Oceanview Path Threatened with Closure
Published Thursday, October 13, 2005
At the September 14, 2005, meeting, the Transportation Committee considered a request to restrict public access to the pathway that connects South Branciforte Avenue and East Cliff Drive. We are strongly opposed to the approval of this request.
The City's General Plan calls for a network of trails to provide transportation. This pathway is a part of that network. The city's Master Transportation Study encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation. To close this pathway to pedestrians and cyclists effectively discourages these modes and promotes the use of automobiles.
Pedestrians and cyclists are at greater risk on the roadway at night because of reduced visibility. Closing this pathway at night as proposed would remove a safe off-street shortcut, forcing potential pathway users to take a much longer and more hazardous route.
Giving city right of way to private control is not good policy. This would set a bad precedent. Who will insure that the gate is not locked during the day? Clearly the planning department does not have the staff to inspect gate closure programming on a regular basis. This would leave access to the pathway at the whim of the property owners.
The owners of the property have cited illegal activity as the reason for closing the pathway. The idea to remove the wooden fence along the pathway and replace it with a see through fence is a good one. The area behind the fence would no longer be a hiding place for illicit activity. Illegal activity along the path is discouraged by public use. This pathway should be signed, paved, lighted and not locked at night. People Power is willing to be part of a work party and to help raise funds to make such improvements. The owners of the property should be encouraged to join in an effort to improve transportation and reduce criminal activity.
Update: Sep 27, 2005
The city rejected the attempt by the Oceanview Condo Association of the Oceanview Condominium Complex to put a gate at the entrance to the Oceanview Bike Path. This decision was contingent on work parties getting together to help the neighbors clean up the area. People Power is committed to helping with the work parties, particularly with regard to widening the path and putting up better signs. If you can help with a work party, please contact Micah at 425-0665 or micah@peoplepowersc.org.