Incorporating smart growth designs into new development is paying off for a number of cities and communities throughout the region. In September 2005, SANDAG approved 16 local projects to receive $22.47 million in funding as part of the agencys Pilot Smart Growth Incentive Program.
This innovative pilot program is based on the SANDAG Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) using funding incentives to encourage coordinated regional planning to bring transit service, housing, and employment together in smart growth development. There was a $2 million cap per project. A longer-term, smart growth incentive program is being funded through the local TransNet half-cent sales tax program. It will provide approximately $5 million in FY 2009 and grow over time as sales tax revenues increase.
The smart growth projects that received funding in the Smart Growth Incentive Program Pilot Program include:
- University Avenue Mobility Project, City of San Diego Improvements along the University Avenue transit corridor such as pedestrian pop-outs; new and upgraded traffic signals and street signage; enhanced pedestrian crossings with in-pavement flashers; and new bike racks. Grant amount: $2 million
- Park Boulevard at Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge, Centre City Development Corporation Construction of a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive in the East Village Ballpark District. This project is under construction. Grant amount: $2 million
- Grossmont Trolley Station Pedestrian Enhancements, City of La Mesa and Metropolitan Transit System Pedestrian improvements at the station such as elevators and stairs to a bridge that will allow pedestrians and transit users to safely access nearby employment and entertainment centers. Construction will begin in the 2009. Grant amount: $2 million
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- Washington and Goldfinch Intersection Pedestrian Improvement Project, City of San Diego Pedestrian pop-outs, enhanced crosswalks and sidewalks, lighted bollards, trees, landscaping, transit shelter, bike racks, upgraded traffic signals, and enhanced medians. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $684,000
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- Bird Rock Traffic Management Plan, City of San Diego Improvements in the La Jolla Bird Rock neighborhood such as modern roundabouts, a raised landscaped median, diagonal parking, new pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, and transit facility improvements. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $2 million
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- Palomar Gateway Community Transit Area Project, City of Chula Vista Street enhancements along Palomar Street and Industrial Boulevard and improvements to the Palomar Transit Station and its surroundings. Grant amount: $2 million
- Fountain Plaza Promenade, National City Construction of a central square for outdoor markets and fairs complete with fountain, streetlights, landscaping, benches, and bicycle facilities. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $258,000
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Allison Avenue-University Avenue Pedestrian Enhancements, City of La Mesa Improvements to the pedestrian environment along Allison and University Avenues within downtown La Mesa, including upgraded sidewalks, crosswalks, trees, lighting, and transit loop upgrades. Work is underway on this project, which will be completed in phases. Grant amount: $1,994,000.
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Mid-City Urban Trail & SR-15 Bikeway, City of San Diego Pedestrian and bicycle right-of-way improvements along I-15 in the Mid-City area such as widened pedestrian paths and upgraded lighting; street furniture; and bicycle signage, striping, and signal enhancements. Portions of this project are complete. Grant amount: $1.6 million
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Commercial Street Streetscape Project, City of San Diego New sidewalks, curbs, trees, light, furniture, traffic calming devices, a gateway element, and public plazas around the perimeter of a proposed mixed use/mixed income development in Logan Heights. Grant amount: $1.5 million
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National City Boulevard Sidewalk and Street Lighting Improvement Project, National City Rehabilitation of a 6.5-block area of National City Boulevard, including replacement of sidewalks, and the installation of decorative streetlights, trees and shrubbery, and benches. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $1,022,000
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Old Palm Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project, City of Imperial Beach Pedestrian-oriented enhancements such as upgraded sidewalks and crosswalks, improved landscaping, and traffic calming features in the area. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $1,000,000
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National City Boulevard Median and Landscape Improvement Project, National City Installation of medians and landscaping in National City Boulevard from 7th Street to Division Street to improve traffic safety and visual aesthetics. This project has been completed. Grant amount: $720,000
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Maple Street Pedestrian Plaza, City of Escondido Reconstruction of a two-lane through street into a short two-lane cul-de-sac ending in a large pedestrian plaza in the citys downtown area. This project should begin construction in the fall of 2010. Grant amount: $945,000
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25th Street Renaissance Project, City of San Diego Revitalization of six block area of 25th Street north of SR 94, including pedestrian amenities, traffic calming, streetscape improvements, and parking. Grant amount: $1,425,000
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Grand Avenue/El Mercado Project, City of Escondido Pedestrian lighting on Grand Avenue through the downtown area, reconstruction of Grand Avenue from Centre City to Quince in the Mercado area to include decorative paving and sidewalks. This project will be constructed in 2010. Grant amount: $1,320,000 |
