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Home My WebLink AboutCC 2026-04-14_09f Red Curb Adjustments Huasna RoadItem 9.f. MEMORANDUM TO: City Council FROM: Bill Robeson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works BY: Shannon Sweeney, City Engineer SUBJECT: Red Curb Adjustments, Huasna Road DATE: April 14, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: 1) Adopt a Resolution approving the addition of 15 feet of restricted parking and removal of 77 feet of restricted parking on the north side of Huasna Road just west of Rosewood Lane; and 2) Determine that the action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption because it is a minor alteration of an existing structure that involves negligible or no expansion of the existing use and no exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: Staff estimates up to two hours to repaint approximately 92 feet of curb. The total dollar amount (labor, equipment, and materials) of the recommended change is about $200. This work can be accomplished within the existing staff work schedule. BACKGROUND: Between 1973 and 2001, staff found fifteen references to speeding, pedestrian crossings, and parking concerns along Huasna Road in the vicinity of Strother Park from residents at the former Traffic Commission or City Council, resulting in multiple resolutions, actions, and grants to implement safety improvements. Despite these previous improvements, five accidents were reported in the last six years, one in 2020 resulting in a severe injury. The City was awarded a grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Program to install a protective crosswalk across Huasna Road near Strother Park. The City Council awarded a contract for this work to V. Lopez and Sons on January 27, 2026.1 1https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=b0e57ebf -a6f0-427b-b090- fa1bdfeff273&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=50&Tab=attachments Page 46 of 406 Item 9.f. City Council Red Curb Adjustments, Huasna Road April 14, 2026 Page 2 Specific to the red curb, at a Traffic Commission meeting on November 15, 1979, the Parks and Recreation Commission requested that the Traffic Commission study the Huasna Road area adjacent to Strother Park regarding pedestrian safety, speed, and traffic flow to and from the park. At the time, City staff recommended that parking be eliminated on Huasna Road adjacent to the park, that parking be eliminated on the four lots directly across the street from the park, and that crosswalks be painted on the street with large pedestrian crossing signs posted and appropriate pavement markings. At their subsequent meeting on December 13, 1979, the Traffic Commission recommended to the City Council that no parking zones be establish ed on the southerly side of Huasna Road adjacent to Strother Park and on the northerly side of Huasna Road adjacent to 102 and 103 Rosewood Lane and 101 and 102 Pearwood Avenue. City staff were not able to find a City Council Resolution designating these reserved spaces. As required by Municipal Code section 10.16.080, “the Council shall determine the location of all reserved spaces. No such reserved spaces shall be marked as such until the Council adopts resolution specifically designating the space to so be reserved.” The prepared Resolution documents the City Council’s intent to remove existing reserved spaces in light of the installation of the new crosswalk. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The City of Arroyo Grande Active Transportation Plan, adopted by the City Council on January 28, 2025,2 lists recommended pedestrian improvements. One of those improvements is to consider installing curb extensions and other improvements for safe pedestrian crossing on Huasna Road at Rosewood Lane. Because Huasna Road is over 60 feet wide and vehicles from the county travel at high speeds, City staff identified a refuge island as a critical component for safe pedestrian travel. A refuge island enables pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic flow at a time. City staff evaluated multiple locations for these improvements. Staff determined that the best location for the crosswalk is in front of 1159 Huasna Road. The curb extension component of the new crosswalk at that location eliminates approximately two street parking spots. Attachment 2 shows the final layout. 77 feet of red curb currently exists on Huasna Road just east of Rosewood Lane. Staff recommends painting 15 feet of red curb, just before the bulb-out, as the Daylighting Law (AB413) prohibits parking within 15 feet prior to a crosswalk where a curb extension is present. 2https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=a9ffd954-d3f0-4b51-9ea9- 4dcb521e64ac&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=69&Tab=attachments Page 47 of 406 Item 9.f. City Council Red Curb Adjustments, Huasna Road April 14, 2026 Page 3 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration: 1. Adopt a Resolution to add 15 feet of red curb just before the new bulbout and remove 77 feet of red curb on the north side of Huasna Road just west of Rosewood Lane; 2. Do not adopt the Resolution and make no changes to the existing red curb; or 3. Provide other direction to staff. ADVANTAGES: The improved pedestrian crosswalk being constructed, which includes bulb-outs, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, a refuge island, additional signage, and improved striping, eliminates the need for a portion of the existing red curb, which was installed over 40 years ago to improve pedestrian crossing safety. Given that the new crosswalk’s bulb-out eliminates two street parking spaces, removing this red curb restores three parking spots, thereby removing a negative aspect of the new crosswalk for the adjacent property owners. DISADVANTAGES: No disadvantage has been identified. Eliminating the red curb can be absorbed within existing staff time. The new crosswalk eliminates the need for a portion of this parking restriction. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Adopting a Resolution to add 15 feet of red curb and remove 77 feet of restricted parking on the north side of Huasna Road just west of Rosewood Lane is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) Further, the City finds that none of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution 2. Previous crosswalk layout - (what is being constructed) Page 48 of 406 ATTACHMENT 1 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE ADDITION OF 15 FEET AND REMOVAL OF 77 FEET OF RESTRICTED PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HUASNA ROAD JUST WEST OF ROSEWOOD LANE WHEREAS, between 1973 and 2001, Staff found fifteen references to speeding, pedestrian crossings, and parking concerns along Huasna Road in the vicinity of Strother Park from residents at the former Traffic Commission or City Council, resulting in multiple resolutions, actions, and grants to implement safety improvements; and WHEREAS, in 1979, no parking zones were established on the southern side of Huasna Road adjacent to Strother Park and on the northern side of Huasna Road adjacent to 102 and 103 Rosewood Lane and 101 and 102 Pearwood Avenue; and WHEREAS, despite these previous improvements, five accidents were reported on Huasna Road near Strother Park in the last six years, one in 2020 resulting in a severe injury; and WHEREAS, the City was awarded a grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Program to install a protective crosswalk across Huasna Road near Strother Park; and WHEREAS, City staff identified a refuge island as a critical component for safe pedestrian travel at this location. A refuge island enables pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic flow at a time; and WHEREAS, the locations for this crosswalk were studied, and the only location that provided adequate turning movements for vehicles is in front of 1159 Huasna Road; and WHEREAS, the curb extension of the crossing at that location eliminates approximately two street parking spots; and WHEREAS, the improved pedestrian crosswalk being constructed, which includes bulb - outs, rapid rectangular flashing beacons, a refuge island, additional signage, and improved striping eliminates the need for the extent of the existing red curb, which was installed over 40 years ago in an attempt to improve pedestrian crossing safety and restores street parking lost as a result of the curb extension. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande does hereby approve the addition of 15 feet and removal of 77 feet of restricted parking on the north side of Huasna Road just west of Rosewood Lane. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande does hereby determine that the addition of 15 feet and removal of 77 feet of restricted parking on the north side of Huasna Road just west of Ros ewood Lane is categorically exempt Page 49 of 406 RESOLUTION NO. PAGE 2 from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) Further, the City Council finds that none of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply. On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and on the following roll call vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 14th day of April, 2026. Page 50 of 406 RESOLUTION NO. PAGE 3 CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR ATTEST: JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: MATTHEW DOWNING, CITY MANAGER APPROVED AS TO FORM: ISAAC ROSEN, CITY ATTORNEY Page 51 of 406 R os e w oo d Ln . Hua s n a R d 22.55' P A R KE N T R A N C E ENGINEERING DIVISION CHECKED BY:DRAWN BY:DATE: 9/9/24 JB SS 0030'60' ATTACHMENT 2 KKC No space for turn lane. Cars turning left will block through traffic and create backup/ potential accident. Only 1 car can turn at a time and will cause traffic to back up. Potentially queue 1 car, but could cause accident. Page 52 of 406 R ose w ood Ln. H ua sna R d 22.55' P A R KE N T R A N C E ENGINEERING DIVISION CHECKED BY:DRAWN BY:DATE: 9/9/24 JB SS 0030'60' KKC No cars can queue. Only 1 car can turn at a time and will cause traffic to back up. No space for turn lane. Cars turning left will block through traffic and create backup/ potential accident. Page 53 of 406 R ose w ood Ln. H ua sna R d P A R KE N T R A N C E <-<-<- ENGINEERING DIVISION CHECKED BY:DRAWN BY:DATE: 9/9/24 JB SSKKC No left turn for all residents on Rosewood Lane. Page 54 of 406 Power Pole Guy Wire Above Ground Electrical Box bulb out revised to address drainage and garbage can placement Red Curb to be removed for street parking if approved by city council. cars can queue to turn Page 55 of 406