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Seaside council approves one-way conversion on Contra Costa to improve downtown circulation
Summary
Council approved a resolution to convert Contra Costa Street to one-way southbound with angled parking after staff and the Traffic Advisory Committee argued it improves circulation and reduces risky left turns; business owners and some residents raised access and parking concerns.
Seaside’s City Council voted on June 4 to approve a resolution converting Contra Costa Street to one‑way southbound between West Broadway and Palm Avenue and to install angled parking to improve circulation and pedestrian safety in the downtown business district.
Thomas Corman, the city’s public works director, explained the change follows recommendations in a 2022 DKS parking and circulation study and subsequent Traffic Advisory Committee review. The design calls for angled parking to access Parking Lot No. 1, removal of a stop sign at one intersection, and new regulatory signage (do‑not‑enter and no‑right‑turn signs) to prevent prohibited turns at Palm Avenue.
Corman said the study and field checks found localized parking shortages during events and a history of a small number of collisions tied to left‑turn conflicts; he reported roughly four accidents in the study area over the past two years linked to left turns at intersections between Broadway and Palm.
The proposal divided downtown business owners and residents. Deja Blue’s owner, Daryl Choute, supported the plan, calling it “a win‑win” that helps circulation and downtown parking during events. Several businesses and property owners, including the owner of Acme Coffee, opposed the change, arguing alley access is narrow and that restricting left turns could reduce customer access or create lengthy detours.
Council members debated tradeoffs between preserving direct two‑way access and improving circulation and pedestrian safety; the police chief told the council that although reported crashes in the area are limited, the left turn from Contra Costa onto Broadway creates a visible hazard and close calls.
After discussion the council approved the resolution (voice vote) to implement the one‑way southbound conversion and angled parking; staff will proceed with striping, signage changes and notification to nearby property owners and will monitor impacts and enforcement needs after implementation.
The conversion is intended to slow traffic, reduce conflicting turning movements, and improve access to downtown parking, particularly during events; staff said parking-striping and enforcement measures will be used to preserve the number and usability of on‑street spaces.
