CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Jan. 9, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer [email protected], 442-339-2766
Lauren Ferrell, Associate Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-2558
Subject: Update on the Barrio Traffic Circles Project and Selecting a Traffic Calming Option for Two of the Eight Intersections
District: 1
Reco
mmended Action
Receive an update; and
1) Adopt a resolution approving curb extensions at the intersections of (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street for the Barrio Traffic Circles Project; or
2) Adopt a resolution approving raised medians at the intersections of (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street for the Barrio Traffic Circles Project.
Executive Summary
As part of an overall goal of improving traffic safety and walkability, the Village & Barrio Master Plan calls for adding traffic circles and other traffic calming features at several intersections in the Barrio area. Based on existing conditions and community feedback, staff have designed the following as part of the Barrio Traffic Circles Project, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4015:
• Traffic circles at five intersections
• Enhanced visibility crosswalks at one intersection
• Either curb extensions or raised medians at two intersections where traffic circles were not feasible
Staff are seeking the City Council’s approval on the preferred design option at the two intersections where there is a choice between curb extensions and raised medians. The two intersections are located at Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street. Staff recommend curb extensions for both intersections, because they would preserve more on-street parking than the raised median options.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 1 of 25
Explanation & Analysis
Given the flat terrain and proximity to the beach, Village area and Coastal Rail Trail, the Barrio is a neighborhood ideal for walking and biking. That’s why the Village and Barrio Master Plan, approved by the City Council in 2019, recommended adding traffic circles and other design features that would slow down traffic, encourage safer driving behaviors, and make walking and biking more inviting.
What are traffic circles?
The second-highest cause of injury collisions in Carlsbad is violating signs and signals, followed by improper turning. Traffic circles address both causes by making physical changes to the road, which results in drivers slowing down and paying more attention to their surroundings. Traffic circles also eliminate direct left turns.
Traffic circles are typically used in neighborhoods rather than major thoroughfares. They have a smaller footprint than roundabouts, which typically can fit within public right-of-way and place crosswalks closer to the intersection without physical splitter islands to serve as refuge for pedestrians.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 2 of 25
Example on Chestnut Avenue
Hillside traffic circle State Street roundabout
Traffic circles have been used successfully at other intersections in Carlsbad, including the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Jefferson Street in the Barrio. This design was recommended in the Village & Barrio Master Plan because it is the best solution to discourage speeding and improve safety in a way that fits a residential neighborhood setting. Traffic circles were also recommended because they can fit within the public right-of-way and be used for public art or decorated to fit the local character.
Proposed proj
ect
As staff began developing designs for this project, three intersections emerged as poor candidates for traffic circles:
• The Boys & Girls Club expressed concern about a traffic circle at Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street because of potential interference with buses and cars queuing to drop off and pick up kids. Since the intersection already has an existing all-way stop, the project team proposed enhanced crosswalks as an alternative, which was acceptable to the Boys & Girls Club management team and was supported by the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission.
• The available street right-of-way at the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street was too constrained to fit traffic circles.
As a result, staff are proposing the project include these features:
Oak Avenue and Jefferson Street Traffic circle
Pine Avenue and Harding Street Traffic circle
Chestnut Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle
Chestnut Avenue and Roosevelt Street Traffic circle
Pine Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle
Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street Enhanced crosswalks
Palm Avenue and Harding Street Curb extension or raised median Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street Curb extension or raised median
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 3 of 25
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Alternatives to traffic circles
Two options have been identified for the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street:
Option 1 - Curb extensions
Curb extensions are placed at intersections to encourage slower turning speeds, increase the visibility of pedestrians and tighten the intersection – which encourages slower vehicle speeds – and to shorten the distance pedestrians must travel to cross the street.
Option 2 - Raised medians
Raised medians are placed in the middle of roadways to narrow traffic lanes and require horizontal deflection to slow vehicle traffic. They serve as a physical change, which requires drivers to slow down, and they can also provide a refuge for pedestrians crossing the street.
Since they are installed in the middle of the roadway, the vehicle lane and bike lane shift toward the curb, eliminating more on-street parking spots than a curb extension would.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 4 of 25
photos e:redil: U.S. Department ofTranspo,t:.hon
Parking considerations
Traffic calming features often require on-street parking spaces near the intersection to be eliminated. The estimated number of on-street parking spaces that would be eliminated as a result of the traffic circles and enhanced crosswalks are:
Intersection Feature Spaces
Oak Avenue and Jefferson Street Traffic circle 5
Pine Avenue and Harding Street Traffic circle 7
Chestnut Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle 11
Chestnut Avenue and Roosevelt Street Traffic circle 13
Pine Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle 10
Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street Enhanced crosswalks 0
For the two intersections that cannot accommodate traffic circles, curb extensions would require the elimination of far fewer on-street parking spaces than the raised median option, as shown in the table below:
Intersection Curb extension* Raised medians
Palm Avenue and Harding Street up to 1 26
Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street up to 2 19
* Concept level estimate; design to determine exact number needed Exhibit 3 shows the parking impacts at the seven affected intersections.
Village and Barrio parking study
T
he Village & Barrio Master Plan requires an annual parking study to be completed to monitor parking availability at different times of the day and days of the week. The most recent study was completed in 2022. The 2023 parking study is nearing completion and is scheduled to be released for public review, along with updates to the city’s Parking Management Plan, in early 2024.
Based on the data collected, parking use in the Barrio did not change significantly between 2022 and 2023.
Parking needs
While the Barrio generally has adequate parking to meet the current needs, some areas are considered “hot spots” at certain times of the day and days of the week when on-street parking is between 85% and 100% utilized. In addition to the city’s Parking Management Plan, a parking analysis was prepared specific to the Barrio traffic circles project in 2023. The areas where traffic circles are proposed have adequate parking available during all days and times, and the project will not have a significant impact on parking availability in the study area.
According to the Village and Barrio parking study, the Madison Street and Magnolia Avenue intersection has hot spots on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Because of this, staff recommend using curb extensions instead of raised medians to meet this project’s goals. Curb extensions would provide safety enhancements while preserving nearly all on street parking.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 5 of 25
Parking availability
Project timing
Since the original project schedule was proposed, two things have caused it to be delayed:
Traffic safety emergency
On Aug. 23, 2022, the city proclaimed a traffic safety emergency. The city reprioritized some planned projects to focus on the areas with the highest incidents of injury collisions. The map below shows the concentration of injury collisions in the Barrio (see inset) compared to other areas in the city. Staff continued to work on the Barrio traffic calming project during the emergency proclamation; however, progress was slow during this time.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 6 of 25
Weekdays 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Weekdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Jefferson St Jefferson St
1111 85 - 100% full 1111 70 - 85% full 50-700/ofull 1111 50% or less full Weekends 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Weekends 10 a.m. to 1 p.m . Weekends 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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1111 85 - 100% full 1111 70 - 85% full 50-700/ofull 1111 50% or less full
Injury collisions heat map
Federal grant
The city worked with U.S. Rep. Mike Levin in 2021 to secure $4 million in federal funding for construction of the Barrio traffic calming project. This funding will help offset the cost of construction.
To obtain the grant, the city was required to complete more technical studies and obtain additional environmental clearances due to rules associated with federal funding. This additional work further delayed the project’s completion.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 7 of 25
Collision Density - 2017 to 2022
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Phased plan
To complete this project as quickly as possible, staff have developed the following phased plan:
Phase 1
Finalize engineering plans and contract documents to prepare for construction of improvements at the following six intersections:
• Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street - Crosswalk striping improvements at the existing all- way stop
• Oak Avenue and Jefferson Street - traffic circle
• Pine Avenue and Madison Street - traffic circle
• Pine Avenue and Harding Street - traffic circle with public art • Chestnut Avenue and Roosevelt Street - traffic circle • Chestnut Avenue and Madison Street - traffic circle
Phase 2
• Complete design for either a curb extension design or a raised median design at the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street
• Complete construction of improvements at these two intersections Public art
Staff have begun the community engagement process for a new public artwork that will be placed in the middle of the traffic circle at Harding Street and Pine Avenue, one of the main gateways into the Barrio. This input will help inform the call for artists for this project. A public art subcommittee will then evaluate artist proposals and vote to select the artist.
The community will continue to be engaged during the development of this new artwork, the timing of which is being planned concurrently with the engineering design of the traffic circles.
Community Engagement
The Barrio Traffic Circles Project, previously called the Village and Barrio Traffic Circles Project, was developed as part of the Village & Barrio Master Plan, which included significant input from the community. Since that time, staff have kept the community informed about the project and invited feedback.
Staff presented project updates to the Traffic & Mobility Commission (now called the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission) in April 2020 and September 2021.
Most recently, staff have notified affected property owners, business owners and residents of the proposed designs and anticipated parking impacts. These community members were invited to contact the city’s project manager with questions or concerns. The next step is to present an update on the project to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, which will provide an opportunity for the broader community to learn about the plans and provide feedback. Staff are targeting this presentation for early 2024.
Staff will return to the City Council for approval of the plans and specifications and authorization to bid Phase 1 for construction, which is anticipated to be in spring 2024.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 8 of 25
Fiscal Analysis
The current estimate of the range of construction costs is between $7 million and $10 million.
There is just over $10 million currently appropriated in the project’s budget.
The funding for the project comes from TransNet – the countywide sales tax collected for regional transportation projects, the gas tax, and $4 million of the federal grant from the Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending program .
Once the project’s preliminary designs are completed and a construction cost estimate is developed, staff will return to the City Council with a request to authorize bidding on the construction contract, along with an analysis of whether additional funds will be needed to award the contract.
Options
Staff provide the following options for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Adopt a resolution approving curb extensions at the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street
Pros
• Minimal street parking would need to be eliminated in areas with high parking demands
• Adequately meets the project goals to slow down traffic and enhance walkability • Results in the least delay of the overall project timeline and next steps for approval and construction
Cons
• Vehicle drivers may not be used to the tighter curb radius requiring slower cornering speeds, so some drivers may complain about the change.
2. Adopt a resolution approving raised medians at the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street
Pros
• This option meets the project goals to slow down traffic and enhance walkability Cons
• Results in the loss of 45 parking spots in areas with high parking demands next to residential homes, apartment buildings and sports fields • Requires additional time and funding to provide a new professional services agreement to the consultant for design and construction support • Would add approximately 10-12 months to the completion of Phase 2. (This will not affect grant eligibility.)
Neither option would affect the timing of Phase 1, which includes the five traffic circles and one crosswalk enhancements.
Staff recommend Option 1 for the City Council’s approval because it provides an improvement in safety and walkability while preserving on-street parking.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 9 of 25
Next Steps
Early 2024 Community outreach
Continue outreach to community members who may be impacted by the project
Share designs more broadly with the Barrio community and other stakeholders and promote the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting in which the project will be presented
Early 2024 Caltrans Coordination
Continue coordination with Caltrans for right-of-way certification, request for authorization and authorization to proceed to release the grant funding programmed for construction
Early 2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission support Present final designs for Phase 1, traffic circles and enhanced crosswalks to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and seek support of staff’s recommendation for City Council approval
Spring 2024 City Council approval
Seek City Council approval of the plans and specifications for Phase 1 and authorization to bid for construction of the project
Spring 2024 Phase 1 out to bid
Continue to work on designs for Phase 2
Fall 2024 City Council approval
Seek City Council approval of the construction contractor selected through the bidding process
Fall/Winter 2024-
2025
Construction of Phase 1 begins
Present Phase 2 designs to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission for support
Present Phase 2 designs to the City Council for approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid for construction of the project Mid-2025 Phase 2 out to bid1
Late 2025 City Council approval
Seek City Council approval of the construction contractor selected through the bidding process
Phase 1 construction completed
Early 2026 Phase 2 construction begins
Fall 2026 Project completed
1Assumes Option 2 is selected. If Option 1 is selected, the schedule, which is still under development, will be shorter.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 10 of 25
Environmental Evaluation
The decision to approve either curb extensions or raised medians at the intersections of Palm Avenue and Harding Street and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(d) – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Curb extensions or raised medians would qualify as a Class 3 exemption under Section 15303(d). Class 3 exemptions consist of construction and location new installations, expansions of existing utilities and facilities. A notice of exemption was prepared by the City Planner for the project in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061 and 15062 and advertised and posted on the city’s website on Dec. 28, 2023. Since no appeal was filed, the City Planner’s written decision is final.
This project is also subject to the National Environmental Policy Act because federal funds are being used for the project. Staff worked with the California Department of Transportation to obtain this federal environmental clearance for the project. Additional studies were required and have been completed and approved by Caltrans. Caltrans concluded the National Environmental Policy Act clearance process and provided a categorical exclusion determination for the project on May 5, 2023. With the appropriate environmental clearances in place, all the city’s procedural requirements and relevant aspects of CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act have been satisfied.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution to approve a curb extension option (Option 1)
2. City Council resolution to approve raised median option (Option 2)
3. Maps of parking impacts
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 11 of 25
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CURB EXTENSIONS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF (1) PALM AVENUE AND HARDING STREET AND (2) MAGNOLIA AVENUE AND
MADISON STREET FOR THE BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable, and in the public interest to improve traffic safety and walkability at intersections in the Barrio area as part of the Village and Barrio Master Plan, and the Barrio Traffic Circles Project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 4015, or Project; and WHEREAS, curb extensions at intersections encourage slower turning speeds, increase the visibility of pedestrians and shorten the pedestrian crossing distances that would slow down traffic; and
WHEREAS, curb extensions would result in minimal on-street parking loss; and WHEREAS, curb extension design meets the project goals to slow down traffic and enhance walkability; and
WHEREAS, curb extension design would result in the least delay of the overall project timeline for implementation; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner studied the project and performed the necessary investigations to determine if the project qualified for an exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA (Public Resources Code section 21000 et. seq.), its implementing regulations (the CEQA Guidelines, Article 14 of the California Code of Regulations section 15000 et. seq.), and the National Environmental Policy Acy, or NEPA. The City Planner determined the project was exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15303(d) applicable to new construction or conversion of small structures. The city distributed a notice of determination to adopt the exemption on Dec. 28, 2023. The city did not receive any comment letters on the CEQA findings and determinations. Since federal funds are being applied to this project, this project is also subject to the NEPA. Caltrans concluded NEPA clearance and provided a categorical exclusion determination for the project on May 5, 2023. No further CEQA environmental analysis is required and all aspects of CEQA and NEPA have been satisfied.
Exhibit 1
Jan. 9, 2024 Item #14 Page 12 of 25
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council approves curb extensions at the intersections of (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street for the Barrio Traffic Circles Project, CIP Project No. 4015.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 9th day of January, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Jan. 9, 2024 Item #14 Page 13 of 25
Exhibit 2
RESOLUTION NO. .
A R
ESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING RAISED MEDIANS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF (1) PALM AVENUE AND HARDING STREET AND (2) MAGNOLIA AVENUE AND
MADISON STREET FOR THE BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable, and in the public interest to improve traffic safety and walkability at intersections in the Barrio area as part of the Village and Barrio Master Plan, and the Barrio Traffic Circles Project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 4015, or Project; and WHEREAS, raised medians placed in the middle of the roadway to narrow traffic lanes that serve as physical change s to the street encourage drivers to slow down and can provide a refuge for pedestrian crossings; and
WHEREAS, raised medians meet the project goals to slow down traffic and enhance walkability; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner studied the project and performed the necessary investigations to determine if the project qualified for an exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA (Public Resources Code section 21000 et. seq.), its implementing regulations (the CEQA Guidelines, Article 14 of the California Code of Regulations section 15000 et. seq.) , and the National Environmental Policy Acy, or NEPA. The City Planner determined the project was exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15303(d) applicable to new construction or c onversion of small structures. The city distributed a notice of de termination to adopt the exemption on Dec. 28, 2023. The city did not receive any comment letters on the CEQA findings and determinations. Since federal funds are being applied to this project, this project is also subject to the NEPA. Caltrans concluded NEPA clearance and provided a categorical exclusion determination for the project on May 5, 2023. No further CEQA environmental analysis is required and all aspects of CEQA and NEPA have been satisfied.
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 14 of 25
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council approves raised medians at the intersections of (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street for the Barrio Traffic Circles Project, CIP Project No. 4015.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 15 of 25
EXHIBIT 3
Maps of Parking Impacts
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 16 of 25
Jefferson StOak Ave
X
X
X X
X
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 17 of 25
Pine Ave
Harding St
X
XX
X
X
X
X
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 18 of 25
Madison StChestnut Ave
X
XXX
X XX
X
X
X X
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 19 of 25
Chestnut Ave Roosevelt St
XXX XX
X X
X XXX
XX
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 20 of 25
Madison St
Pine Ave
XX
X X
X
XXX
XX
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 21 of 25
Madison St
Magnolia Ave
X
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 22 of 25
Magnolia Ave
Madison St
X
X
X
X
X
XXX
X
XX
X
X
XXX
XXX
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 23 of 25
Palm Ave
Harding St
XX
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 24 of 25
,
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XX
XX
X
XX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Harding St
Palm Ave
Removal of street parking
Jan. 9, 2024
Item #14 Page 25 of 25
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
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Good evening,
Grace King <[email protected]>
Thursday, January 4, 2024 6:58 PM
City Clerk
All Receive - Agenda Item # IL/
For the Information of the:
<;:ITY COUNCIL
Date ~ CA ✓ CC ~
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Item #14 Update on the Barrio Traffic Circles Project and Selecting a Traffic Calming Option for Two of the Eight Intersections
I'm writing because I won't be able to attend the meeting on January 9th but wanted to provide feedback on the Magnolia and Madison prospective changes. My family lives on Madison between Magnolia and Chestnut.
I'd like to encourage the extended curb and crosswalks with more visibility. It seems if there was a median inserted at this spot the inability to turn left onto Magnolia from Madison would be problematic and potentially cause traffic issues elsewhere. If somehow the proposed median wouldn't prohibit the left turn there, it could also be a good option. But definitely best not to shut down that left.
Thank you for your consideration!
Grace King
3535 Madison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content i 1 Tammy Cloud-McM inn
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Dear City Council,
EB Sladek <[email protected]>
Thursday, January 4, 2024 8:16 PM
City Clerk
Kevin Sladek
Public Comment on Item #14 Update on the Barrio Traffic Circles Project and Selecting a Traffic Calming Option for Two of the Eight Intersections As decade-long residents of the Barrio, we would like to provide our input on the options for traffic calming at the intersection of Madison and Magnolia. We live on Madison Street and have had two elementary schoolers walking to and from Jefferson Elementary on a daily basis for years, so we are very familiar with this intersection and supportive of the overall effort to improve pedestrian safety here and throughout the Barrio.
Considering the two choices, curb extension vs median creation, we find the former to be the clearly superior and we are strongly in favor of the curb extension option.
In the staff's report, there are far more pros for the curb extension option over median creation, all of which we agree with. The increased cost, time, and loss of parking spaces that the median option would incur are important factors. The biggest of these from our perspective is the significant loss of street parking. As the city study indicates, there are already times where this intersection is a "hot spot", even without factoring in the additional develop111enJ happening in this neighborhood (the apartments being completed across the street from Jefferson Elementary cHi~:iri!~{ new builds and additions on lots throughout the neighborhood -- for instance at 558 Chestnut, 3450 Jefferson, 3535 Madison, and 786 Palm).
Without a clear understanding of where exactly the medians would go, we see two additional possible downsides :
1) A median on Magnolia only (and not on Madison) would NOT improve the large crossing from the NE to NW corner of this intersection. It could also make left turns from Madison onto Magnolia even more difficult (if not impossible). This left turn is a vital part of the flow of traffic in our neighborhood . We and our neighbors turn left from Madison onto Magnolia multiple times per day -- coming to and from work, to and from Vons, to and from soccer practice, etc.
Eliminating this option or making it a more difficult turn would be a poor outcome for the neighborhood. 2) If medians were added both to Madison and to Magnolia at this intersection, it would make an already challenging intersection even more fragmented. Yes, pedestrians would have a place to rest midway across the street, but it would mean drivers would have to look in MULTIPLE different places for pedestrians potentially attempting to scamper across the road.
We also would hope to see one additional benefit from the curb extension option, which is improving the visibility for drivers turning from Madison onto Magnolia. The current location of the stop line on Madison and the angle of the streets makes it very hard to see crossing traffic past the cars parked on Magnolia. Please consider ways the curb extension geometry might improve visibility for drivers! For all these reasons, we are strongly in favor of the curb extensions at this intersection and hope that the City Council sees the wisdom of the Transportation Director/City Engineer's recommendation in favor of this option.
Thank you,
Emily and Kevin Sladek
1 3495 Madison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
ps - Another dangerous trend we have noticed on Magnolia is the tende ncy of drivers to encroach into the bike lane while taking the blind right -hand curve as Magnolia turns into Roosevelt. Please consider adding bollards (or similar) to th e outer edge of the bike lane to prevent cars from encroaching during this turn. (If measures are not taken, it is only a matter of time before a car hits a cyclist or pedestrian in the bike lane while taking this turn .) If we should raise this concern in another way, please let us know .
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Council Internet Email
Monday, January 8, 2024 1 :26 PM
City Clerk
FW: Traffic Calming in Barrio
From: Lola's Deli <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 1:18 PM
All Receive - Agenda Item # / 1/
For the Information of the:
,~rf.FO UNCIL
Date JliJ_d1_ CA V CC___::::
CM v ACM vt> CM (3) ~ - -
To: Melanie Burkholder <[email protected]>; Keith Blackburn <keith [email protected]>; _ Council Internet Email <[email protected]>; Priya Bhat-Patel <[email protected]>; Teresa Acosta <[email protected]>; Carolyn Luna <[email protected]> Subject: Traffic Calming in Barrio
Esteemed City Council,
We, as a generational family and the oldest running business in Carlsbad, would like to express our displeasure in creating traffic calming circles in the barrio. We feel the amount is excessive and will exacerbate the current problem of parking. To create these circles you would have to eliminate spaces that are currently used for on street parking. The barrio is already bursting at its seams with lack of parking and traffic.
We are NOT opposed to traffic calming but we believe there are better ways for traffic calming in our neighborhood. 4 way stop signs (if CA goal is to eliminate gas powered vehicles, then the argument of emissions is a mute point); or speed bumps like you've done on Tamarack.
Who better to understand the problem than those that live in the barrio?! We don't go to another district/neighborhood and tell those residents (or Council Members) what is appropriate for their community. It is frustrating when people that do not live nor probably visit can have a say with how we fiv·e our day to day lives.
There is already an issue with skateboarders and BMX bicycles on the traffic circles we have by Chase field. They are a magnet for the neighborhood kids and it's dangerous. Our other concern is that the hom.eTess wrll camp in the middle as they do in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
We also have many businesses (Lola's and those on Tyler Street) that receive deliveries froni large 18 wheeler trucks and they need to navigate through our neighborhood.
We hope you will review the proposed plans, look at alternate means and allow the voices.that deal with traffic in the barrio to be heard.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Lola's Deli
DeeDee Trejo-Rowlett
Henry Trejo
Socorro Jauregui
Connie Trejo
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou recognize the sender and know the content i 1 Tammy Cloud-McMinn
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Dear Mayor Blackburn & council,
Happy 2024!
michael ajdour <[email protected]>
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 9:44 AM
City Clerk
Item 14 1/9/24 - barrio traffic calming
Thank you for kicking off the new year by getting to this topic .
All Receive - Agenda Item # J!f.
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
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Your agenda states that tonight you'll choose between 2 options for the intersections at Palm&Harding and Magnolia&Madison .
As someone who lives by the intersection of Palm & Madison, I'd like to remind you that there is a 3rd and most rational option .
ACTUALLY IMPLEMENT THE TRAFFIC CALMING ALREADY AGREED ON BEFORE DECIDING MORE IS NEEDED.
When the city was actually "working with the barrio community to develop a plan", we stated over and over that reversing a few stop signs to stop traffic on the long north-south stretches of road instead of the short east-west ones would effectively calm traffic. We also agreed that trying inexpensive bulb-outs at the proposed traffic circles before breaking ground was a smart way to go.
"Other street design features to encourage safe behaviors" that reduce our on street parking do not need to be tossed into the mix at this time just because there are federal funds (that can also be used on safety lighting!) available. The barrio is not the petri dish for the City traffic engineers.
Don't reduce the barrio on street parking .
The police need it at Palm&Harding. Neither option will be effective in "encouraging safe behaviors" at the facility by that intersection! Unless there are plans to close Magnolia Manor, the on street parking is needed. We already have Magnolia Manor residents who park in front of our house on a routine basis.
BIG THANKS TO COUNCIL for voting in the 4 way stop at Oak & Madison last year.
Although as of last night, nothing has been done. How hard can it be to actually implement putting in 2 signs?? Please put the brakes on traffic & engineering experimenting in our very few square blocks. At least implement a few of the changes first. As a resident on Madison, I'd bet the 4 way stop & one traffic circle would do the job for this street.
There will be a lot of gravy presented to you tonight by traffic & engineering on this because of the federal funds. If you really want to "encourage safe behaviors", steer those funds towards lighting, especially on Roosevelt, where it is incredibly dark.
Also, check with the police re: where lighting will encourage safe behaviors . You will get unbiased info you need on where best to spend the Federal funds as police are not hopping on the gravy train for them .
Increasing density & reducing on street parking creates problems instead of solving them in a neighborhood where many residents drive trucks to work . The independent plumber, pool cleaner, & roofer are not going to be able to bike to all their jobs.
It is your role to see that these federal funds are spent wisely. Not to cram a "circle quota" into a few square blocks.
Thanks,
Julie Ajdour
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Jeffrey Pearson <jocdoc@medicine-in-motic:m.com>
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 9:01 AM
City Clerk
Tonight's council meeting: Traffic modifications at Harding & Palm High
We are unable to attend tonight's meeting, but we want to share our thoughts regarding the proposed project to slow traffic on Harding between Palm St. and Avocado Lane.
We would be directly impacted by either of the proposed plans as we live at 880 Avocado Lane, on the corner of Harding and Avocado, with our driveway on Harding.
That being said, we would greatly prefer the second option i.e. to create medians as described. This section of Harding is particularly dangerous for us as - besides the speeding issue - the parking of the cars along our fence way makes exiting our home very dangerous. Cars are nearly always parked there and they obscure our view of the street coming from the direction of Chase Field and we've had some near misses. Eliminating the parking along this section would make our driveway much safer.
[Because of this current danger, we've been driving our vehicles over the curb on Avocado (where the residence's old driveway used to be located) so that we can safely enter Harding from Avocado Lane without impairment of view. We've even placed a request with traffic planning to paint this small section of our curb red to prevent parked cars from blocking our ability to use this space as an exit. Their response is still pending.] Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeff and Laurie Pearson·
760-445-6487 cell
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1 Barrio Traffic Circles Project
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Lauren Ferrell, Associate Engineer
Jan. 9, 2024
2 PROPOSED ACTION
Receive an update about the Barrio Traffic Circle Project; and
1) Adopt a resolution approving curb extensions at (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and
Madison Street, or
2) Adopt a resolution approving raised medians at (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and
Madison Street
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
3 4
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
5 FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
6 7
8 ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
TRAFFIC CIRCLES
Proposed Existing
9 10
11 RAISED MEDIANS
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
12 CURB EXTENSIONS
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
13 ON STREET PARKING
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
Intersection Feature Spaces
eliminated
Oak Avenue and Jefferson Street Traffic circle 5
Pine Avenue and Harding Street Traffic circle 7
Chestnut Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle 11
Chestnut Avenue and Roosevelt Street Traffic circle 13
Pine Avenue and Madison Street Traffic circle 10
Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street Enhanced crosswalks 0
Palm Avenue and Harding Street Curb extension or
Raised median
~1
26 Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street Curb extension or Raised median
~2
19 14
VILLAGE AND BARRIO PARKING STUDY
15 VILLAGE AND BARRIO PARKING STUDY
16 COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
17 ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
PHASED PLAN
Phase 1
• Finalize plans for six
intersections
– Five traffic circles
– Enhanced crosswalk
• Construction
Phase 2
• Complete designs for two
intersections
– Curb extensions or raised
medians
• Construction
18 NEXT STEPS
Early 2024
Community outreach
Caltrans coordination
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Spring 2024
Approval and bid Phase 1
Designs for Phase 2
Late 2025
Phase 1 construction complete
Fall/Winter 2024/2025
Construction Phase 1
Approval of Phase 2
Early 2026
Construction phase 2
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES
19 PROPOSED ACTION
Receive an update about the Barrio Traffic Circle Project; and
1) Adopt a resolution approving curb extensions at (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and
Madison Street, or
2) Adopt a resolution approving raised medians at (1) Palm Avenue and Harding Street and (2) Magnolia Avenue and
Madison Street
ITEM 14: BARRIO TRAFFIC CIRCLES