Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Active Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts mitigated negative declaration for Niblick Road bike‑ped enhancements, asks for design refinements
Summary
The council adopted a CEQA mitigated negative declaration for the Niblick Road Complete and Sustainable Bike/Pedestrian Enhancements project, approving the environmental findings and directing staff to refine design elements (gateways, fencing, wall treatments and bus stop improvements) with additional public input.
The City Council unanimously adopted a mitigated negative declaration (MND) and mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the Niblick Road Complete and Sustainable Bike and Pedestrian Enhancements project on March 18, allowing the project to proceed under the Caltrans grant that funds the work.
Planner Katie (staff) summarized the project scope: a continuous, separated 10‑foot multi‑use path on the north side of Niblick Road from Spring Street to Creston Road, detached from the roadway with a vertical edge and protective fencing in places, improved bus stops and streetscape treatments, and several gateway treatments near Spring Street and Creston Road. The project addresses sidewalk gaps (about a half‑mile gap noted between Rambele and Creston) and safety concerns around Paso Robles High School; staff said Caltrans awarded about $14 million in grant funding for the project in 2022.
The nut graf: adoption of the MND preserves the grant funding timeline; staff asked council to adopt the environmental clearance while also directing staff on aesthetic and design preferences. During discussion council members and members of the public raised questions about gateway treatments, wall and fence materials, graffiti resistance, bus stop siting, and whether local artists and groups (including artist Dale Evers, who spoke during public comment) should be consulted. Staff recommended adopting the MND to remain on schedule and further refining design through additional public input and potential steering or advisory committee work.
The council adopted the MND (SCH 2024120426) by unanimous vote and gave staff direction to return with refined design options and a process for selecting and reviewing aesthetic elements; staff suggested a planning commission subcommittee, a design steering committee or additional public workshops as options for that work.
Ending: Staff said the project will move next into the design phase; council direction aims to ensure community and arts input on design while preserving CEQA clearance and grant eligibility.
