HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/2017 Item 7, Steeb
Christian, Kevin
Subject:FW: Keep Luneta Closed
From: Erik Steeb <
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2017 8:23 PM
To: Christianson, Carlyn
Subject: Keep Luneta Closed
Dear Councilmember Christianson,
I am a resident of San Luis Obispo residing at 518 Serrano Drive. I am writing to tell you I am opposed to the proposal of
the opening of Luneta Drive to through traffic for several safety reasons along Serrano Drive, at the intersection of
Serrano and Broad and along Luneta Street.
Serrano Drive
Serrano Drive is a steep and narrow road between Broad Street and Palomar. The road is narrow in this section because
of the stands of Eucalyptus trees that line the street. I travel this road daily and, due to it’s limited width, traffic must
often stop and wait for passing traffic to clear before proceeding. The traffic study undertaken to understand the impact
of such an opening estimates that traffic at the bottom of Serrano Drive would be increased by up to to 800% of its
current levels.
According to the city traffic study, opening Luneta would actually push Serrano OVER the daily limit prescribed in the
general plan (Section 4.1.2 of the proposal). It says "Additionally, Serrano Drive would be over the 1,500-maximum
threshold." Pushing traffic from a pass-thru street to a residential street with a steep grade is looking for a danger zone.
Such an increase in traffic will cause many conflicts and likely cause accidents on this steep and narrow street.
Serrano & Broad Intersection
The plan to open Luneta takes an existing bike and pedestrian route and turns it into a vehicle route - The city is trying to
move away from using cars and more towards alternative transpiration, why would we want to open another vehicle
route? I am concerned that while we create plans to increase bike travel on Broad, we are simultaneously considering a
plan that would introduce a higher volume of cars on the steep grade at the intersection of Serrano and Broad, that
would be in direct conflict with increased bike traffic on Broad.
Luneta
Our negihborhood does not have its own park and we consider this quiet street our only alternative. We walk our dogs,
we bike with our kids, we stroll with our parents along this quiet street. We've been using the area by the posts where
Luneta is currently blocked off for social gatherings, like a park. We don't have a real park in our neighborhood, and
opening the street would take away what we do have for a neighborhood gathering spot.
The Planning Commission was mistaken when they thought the residents on streets like Verde, S. Tassajara and Rafael
want Luneta open. The majority of people who live on these streets signed a petition saying they want Luneta to remain
closed. I personally walked Serrano Drive north of Penman Way for these signatures and every resident wants to keep
Luneta closed.
My neighbors and I want the City Council to keep Luneta Drive closed to through traffic! Our neighborhood has worked
with city staff for over a year to create a plan that everyone is happy with.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent concern.
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Sincerely,
Erik Steeb
518 Serrano Drive
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