Business Owner Speaks Out Against Bulb-Outs on Milpas

A news conference aims to demonstrate how the curb extensions would affect traffic

Jim Westby holds a news conference Tuesday to explain his opposition to proposed curb extensions as part of a mixed-use development project at the corner of Milpas and De La Guerra streets. He says the so-called
Jim Westby holds a news conference Tuesday to explain his opposition to proposed curb extensions as part of a mixed-use development project at the corner of Milpas and De La Guerra streets. He says the so-called “bulb-outs” would have far-reaching effects on traffic traveling on Milpas Street. (Lara Cooper / Noozhawk photo)

By Lara Cooper, Noozhawk Staff Writer | Published on 03.15.2010

  • E-mail
  • Print this page Print
  • Post | View Comments (1)
    • Share
 

In front of a dozen reporters and residents on Monday, Rick Feldman and Jim Westby made their case against bulb-outs, which they say would impede traffic on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara.

A mixed-use project slated for the corner of Milpas and De La Guerra streets was the subject of the discussion, though Feldman and Westby aren’t taking issue with the entire project, only the proposed curb extensions.

At Monday’s news conference, Westby outlined where the extensions would go, if approved. A line of pink chalk extended 6 feet from the curb into the road, and many trucks turning left from Milpas onto De La Guerra passed over the imaginary curb.

Feldman is a business owner at the Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory, at 1 S. Milpas St., and though his business is several blocks from the site, he said impeded traffic on the north portion would affect the rest of the street.

“No matter where you are on Milpas, you have to be concerned about traffic flow, or lack thereof,” he said.

Last month, the city Planning Commission voted 3-1 to support the plans, in spite of Feldman’s public comment opposing the addition of the curb extensions.

The project will go before the City Council on March 23, and Feldman said he’s still getting letters of support from people against the project.

“If you take a good look here, you’ll see that no one is going the speed limit,” he said, gesturing to the traffic on the street behind the gathered crowd.

City transportation planners estimate that about 10,000 traffic trips per day pass by the Milpas and De La Guerra intersections.

But Feldman has another issue to take up with the city: how and when residents are notified of projects in their neighborhoods.

Westby, a neighborhood activist and supporter of Feldman, said they haven’t seen any accident data on the intersection, and contends the bikers are forced into the flow of traffic.

“We have bicyclists tell us they’re very concerned,” Westby said. “We just don’t think that’s good traffic planning.”

The City Council will address the appeal at 2 p.m. March 23 in the City Hall Chambers, 735 Anacapa St.

— Noozhawk staff writer Lara Cooper can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Comments

Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.

You must be a registered user to comment. Create a user account

Log in




Auto-login on future visits

Forgot your password?

» publius on 03.17.10 @ 02:39 PM

Isn’t it interesting that Mr. Feldman filed his appeal against safer crosswalks, half a mile from his shop, BEFORE he and Mr. Westby ever conducted their so-called “study”?

Isn’t it interesting that the project applicant does not support Feldman’s appeal?

Isn’t it interesting that the analysis by professional traffic engineers does not
support Westby’s “study”?

One reason the cost of government is so high is that people with way too much time on their hands can file appeals on project improvements that in no way affect them.

Expensive delays caused by NIMBY neighbors is bad enough. Now we have
folks coming forward to “protect” other people’s property and other people’s
sidewalks - against their will.

Sheesh.

You have already flagged this entry.

More Local News »

SBCC Receives But Won’t Release Draft of Findings from State Oversight Commission

The college has 30 days to respond, after which the ACCJC is expected to issue a public decision

County Supervisors Approve First Reading of Oil Pipeline Agreement for Venoco

Next week's public meeting the last step before the company can begin operations

Goleta Seeks Public Input on Law Enforcement Services

Participants are needed for two focus groups scheduled for Feb. 15

City Council Authorizes Design Contract for Redevelopment of Cliff Drive Intersection

Tuesday's meeting is dedicated to Santa Barbara filmmaker Mike deGruy, who died in a helicopter crash; a memorial service is planned for Sunday

Goleta Woman Accused of Having Sex with Teen Boy

Sheriff's Department says victim recently came forward about 2008 relationship

Weather: Fair 44.0º


© Malamute Ventures LLC 2007-2012 | ISSN No. 1947-6086

Web Design & Development by PixelFive