City planners unveil Thirteenth Street Corridor improvement plan; outreach continues

City planning staff and the city’s consultant presented an update on the Thirteenth Street Corridor Improvement Plan at the Oct. 15 council meeting, describing outreach to date, an existing-conditions analysis and next steps.

City Associate Planner Reyna Ayala said the project, funded in part by a SANDAG housing-acceleration grant, aims to catalyze reinvestment, improve safety and increase housing options along the corridor. Consultant Diego Velasco summarized outreach: a postcard campaign, pop-up events and stakeholder interviews produced 71 survey responses so far; staff said the team aims to reach 100 or more responses ahead of a December open house.

The existing-conditions analysis found 31 collisions on the corridor from 2019 to 2023 (including pedestrian and bicycle collisions) and identified traffic safety, lighting and pedestrian crossings as top community concerns. A market analysis projected moderate demand for smaller for-sale townhomes, garden apartments and two- to three-story stacked flats rather than taller podium-style buildings.

Speakers from the public and several councilmembers urged expanded outreach (door-to-door contact and mailers to residents), more clarity about parking and traffic impacts, and greater explanation of state and regional mandates that shape complete-streets components. Staff said the plan will explore mixed-use corners, infill opportunities, improved lighting, marked crossings, street trees and placemaking features, and will return with design concepts to the design review board and council early next year.

Next scheduled outreach includes a builders’ breakfast, a Chamber of Commerce presentation and a public open house in December.