Support Broadway-Brommer Path
On March 28th, a meeting of the Parks Commission and City Council will review the new draft plan for Arana Gulch. The plan includes a much scaled-down version of a Broadway-Brommer connection, which has long been an important project for cyclists.
This revised plan features one bridge to the west, a narrow, paved path across the central meadow, and a sloped connection to the upper harbor, for access to Brommer. Dubbed "the one-bridge alternative", the plan is a compromise that preserves much of the utility of the original path while protecting this important section of greenbelt.
Based on a previous City Council decision, the Parks Department has prioritized recreational uses over transportation uses for Arana Gulch. However, they still support a bridge from Frederick Street (near Broadway), to the plateau/meadow. For recreational users, this allows park access for those who don't happen to own property next to the gulch. For transportation advocates, it allows a safe route from Santa Cruz to Live Oak (albeit slower than past alignments). Don't just trust our opinion. Read the plan yourself at the main library or download it from: www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pr/parksrec/parks/aranaplan.html.
The neighbors of Arana Gulch are committed to stopping this path. If you want to see the path built, you're going to have to let them know. Write a letter in support of the project, pointing out the POSITIVE impact on the environment of a path that reduces car trips. Send it to:
Susan Harris
Santa Cruz Parks and Rec Department
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
or send email to sharris@ci.santa-cruz.ca.us. Most importantly show up at the meeting at the above address, on Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 PM.