Final plans for sidewalk widening project will be heard at next PG council meeting
PACIFIC GROVE >> City staff will present the finalized plans for the Pacific Grove sidewalk widening project slated for Lighthouse Avenue to City Council during Wednesday’s meeting.
According to the meeting agenda, the cost of the sidewalk widening project is estimated to be $404,068, nearly double what was originally suggested earlier this year. This would include $251,250 for the actual sidewalk extension, bulb-outs, curb ramps, drainage and intersection improvements. The other $152,818 would be for decorative details including the demolition of existing structures, installing lights, trees, fencing and other features.
Going hand-in-hand with the sidewalk project will be discussions of what will happen to the parklets on Lighthouse Avenue, an ongoing and controversial topic for the past few years.
There are currently three parklets on Central Avenue within the coastal zone, according to Wednesday’s agenda. Two were allowed under the COVID emergency declarations and one was created as part of a pilot program in 2014. The encroachment permits for the three parklets in the coastal zone will expire on June 30.
In addition to the three parklets located in the coastal zone, there are 11 other parklets approved by the city. However, due to the complexity of the issues relating to parklets and the time needed for staff to evaluate the issues, the city manager plans to extend the encroachment permits for the 14 existing parklets until June 30, 2025.
This will come with contingencies, including the three parklets within the coastal zone to obtain Coastal Development Permits. City staff will also hire a consultant to help draft a manual that will lay out rules and regulations for outdoor dining as proposed by City Council. The manual will also contain a set of rules requiring the parklets to dismantle within 60 days of a notice from the city.
The sidewalk widening is supposed to enhance driver and pedestrian visibility, shorten the length of crosswalks to reduce pedestrian exposure and improve drainage and sewage.
The area is near the intersection of Lighthouse Avenue and Fountain Avenue with plans to extend the sidewalk by about 26 feet. There will also be 18 feet of fenced-in dining areas adjacent to the restaurants, Wild Fish, Rudolfo’s Cafe and Victorian Corner, and an 8-foot pedestrian walkway between the fenced portion and the road.
The Pacific Grove City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Pacific Grove City Hall, 300 Forest Ave. You can watch the meeting online via Zoom at www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_CC.
