Santa Ana council approves CEQA step for Fairview Street project; orders study of Samueli traffic and to explore protected bike lanes

The Santa Ana City Council voted 4-3 on Feb. 4 to approve a California Environmental Quality Act determination that clears the way to pursue right‑of‑way funding for the Fairview Street Improvements Project between 17th Street and Trask Street.

The motion authorizes staff to apply for right‑of‑way funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority and proceeds on a project description that includes widening Fairview, adding six‑foot bike lanes each direction (no buffer in the base design) and acquiring four full parcels to create the needed roadway footprint. Councilmembers also directed staff to explore adding a Class 4 (physically protected) bike lane in the segment and to study traffic impacts around Samueli Academy before final design.

Councilmember Phil Becerra, who moved the item, began the discussion by asking whether the city has made purchase offers to the four properties identified in the staff report. "Has the city made any offers to purchase those properties at this point?" he asked. Public Works Director Nabil Saba replied, "No," and confirmed staff’s intention is to pursue full acquisitions of two properties on Huckleberry Road and two on Strawberry Lane to accommodate the project’s right‑of‑way.

The staff presentation and subsequent exchange clarified that the project is at roughly 90 percent design and that the current project description limits curb‑to‑curb width to an ultimate right‑of‑way that allows six‑foot unprotected bike lanes. "We are taking some properties to widen Fairview," Saba said, adding the project would implement Vision Zero recommendations at the frequently cited dangerous intersection of Fairview and Westminster, using items such as truck aprons, hardened centerline treatments and high‑visibility crosswalks.

Assistant City Manager Ty, responding to questions about CEQA timing, said, "The short answer is yes. You generally require a full project description to describe the scope of the work," and clarified that CEQA review must study the full impacts of the described scope even if some final engineering details remain to be completed.

Council debate focused on three themes: (1) the scope and timing of design and CEQA review, (2) the city’s plan to acquire private homes and what will happen to any remnant parcels, and (3) safety improvements at the Fairview/17th/Trask area. Councilmember Jesse Lopez and Councilmember Vicente Hernandez voted against the motion, citing concerns about moving forward before final design and the displacement of residents during a housing affordability crisis. Lopez said she was uncomfortable approving right‑of‑way acquisition without a final design to show neighbors and asked for stronger assurances on relocation processes. Hernandez likewise urged rapid convening of the study of impacts and advocated that any protected‑lane work be carefully pursued.

Mayor Valeria Mesquah and Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez backed the motion, emphasizing the need to seek external funding from OCTA and to advance a project that city staff says will add sidewalks and pedestrian safety measures where none exist today. Councilmember Fan also supported moving forward and noted that obtaining funding opportunities requires a CEQA determination to be in place.

The final motion, moved by Councilmember Becerra and seconded by Mayor Mesquah, passed 4-3. Nays were recorded by Councilmembers Hernandez, Lopez and Penalosa. The council’s approval adopts the staff CEQA determination for the Fairview Street Improvements Project and includes direction to: (1) pursue OCTA right‑of‑way funding; (2) further study the feasibility of a Class 4 protected bike lane in the corridor; and (3) evaluate traffic impacts and potential mitigation measures at Samueli Academy and nearby school crossings before finalizing design.

Next steps described by staff include completing the environmental paperwork required by CEQA, submitting funding applications for right‑of‑way acquisition, and refining design details — including whether a protected bike lane can fit within the ultimate right‑of‑way or would require additional property takes. Staff said remnant parcels resulting from full acquisitions would be offered to adjacent property owners or retained as city open space if no transfer is possible.

The council action does not award contracts or finalize property purchases; those would return to the council for future approvals. The vote authorizes the environmental determination and the funding application pathway that staff says is necessary to secure right‑of‑way funds and proceed toward construction.

The item generated sustained debate over design completeness and potential displacement; multiple council members asked staff to ensure homeowners receive market‑value compensation and that relocation assistance and community outreach be carried out before acquisitions are completed.