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Residents protest replacement of Santa Clara Avenue cul‑de‑sac barrier; council says staff will follow up
Summary
Neighbors told the council the city replaced a tasteful cul‑de‑sac barrier on Santa Clara Avenue with a utilitarian gate without notice. Residents asked for redesign, guarantees against through‑traffic for festivals and better transparency; staff and council said they will follow up with residents.
Dana Point — Multiple residents of Santa Clara Avenue told the City Council on Jan. 21 that a cul‑de‑sac barrier at the north end of the street was removed and replaced with what they called an unsightly, potentially dangerous gate without prior public notice.
Resident Kelly Chapman said the barrier had been in place for 25 years and that its replacement removed a cul‑de‑sac amenity that she and other neighbors value. “The only benefit we can see is gonna be that a handful of tourists that find street parking,” Chapman said, and she asked when the city would begin restoring a more “tasteful” gate.
Bruce Gordon, president of the Las Marianas Homeowners Association, told the council the city’s lack of disclosure was “disingenuous” and urged the council to provide a plan to remediate the gate and guarantees that the neighborhood will not become an unintended through route during future festivals.
Craig McCall raised safety concerns about overgrown pine trees that border Heritage Park behind his home and said the trees create cover for illicit activity; McCall said he had previously asked the city for maintenance and offered to pay to remove or replace trees with the city’s permission.
City staff and council members acknowledged the residents’ concerns. Staff said the city is listening and will pursue conversations with the residents and involved departments. When asked about timing, staff said the item was not on the agenda and would require follow‑up; council members who visited the site said they would continue to work with residents on design and traffic handling for festivals.
Why it matters: Residents said the barrier’s replacement affects neighborhood character, home values and safety. The council has not approved a specific remedial plan or timeline at the meeting; residents asked for quicker communication and a path to restore the prior appearance.
What’s next: Staff and councilmembers said they will meet with residents and return with options for redesign and traffic handling for special events; no formal vote or timeline was set at the meeting.
