Capitola council restores pre‑quick‑build traffic pattern at Bay Avenue and Hill Street

The Capitola City Council voted Thursday to return the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection to its previous lane configuration after a yearlong trial of a “quick‑build” road‑diet layout aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

Council members approved the restoration (Option 2) by roll call; Council members Orbach, Westman, Vice Mayor Morgan and Mayor Clark voted in favor, and Council member Johnson was recused from the item. The motion also included direction to fund a senior crossing flag program through the city’s community grants process if needed.

Council staff framed the vote as a choice between maintaining a short‑term “quick‑build” configuration installed in July 2024 and reverting to the earlier four‑lane geometry while the city’s Bay Avenue corridor study advances toward a permanent design. “By council request, we're bringing this item to you this evening and an update on the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection,” City staff said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the intersection has drawn repeated complaints from residents and businesses about congestion and safety. Staff and consultants presented traffic and crash data showing a mix of concerns: the Bay/Hill intersection carries roughly 2,000 vehicles per hour at the evening peak, while a nearby segment of 40 First Avenue carries more traffic (about 5,000 vehicles per hour total, reported as roughly 3,700 northbound and 1,450 southbound). Crash records cited in the presentation showed 32…