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Neighbors and council clash over Cross Avenue traffic study; council tables action for more analysis
Summary
A traffic study recommended an all-way stop at Cross & Brentwood as an interim measure toward a future signal, but neighbors and several council members argued it overlooks high-speed conditions and pedestrian-safety needs at Quailo/Cross; council voted to table the item and asked staff for further options and community-informed calming measures.
A staff-commissioned traffic study recommended a signal at Cross Avenue & Brentwood and suggested a multiway stop as an interim measure; at Cross & Coelho staff recommended parking restrictions to improve sight distance. The transportation-management team and consultant 4 Creeks prepared the findings under the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Multiple residents, including Steve Solentano, told council there have been fatalities and serious collisions near Cross and Coelho/Quailo and questioned whether the consultant's methodology captured local conditions. "Most cars will do between 10 and 15 miles more than the speed limit," Solentano said, arguing the study does not reflect what neighbors experience.
Councilmembers said the study uses conventional warrant-based engineer methods that rely on existing pedestrian counts and collision data, which can create a "chicken-or-egg" problem if parents keep children from crossing because traffic is already unsafe. Several council members asked staff to re-check police collision records and explore supplemental calming measures such as lane narrowing, bulb-outs, chicanes, or other traffic-calming and streetscape approaches.
Given the disagreement, councilmember Maderos moved to table item 12.2 so staff can return with additional options and evidence; the motion to table carried on a recorded voice vote (reported 3-0). Staff said they will consult with the police to verify collision data, evaluate alternative roadway calming designs and present findings before implementing any interim stop-control treatments.
