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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/6/2024 Item 6a, Francis Clinton Francis < To:E-mail Council Website Subject:Please prioritize Broad Street when considering mid-year budget review This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. ________________________________ Dear San Luis City Council Members, I write on behalf of many concerned neighbors and friends about the condition of South Broad Street. Almost anyone that has driven, biked, walked or otherwise moved through this corridor can recognize that the current nature of this street is incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. There are many issues that I could articulate that you would recognize as serious problem for this part of town. Rather than including a long list, I’ll focus on just one main point and a second related point: First, it is unsafe. The center turn lane is colloquially known as the “suicide” lane because drivers turn into it from almost any point along South Broad, many drivers use it as a passing lane or simply drive down this lane for several blocks to accelerate/decelerate (My daughter and I were almost hit on Friday by a vehicle doing this). Speed limits are also not enforced, and parking spots very close to cross-streets limit visibility. These two issues independently and synergistically create dangerous conditions for cross traffic or any individual trying to turn left onto Broad. These issues not only make this corridor unsafe for those traveling in vehicles, but also for cyclists and pedestrians. In fact, many of my neighbors view Broad St as so dangerous, they will not allow their children to bike or walk to school, the park, or even neighborhood businesses. Second, it is isolating. Because of the current unsafe nature of Broad Street and how neighborhoods are either boxed in by the South Hills or the railroad track, those living along South Broad do not have safe travel corridors to other parts of town. A pedestrian bridge over the train tracks could help for the east side, but changing the overall nature of Broad Street will be necessary to improve flow in and out of our neighborhoods by car, bike or on foot. Please consider using unallocated funds to revise the South Broad Street Area Plan and move closer towards implementing this project to improve our city. Key traffic calming steps, such as adding a median, reducing or narrowing lanes, lowering speeds or adding traffic lights at intersections will make a huge difference. Thanks for considering this issue. Cheers, Clint Francis 1