Capitola residents push for Park Avenue traffic calming project amidst funding concerns

The Capitola City Council held a regular meeting on February 27, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, primarily focusing on the Park Avenue traffic calming project and community concerns regarding transparency in city communications.

The meeting began with public comments, where resident Paula Bridal advocated for the Park Avenue traffic calming and multi-use path project. She emphasized the benefits of this initiative, including improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians, better neighborhood access, and minimal disruption to local wildlife. Bridal urged the council to move forward quickly to secure funding from the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), warning that delays could result in a less effective solution involving only painted lines and sharrows.

Following Bridal, Matt Farrell expressed his appreciation for the recent addition of lighted artwork at the corner of Cliff and Wharf Road but raised concerns about a letter from the city manager to the RTC. He criticized the lack of transparency in the communication process, suggesting that such matters should be discussed openly during council meetings.

Jim Weller also addressed the council, referencing the previous meeting's decision to postpone discussions on the Park Avenue alignment and the scheduling of a town hall meeting. He defended the city staff's efforts to comply with the council's request for public engagement and clarified that the Brown Act would not prevent council members from attending the town hall as long as they did not engage in council business.

Lonnie Faulkner, another resident, supported the town hall meeting and the recommended option for the trail along Park Avenue. He highlighted the importance of representing the broader community, noting that many residents, including working families and seniors, had expressed their opposition to Measure D, which sought to rail bank and remove the tracks.

The meeting concluded with a clear call for continued public engagement and transparency in city matters, particularly regarding the Park Avenue project. The council is expected to follow up on the discussions and community feedback in future meetings.