Commission tables La Mesa–El Portal intersection redesign after mixed neighborhood feedback

Staff returned to the commission with design alternatives for the intersection where La Mesa meets North and South El Portal after resident requests for clearer traffic control. Traffic engineer Abe (staff) described prior community meetings and several schematic options, including a three‑leg configuration that reassigns right‑of‑way and near‑term paint/striping changes to clarify movement and pedestrian crossings.

Residents who spoke at the meeting offered differing views. Several long‑time residents opposed adding stop signs or other controls that they said would reduce parking and create queuing; they urged minimal changes such as painted crosswalks and red‑curb enforcement at sight‑lines. Other commenters suggested removing pavement in small triangular gore areas to reduce future maintenance costs and to create more informal parking. Deputy Belzer (Sheriff's Office) explained how collisions are reported and that current police crash forms do not consistently distinguish e‑bikes from pedal bicycles.

Commission discussion noted there was no collision history that would legally require a stop sign; staff said a stop‑sign warrant analysis had not been met. Commissioners generally favored letting residents weigh in further: the commission voted to table the item and direct staff to seek broader community input and return with additional outreach results. The tabling motion passed unanimously on a verbal roll call vote. Staff said they would mail alternatives to neighbors and return the item with more complete community feedback before advancing a recommendation to city council.

Ending

Staff will conduct expanded community outreach and return with resident responses and any revised alternatives; the commission left the "do nothing" alternative on the table as a legitimate outcome.