Courtesy of Nancy Groves, UCPG Representative District 1:
The November meeting opened with an SDPD update of a new captain and two new police officers for UC and to introduce future issues to come before the UCPG.
The first report was an update to the UCSD Long Range Development Plan. The Regents of UC adopted the original plan in 2004; the proposed 2018 plan is intended to address enrollment growth, and associated staff and faculty growth by 25-30 percent above 48,850 by the year 2035. A community information and Draft EIR scoping meeting will be held at 6:00pm November 29 at the UCSD Faculty Club. Scoping comments must be sent in by December 5. For additional info see http://physicalplanning.ucsd.edu/environmental/pub_notice.html. There are five UCPG members on the UCSD Community Advisory Group. John Bassler, encouraged those wishing to become voting members to sign in.
Kristin Camper reported for MCAS Miramar on F35B training in the area.
Dan Monroe, Senior Planner with the City Planning Department gave his report. The department reviewed “the project”: removal of the Regents Road Bridge and the removal of the Genesee Avenue widening and added a PEIR alternative #3, i.e. removal of the Regents Road Bridge and “reconfiguration” of Genesee Avenue as an alternative and listed 23 mitigation measures. He explained that the planning department thought that alternative #3 was the environmentally preferred option. The City Staff Report forecasts that “significant transportation impacts would occur regardless of the implementation of the project” and regardless of which alternative is selected.
Members of the UCPG sub-committee (Andy Weise, Janay Kruger, Isabelle Kay, Roger Kavanaugh, Megan Beale, Alison Barton, Nancy Groves) and five community members (Barry Bernstein, Louis Rodolico, Debbie Knight, Kevin Wirshing, Helen and Naomi from Nobel and Governor libraries), and Kyle Heiskala, met to review the final PEIR and to draft a response to the Planning Commission. The draft response was voted on with 9 yeas, 0 nays, 2 abstentions. This response was given at the Planning Commission October meeting and can be summarized thus:
*We support “the Project” –removal of the Regents Road Bridge and the removal of the Genesee Avenue widening.
*We oppose PEIR alternative #3- Removal of the Regents Road Bridge and “reconfiguration” of Genesee Avenue (grade separation on Genesee and Governor) as an alternative to the Project.
*We oppose the roundabout at Governor Drive and I-805 northbound ramps.
*We support five measures as mitigation for the Project three of which implement adaptive traffic control and transit signal priority measures.The sub-committee noted that the PEIR analysis of future emergency service response times did not account for the approved fire Station 50 at Nobel Drive and Shawline, or for the existing Squad 56 rapid response station on Governor Drive. Note was taken of recent research that indicates the effect of new roadways is to induce more traffic and greenhouse gas emissions- “build it and they will come” effect. The bridge and Genesee widening would re-route traffic from local highways through the residential streets of the UC community. Andy Weise presented the sub-committee report to the UCPG. The independent traffic engineer, Justin Schlaefli hired by the UCPG took no position on the bridge or Genesee widening or the 23 mitigation measures; he simply answered questions and provided information. The traffic circulation problems show no appreciable difference since both projects would draw more traffic off the highways and into the community.
Costs were also discussed: adaptive traffic lights would be about $11 million, City Staff grade separation and removal of the bridge about $100 million, build the bridge and remove Genesee widening $69 million. Grade separation at Genesee and Governor would have additional costs since there are four gas stations whose removal would have soil problems. The independent engineer stated that there is a big cost for modest gains 160 seconds delay would change to 120 seconds delay with adaptive traffic lights, and grade separation would only give 60 second improvement. Addition of southbound right turn lane would be much better and cheaper with 80-second delay rather than 160-second delay. The Governor I-805 roundabout would be about $100,000 and provide questionable improvement. Restriping Genesee on the existing right of way would require removal of bus stops, removal of median and trees, and crossing time would be increased.
There was much discussion from those in attendance: there was opposition to the bridge from those who enjoy nature in the canyon, and opposition based on scientific data on airborne particulates and the effects on one’s lungs, a teacher at Doyle Elementary feared for the 900 students’ safety, many of whom cross Regents daily, and analysis of the fact that the original projected traffic numbers requiring the bridge have not materialized. “The costs outweigh the benefits” was stated. Yet, others want the bridge because it was in the original plan years ago, or that north/south trips might be faster, and concern for emergency services.
After much discussion, the UCPG members voted to support the PEIR/Amendment to the University City Plan to remove the Regents Road Bridge and Genesee Avenue widening projects from the UCP and oppose the alternative #3 grade separation at Genesee and Governor. The vote was twelve in favor and five abstentions.
Future agenda items: Lossan Rail Project, Glider Airport update, single- family home at 5807 Regents Road (off 52 freeway).
NEXT UCPG MEETING: Scheduled for January 10, 2017 at Scripps Office Bldg, 10010 Campus Pointe Drive.
Editor’s note one: The San Diego City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed amendments to the University Community Plan on Monday, December 5 at 2 PM, at City Hall, 12th Floor, 202 C Street, San Diego. Concerned citizens are encouraged to voice their views with the Mayor and City Council members. Names, email addresses and information about the University Community Plan are available at www.sandiego.gov.
Editor’s note two: Nancy’s report will be published in the print version of the University City December/January newsletter, available at University City libraries and recreation centers on December 2.
