PG's Streets and Sidewalks: What I'm Hearing

I recently spoke at two different Pacific Grove Traffic Safety Commission meetings about feedback I've heard from residents as I've been walking neighborhoods and meeting people throughout District 3.

I began by thanking the commissioners for the time they devote to representing pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and riders through the city. Their work touches our daily lives, from walkability to maintenance to safety.

1. Prioritizing Street Repairs

Many neighborhood streets need repair, including portions of 10th Street. This is one of the few streets where it is possible to cross Lighthouse Ave in District 3, so it receives a lot of use.

I've reviewed the city’s pavement management plan and was encouraged to see sections of 10th Street ranked as a high priority.

Given the deterioration residents are seeing, I encouraged the Commission to accelerate that work if possible.

2. Reviewing Street Designations

I also asked the Commission to consider whether it's time to take a fresh look at the city’s one-way and through-street designations in District 3, particularly the numbered streets.

PG's approach to transportation is guided by the General Plan, which was adopted in 1994. One-way designations are then incorporated into the municipal code. For one-way streets, this was last updated in 2005.

District 3 includes several narrow residential streets, and traffic patterns have changed over time. It may be useful to review whether the current designations still work as intended and whether any modest adjustments would improve traffic flow.

Residents who use these streets regularly should be part of that conversation.

3. Considering Traffic on Ninth Street

Residents have also raised the amount of traffic near the Butterfly House on Ninth Street.

I encouraged the Commission to review conditions on Ninth Street and consider whether there are practical options for traffic management that would enhance the quality of life for nearby residents.

4. Taking Another Look at the Pine and Eardley Intersection

Residents have also raised continuing concerns about the intersection of Pine and Eardley.

The city made traffic-calming improvements in 2020. While those changes helped, there are still significant issues at the intersection, including vehicles striking nearby homes.

Residents asked the Traffic Safety Commission to consider whether adding stop signs on Eardley could further improve safety. The Commission recommended that the City Council direct staff to study a four-way stop.

I appreciate the Traffic Commission’s responsiveness and their continuing service to our city.