ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The city of Encinitas is moving forward with making changes to Santa Fe Drive, an already controversial street in the city.
Councilmembers heard from dozens of residents both in support of and opposed to the modifications before making their final decision.Â
“I can tell you that the existing road improvements really have improved things,” said Lise McCarty during public comment at a special meeting held Wednesday night.
Meantime Molly Hintlian said, “it’s unclear how this project got as far as it did with all the flaws.”
Locals in Encinitas voiced vastly different comments about the work that’s been done on Santa Fe Drive, which was just recently completed in the Spring.
There are those who say the changes have made the road confusing and more dangerous.
“We went from a simple road to a hazardous eyesore that lacks function,” said Lisa Lester.
Difficulty with back-in angled parking and the high curbs around the bike lane were some of the biggest complaints.
Supporters wanted to keep the area as is and continue the needed improvements farther east.
“We will actually be undoing the slow speed benefits that we gained from this project at the same time spending $1.3 to $1.9 million,” said Aaron Hebshi.
Councilmembers weighed three options that all widen travel lanes and do away with back-in angled parking, but present different options for how to accommodate the bike lane and parking – moving forward.
Several people suggested going with none of the above, saying it’s too soon to undo the new configuration that’s only been in place for a few months.
Ultimately city council voted 4-to-1 on “Option B” which involves parallel parking with a buffered bike lane, 11-foot travel lanes, and a continuous eastbound class II bike lane. The plan will retain 44 to 47 parallel parking spaces, with parking spaces about an 8.5 foot width. It was noted the plan will allow emergency vehicle to pass through traffic more efficiently than the current configuration.
