San Carlos planning commissioners threw support behind a series of measures meant to make crossing Alameda de las Pulgas and Industrial Road safe but also cautioned against changes that would reduce neighborhood parking, heeding calls from locals.
David Roof
In response to community concerns, staff have proposed installing crosswalks and flashing beacons at the midblock of two busy roads, on Industrial Road near the 24-Hour Fitness and Alameda de las Pulgas near Hilltop Drive and De Anza Avenue. The sections were identified as common areas where pedestrians jaywalk or have an interest in crossing.
“It’s useful to have the crosswalk given the speed and the width of the road. It’s dangerous crossing,” said Planning Commissioner David Roof.
The improvements, consisting of Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps, reconstructed sidewalks, curbs and gutters, new red curbing, striping and pavement markings and rapid flashing beacons, also align with the city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Some of the improvements received public pushback though. Residents living near the Alameda de las Pulgas project said they support the crosswalk but worried some of the proposed red curbing would make parking more challenging. The lost parking was of particular concern for those with children and senior parents who often visit.
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Residents also noted that they’ve advocated for other traffic calming measures for years such as installing a stop sign at the intersection of Alameda de las Pulgas and St. Francis Way or where the busy road meets with Eaton Avenue. City staff said those intersections fall short of the criteria required to qualify for stop signs which are not meant to slow down speeds.
Commissioners weren’t asked to officially vote to recommend the City Council approve the changes but instead were asked to provide input. While they fully endorsed the improvements on Industrial Road and supported the crosswalk on Alameda de las Pulgas, they agreed some of the red curbing and a proposed bulbout was “excessive.”
“Some way to slow traffic on Alameda I believe is important. If stop signs are not technically the right way to do it, and that other location is not appropriate I guess a crosswalk here is a decent idea,” Vice Chair Kristen Clements. “I would like to minimize the amount of red curb to the extent possible for everybody because we’re trying to make sure people don’t overbuild garages and that means they need to be able to park and some people do have children and disabilities.”
Staff now plans to revise its proposal based on the commission’s feedback and will present the midblock crossing projects to the council for approval later this year. If approved, staff anticipates construction would begin in February and finished by early summer.
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