With the big Third and Fourth Study Interactive Workshop around the corner, you can’t help hearing the new transportation Buzz-words; “Complete Streets” and Placemaking? These are punch-packing phrases in transportation planning these days worth knowing.
“Complete Streets” dethrone the ‘car as king model’ in transportation design and requires inclusion of all travelers, from bikes to busses, and strollers to wheelchairs. The California Complete Streets Act requires “mobility needs of all users of the roadways.”
You can drive on Scott Street in Point Loma, Fifth Avenue to Hillcrest, or Southpark, as well as other cities in and around San Diego and see “Complete Streets” enhancements. Entire vehicle lanes dedicated to bikes. Not just side-lined bike paths. New images of bicycles painted on asphalt traffic lanes indicating the lane is to be shared equally with bicycles and other transportation modes.
“Placemaking” are traffic calming measures that include places for people to rest, walk, and play, in areas once considered only for transport. Parking lots transformed into parks like the San Diego County Building on Pacific Coast Highway is a good example of “Placemaking. As are more green spaces and alleyways converted into community gardens.
If we let ourselves imagine Third and Fourth Streets as not only 2-State Highways and a historical military route, but also as a welcoming neighborhood to visitors and residents alike, we would already be putting “Complete Street” concepts into play. A few examples of this might be, shaded seating for seniors who may need resting spots on daily walks. Cars would be slowed by creative calming features integrated with green spaces. Noise and pollution mitigated by tire-dust shielding adult trees. Community gardens integrated into portions of Coronado’s 4.17 acres of underutilized alleyways.
That is a flowery picture, but “Complete Streets” is not merely a flowery term. It is the formal language of transportation agencies today. The California Complete Streets Act of 2008, requires “mobility needs of all users of the roadways.” On April 30, 2014, the Obama Administration sent to Congress it’s proposed “Grow America Act” that reflects transportation inclusiveness. To qualify for competitive grants the bill requires “Complete Streets” and “Placemaking” implementation.
Cities across the country are adopting “Complete Streets” policies and resolutions that ask planners and engineers to integrate road networks that are “safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone.” Once empty sidewalks are filling with neighbors as community groups like TAF speak-up for stronger more walkable communities under Placemaking concepts.
The Third and Fourth Street Study taking place now will look at creative neighborhood solutions that provide opportunity for that flowery picture to become a reality. The consulting firm hired under the recommendation of the Coronado Transportation Commission, Fehrs and Peers, is a leader in “Complete Streets.” In fact, the firm is currently training Caltrans in implementation of those design concepts. We are fortunate to have forward thinking leadership on the Third and Fourth Streets dilemma. And hope the community will turn out for the August 6, 2014 Interactive Workshop where three different plans for Third and Fourth Street will be displayed for Public Comment. Please contact TAF for more information.
