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Capitola council approves April town hall on Coastal Rail Trail and Park Avenue alignment
Summary
The Capitola City Council voted to approve a city-hosted town hall meeting April 2 to present information and gather public questions on the Coastal Rail Trail project, with staff proposing outreach, pre-submitted Q&A and a recorded two-hour session focused on Park Avenue alignment and related topics.
The Capitola City Council on March 13 approved a staff proposal to host a city‑noticed town hall meeting about the Coastal Rail Trail on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Center.
City staff said the town hall is intended to provide updates on use of the trestle, long‑term impacts, an overview of the rail‑trail project in Capitola and answers to pre‑submitted questions. The meeting will be noticed as a city council meeting so all council members may attend, but staff said council would not take action that night.
Staff recommended posting informational materials 12 days before the event, accepting public questions online from March 19–31, and permitting two‑minute public comments during a 45‑minute public comment period. Staff proposed random selection of speaker cards to ensure broad participation, livestreaming if technology allows, and recording the meeting for later viewing on the city website and YouTube channel.
Councilmembers debated how tightly to limit the agenda. Several members and members of the public urged prioritizing discussion of the Park Avenue alignment (segments 10 and 11), budget/funding implications and capacity/security at the chosen venue. Councilmember comments ranged from preferring council members not to ask questions at the town hall so as to leave time for public comment, to wanting a brief opportunity for council remarks. Staff told the council it had coordinated with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) on an item list and expected the materials to be posted by March 21.
Public speakers at the March 13 meeting urged the city to approve the town hall and to ensure clear information about the Park Avenue proposed realignment and funding timelines. Speakers included residents and advocates who argued the Park Avenue alignment could be implemented sooner under existing grants, while other commenters emphasized safety, disability access and the potential for passenger rail.
The Council voted by roll call to approve the town hall meeting plan and outreach strategy.
What happens next: staff said it will host the April 2 town hall as an informational session, record it, and return to council on April 17 for a final decision on the Park Avenue alignment. Staff also told the council it will continue follow‑up outreach and can schedule additional public meetings if the council or community requests more in‑depth discussion.
