Greenway nature trail set to cost approximately $38 million

Simon discussed the urban greenway and creek way project.  The urban Greenway will be a 12-mile north-south bicycle and pedestrian pathway going through Oakland, San Leandro, unincorporated Alameda County and Hayward.  A public path encompassing twelve miles, it will connect five BART stations for easy access.

The city projects construction costs of $12 million for the 3.5 mile San Leandro section.  The cost of the entire path will be approximately $38 million, although the city could reduce costs through an acquisition scheme involving a land swap.

Federal funding request filed for new policing initiative

City Manager Chris Zapata praised Simon in his lobbying efforts, including the federal funding request for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.

The money will be used to hire a neighborhood policing officer, school resource officer, downtown bicycle officer, and gang suppression officers.  It will also fund additional programs for the police force.  Simon worked with Ronald Davis, director of the U.S. Department of Justice COPS.