Laguna Beach planning commission reviews Ocean Avenue and Beach Street streetscape concept, presses staff to save mature trees

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission heard a concept review on March 18 for the Ocean Avenue and Beach Street Streetscape Improvements, a public-works project presented by Alpha Santos, project manager for the City of Laguna Beach Public Works and Utilities Department. Santos said the project aims to "establish a thriving pedestrian-forward environment, preserve as much parking as possible, promote a healthy long-term street canopy, and beautify the public right-of-way." The proposed work covers Ocean Avenue between South Coast Highway and Forest Avenue and Beach Street between Broadway and Ocean Avenue.

Commissioners and staff described three primary strategies: phased hardscape replacement to reduce trip-and-fall hazards, tree and tree-well improvements, and the addition of curb extensions or "bump-outs" for traffic calming and safer crossings. Santos said designs incorporate the council's direction to maintain two-way circulation on Lower Ocean while minimizing parking loss; staff narrowed bump-out sizes to avoid removing more than one parking space at several locations and to comply with California…