Placerville planners field strong public opposition to 'Trip to Green' traffic project as Section 106 consultation begins

The Placerville Planning Commission on Oct. 7 heard extended public comment objecting to early-stage plans for the federally funded “Trip to Green” project, which would install permanent traffic-management infrastructure and a proposed pedestrian overcrossing at Canal Street along U.S. 50.

Staff said the item before the commission was an initial Section 106/NEPA consultation request focused on effects to historic properties; commissioners and staff urged interested parties to provide written comments to the consultant, and the commission asked staff to summarize comments for review at the commission’s next meeting.

Carol Kendrick, the city’s director of development services, told the commission the project is in a preliminary environmental phase and that letters seeking input were sent to identified consulting parties. “At this time, we are just seeking initial comments, but it really does just begin the process,” Kendrick said.

Several longtime merchants and residents urged the commission to oppose design elements that they said would divert traffic off Main Street and reduce customer visits. Greg Rezak, identifying himself with Placerville Antiques…