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Carlsbad panel approves Avenida Encinas street improvements to complete a segment of the Coastal Rail Trail
Summary
The Planning Commission approved plans to fully improve a middle stretch of Avenida Encinas near the Poinsettia Coaster Station, adopting an initial study and mitigated negative declaration with mitigation measures for biological, cultural and paleontological resources.
The City of Carlsbad Planning Commission on Jan. 21 unanimously approved a city‑led project to improve a middle stretch of Avenida Encinas, adding complete‑street features, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and a section of the Coastal Rail Trail near the Poinsettia Coaster Station.
Senior Planner Scott Donnell presented the proposal and recommended adoption of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and approval of the coastal development and habitat management plan permits. Donnell said the project would provide a uniform street width, fill gaps in sidewalks and bike lanes, add mid‑block crossings with flashing beacons and underground utilities in the right of way. "This project would close a missing segment of the Coastal Rail Trail and enable a continuous trail from Cannon Road to Carlsbad Boulevard," Donnell said.
Staff said the initial study found potential impacts to biological resources (including a cactus bumble bee), tribal cultural resources, construction noise and paleontological resources; mitigation measures and monitoring requirements are part of the permit conditions. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Coastal Commission, the San Diego County Archaeological Society and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians submitted comments during public review; staff responded and incorporated measures such as targeted surveys and tribal consultation steps.
There were no public commenters on this item. Commissioners asked staff for additional plan details and a striping plan for on‑street parking; staff showed plan exhibits and agreed to provide striping details during permit processing. Commissioner Fitzgerald, who said she lives near the corridor, called the improvements "super exciting" for safety and connectivity.
Staff estimated the project will take about seven months to construct and begin later this year; the commission approved the initial study/mitigated negative declaration and the required coastal and habitat permits and voted to adopt staff’s recommended resolutions.
