CalTrans Calera Parkway Proposal: It is way too big
I would like to start by saying that from the very first public meeting put on by Cal Trans in Pacifica, it was obvious that Cal Trans had only two plans in mind to offer. Not surprising, those same two plans remain as the two build alternatives in the Final EIR (FEIR). They are: The Narrow Median Build and the Landscape Median Build.
In my opinion, when it comes to protecting coastal resources, and minimizing impacts to business and visitors, the proposed SR1 widening fails to do so. This failure results in the disturbance and permanent removal of multiple acres of lands, lands that are of biological importance to resident populations of endangered species and habitat. And the taking of land currently used for commercial and visitor serving purpose.
Furthermore, the visual impacts to Rockaway beach have not been adequately discussed. As you will see, the Cal Trans alternatives contain unnecessary elements. thereby adding to the expense and maintenance in their proposed Build Alternatives. Consider these facts:
Calera Parkway DEIR, Sections 1.4 Project Alternatives. The FEIR contains the Graphics of the Project Alternatives: Figure 1.4 The Narrow Median Build & Figure 1.5 The Landscape Median Build.
Comparison of Existing Highway 1 road: The cross sections give the physical dimensions of the existing roadway (in red), and the physical dimensions of each Build Alternative
The Existing SR1 roadway size (shown in Red) is 64 feet wide. ( 2 - 5 ft. shoulders, 4 - 12 ft. lanes and 1- 6 ft. median) Figures 1.4 and 1.5 FEIR
The proposed Narrow Median Build Alternative is 130 feet wide. (4 -10 ft. shoulders, 6 - 12 ft. lanes, 1- 10 ft planter, 1 -2 ft. median, 1- 6 ft. sidewalk) Source: Figure 1.4 Calera Pkwy FEIR
The proposed Landscape Median Build Alternative is 148 feet wide. (4-10 ft. shoulders, 6 -12 ft. lanes, 1- 10ft. planter, 1 - 20 ft. landscape median, 1 - 6 ft. sidewalk) Source: Figure 1.5 Calera Pkwy FEIR
It is obvious both of the Cal Trans Build Alternatives result in a huge expansion of roadway. Highway 1 grows from its current 64 ft. wide, to either 130 ft. or 148 ft. wide. And keep in mind we are adding just one 12 ft. lane. Most of the new roadway is non-essential to the additional lane proposed to help traffic flow.
The existing SR1 roadway dimensions all totaled is 64 feet wide. If CalTrans added 2 - 12 ft. lanes the result would be a Highway 1 roadway of 88 ft. ( including the 2- 5 ft. shoulders) Note: CalTrans should consider consolidating the 2 existing 5 ft. substandard shoulders and make 1— 10 ft. standard shoulder.
The point I am trying to make here is that under the current SR1 widening proposal impacts are being allowed for project elements that are not essential to increasing the capacity of the roadway (improving traffic conditions). Which is the point of the project. The end result of the excess is impacts to coastal biological resources, visitor servicing businesses, existing parking. And a potentially significant visual impact to the entryway into the Rockaway Beach visitor serving district.
Alternative proposals should be undertaken and evaluated. We can find one that removes the non-traffic lane elements, possibly add the additional 12 ft. traffic lane in each direction. This new alternative should be compared and evaluated with others having the least impact. The current Cal Trans Build Alternates are unacceptable for all the reasons stated.
A solution is needed. By working smarter, we can find one or implement those with fewer or no impacts. Lower impact alternatives must be considered and the best adopted before a Coastal Development Permit is issued.
I appreciate your consideration of my comments and opinions regarding the SR1 Calera Creek Parkway widening proposed in Pacifica.
In closing, I feel strongly that the Build Alternatives proposed by Cal Trans will be rejected by the residents of Pacifica. As details of the Cal Trans Alternatives are known, the vast majority will insist on other solutions and/or alternatives.
William "Leo" Leon is a former Pacifica Planning Commissioner