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Gilroy commissioners back grant applications for sidewalks and a Monterey Road traffic signal
Summary
Staff will submit OBAG4 and CARE grant applications for sidewalk repairs on Carmel and 6th Streets and a traffic signal on Monterey Road; commissioners approved a letter of support for the CARE pedestrian project.
The Gilroy Planning Commission reviewed the Metropolitan Transportation Commission Complete Streets checklist on July 16 and supported staff’s plan to apply for federal OBAG4 and CARE grant funds to fund pedestrian and safety projects.
City engineer Nisha Patel presented three projects proposed for grant funding: (1) a new sidewalk on Carmel Street between 1st and 2nd streets and associated accessibility upgrades; (2) repairs and curb‑ramp replacements on 6th Street between Princeville and Carmel streets; and (3) a traffic signal on Monterey Road at IOOF to improve safety near South Valley Middle School and Gilroy Prep. The Monterey Road sidewalk from Lucchesa to 10th was presented as an OBAG‑eligible project (approximately 3,000 linear feet with some segments already constructed), and the IOOF signal would improve motorist and pedestrian circulation near transit and schools.
Patel said OBAG requires a minimum local match of about 11.47% while the CARE grant requires no local match. Commissioners had no substantive objections and asked technical questions about ramp compliance and project reach; there were no public speakers on the item. The commission approved staff’s draft letter of support for the CARE grant project and asked that the signed letter be put on city letterhead for the application.
If awarded, the grants would fund design and construction to improve pedestrian access in equity priority neighborhoods identified in the city’s Community‑Based Transportation Plan.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the commission’s feedback, finalize the Complete Streets checklist, add the signed letter of support to the CARE application and submit grant packages before the program deadlines.
