New shared-use paths, curb extensions, and refuge islands are among the recommended projects included in Lompoc’s newly approved streetscape improvement plan.
During a joint meeting between the Lompoc City Council and the Lompoc Planning Commission, Planning Manager Brian Halvorson described the plan as strictly conceptual, but necessary to secure funding for future projects, which range from widening sidewalks to adding more high-visibility crosswalks throughout the city.
“You have to have the plan in order to apply for that funding,” Halvorson said at the July 19 meeting. “Caltrans has expressed to us that once this plan is approved, they would like to have a meeting with us to talk about some funding opportunities.”
One of the goals of the streetscape improvement plan is to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. One proposal in the plan identifies H Street as the potential site for a shared-use path, which Lompoc City Councilmember Victor Vega said he would support.
Vega said he would prefer that the city widen the sidewalk—which would require an amendment to the municipal code—on H Street for a new shared-use path over sticking to a traditional bike lane.
“I don’t care how many painted lines you put there [on H Street], there’s just too much traffic,” Vega said. “It really isn’t safe to put a bike against a semi … I’d much rather go up on my bike against someone walking than a truck or a semi.”
The streetscape improvement plan also identifies Ocean Avenue as a recommended site for a new shared-use path, which Lompoc Planning Commissioner Brianna Gonzales commented on.
“I live and work on Ocean Avenue—live on East, work on West—so I’m taking that street every day. I would really love to ride my bike to and from work,” Gonzales said. “Safety is important. I think when the time comes when we’re prioritizing what we want, I think the safety of our pedestrians and our bikers is very important.”
Members of the Planning Commission unanimously agreed to approve the streetscape improvement plan, with a 5-0 vote. Lompoc City Councilmember Gilda Cordova spoke in favor of the plan before the City Council followed suit with another 5-0 vote.
“Having a cohesive plan that incorporates all of the elements of use and travel methods is a great success for the city of Lompoc. I think it’s understated, you know, the fact that a lot of times we miss out on funding opportunities because we don’t have a plan for the future,” Cordova said. “I’m so happy to see this, because I think it’s a great move forward for our city.”
This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 4, 2022.
