A plan to improve the economic and aesthetic viability of South Broad Street will be introduced to the community tonight at a public meeting at the Grange Hall.
The South Broad Street Corridor Plan seeks to implement traffic improvements that will make the one-mile stretch of road between High Street and Orcutt Road safer through the addition of pedestrian refuges, crosswalks and signals. The city also aims to redesign parts of the road to improve traffic flow.
“The community has said in very clear terms that they feel Broad Street is in need of a facelift and that it needs a lot of change in safety, particularly for pedestrian safety,” senior city planner Jeff Hook said.
Resident Shaun Hastings said the lack of traffic signals on South Broad Street makes crossing the two-way road that stretches across four lanes seem like crossing a freeway.
“I’ve been here three years and I’ve always said that they need a stoplight. Crossing the street around here is like taking your life into your own hands. You can’t count on anyone to stop. They won’t do it,” he said.
John Salmeron, who owns Golden Paw dog grooming parlor along the road, said traffic improvements along South Broad Street are badly needed.
“It’s so congested that if they bring something like that in, it will probably benefit the whole area. In the evening and morning, it’s impossible to turn the other direction,” Salmeron said.
Measures to beautify the area through landscaping and improvement of sidewalks, curbs and gutters are also part of the plan.
In addition, the plan calls for the establishment of affordable housing for young families and singles that are close to jobs, schools, businesses and public transit.
Two housing developments-the Village at Marymont next to the fire station on Santa Barbara Road and the Workforce Housing Development off of Humbert Street-have already been approved.
“I think it’s going to make a huge impact for the area and the people who work and live there. I’m excited about it,” Hook said of the plan as a whole.
The corridor plan began in 2004 and recently received a boost when it was awarded an $110,000 CalTrans grant and $22,000 in matching city funds this year. The city recently hired a consultant to perform traffic engineering, urban design and economic development studies and proposals. Hook said he hopes these findings will be published into an area plan by July.
Thursday’s meeting will outline funding and a time frame for completion of the changes and also allow time for public input.
“It’s an opportunity for residents to come and see what we’re doing. They’re going to have an opportunity to express concerns,” Hook said. He added that the plan has no set cost or timetable for completion.