staff described a two‑step approach: (1) return to BPAC in May with the HIP outcome and recommended priorities, and (2) if the commission and Council approve, program TDA Article 3 dollars to the selected projects. No formal vote was taken at the March 20 study session; staff noted the item was not agendized for action and any final recommendation would come back in May.
Public comment on the funding discussion included a suggestion to use the funds for targeted safety treatments in North Sunnyvale and continued interest in the Evelyn trail enhancement.
Next steps: staff will monitor the MTC board decision April 23, return to BPAC in May with the HIP outcome and proposed TDA Article 3 programming, and, if needed, prepare a City Council budget modification request to cover any residual funding gap for Poplar should the HIP award not be secured.
