From: Chris Schuh
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 10:19 PM
To: Benjamin Fine ; City Council
Subject: James Way Beautification
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Members of the City Council and Ben Fine,
I reviewed the proposed beautification project for James Way and I have concerns.
Along with 60-70 or more of my neighbors, I walk James Way most days. It is used as a walking path by moms with strollers, school age children, dog walkers, joggers and seniors. The path needs to remain unobstructed for busy times of the day so people can pass one another safely. The sidewalk “path” is an integral part of our community. Benches are not needed or desired by the locals. Why are they being added?
There is a homeless facility being added at Fourth and Five Cities Drive. Having benches on James Way, mere blocks away, will encourage homeless individuals to “claim” the benches and the surrounding area during daylight hours. No need to speculate as to whether or not this will happen; it happens in cities all across California on a daily basis. In fact, the one bench on James Way in front of the Hilton is often occupied by seemingly homeless individuals for long periods during the daylight hours. Having people occupying benches for hours at a time, throughout the day, will impede the accessibility of the James Way sidewalks for walkers, joggers, and small children on bicycles and scooters. Adding benches will reduce, rather than increase, the use of the sidewalks by locals for their enjoyment.
Installing benches will inevitably create an issue for the residents who currently enjoy using James Way as a part of their community. Benches, seemingly a traditional way to improve a space, would impede the flow of foot traffic and encourage “day” campers. Why install unnecessary and expensive benches knowing they will create a safety issue for residents and law enforcement alike?
Respectfully,
Phyllis Schuh
610 Vista Pacifica Circle