Why this matters
“Streetscape” is defined as the appearance or view of a street, and is often referred to by planners as a way to design sidewalks and roads in a way to calm traffic, improve walkability, and upgrade the overall use of a public right-of-way. Studies suggest ways of designing and building high-quality public spaces via streetscaping can improve quality of life.
An additional $1 million in state funding will help pay for a multiyear project to make streetscape upgrades in La Jolla’s downtown area.
The grant will go toward the first phase of the $15 million project along Girard Avenue, which includes improved sidewalks, landscaping and more. The city of San Diego’s Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee formally approved the grant last month.
The La Jolla Community Foundation is overseeing the project. So far, it has raised $2.2 million from donations and received a $20,000 grant from San Diego County for its first of four phases of construction.
Along Girard between Silverado and Prospect streets, crews plan to install several infrastructure and landscaping upgrades, including new stormwater drain channels; more street lighting; dozens of new benches and trees; and “traffic calming” improvements to crosswalks.
Duncan Hughes, deputy director in the city’s transportation department, told the committee the project aims to reenergize the economy and walkability of La Jolla’s Village retail area.
So far, Hughes said the foundation has already spent about half a million dollars on architects, landscaping designers, civil engineering services, lighting design and environmental surveys. The foundation aims to continue fundraising and applying for more grants, he said.
Joe LaCava, who sits on the committee, said officials may seek federal funding for the project, too. The councilmember, whose district includes La Jolla, said the upgrades are “long overdue.”
“It’s certainly something I think all of the council has a goal to extend to every merchant district across our city, especially our older neighborhoods, but we can only do ’em one bite at a time,” LaCava said.
Lidia Rossner, the La Jolla Community Foundation’s executive director, estimates the first phase of the construction will begin in mid-September but could be postponed to January to avoid disruption of businesses during the holiday season. Construction will start on Girard from Prospect to Wall Street.
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
