East Side Connect Project Takes Shape In San Carlos

Walking in East San Carlos can be a challenge. Sidewalks are narrow, obstructed by utility poles, trees are sparse and the lighting is poor.

On September 7, the San Carlos Transportation and Circulation Commission will hold a meeting giving residents a chance to speak up about the East Side Connect Project.

The project – funded by a $2,216,648 grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission – aims to make significant improvements to the sidewalks and walking conditions of Old Country Road and East San Carlos Avenue. The cty hired Callander associates in June to design and implement improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access to east side housing, jobs and transit.

“After this meeting, the consultants will finalize plans, to be presented to the City Council on Sept 26,” said Margaret Pye, Vice President of the San Carlos Transportation and Circulation Commission, in an email to San Carlos Patch. “Things are going to move very fast on this!”

A parking impact study was conducted by the city to inform residents of of the inevitable loss of on-street parking as a result of the changes being made.

Goals of the project are many, according to city records: complete a continuous sidewalk on both streets; add pedestrian bulbouts to shorten crossing distances and slow traffic; complete wheelchair ramps at all corners; widen the sidewalks to 7 feet where possible; install decorative pavement at crosswalks; plant new street trees; install decorative, high-efficiency street lights; install planting areas to treat storm water; place utilities underground on a portion of Old County Road; complete a bicycle boulevard on East San Carlos Ave, which would include 
a new traffic signal at Industrial Road and new bicycle signage .

Will you attend the September 7 meeting? What do you want to see result from the East Side Connect Project? Let us know in the comments.