CLEARLAKE — Councilmember Judy Thein and Mayor Curt Giambruno took time Tuesday to discuss the pedestrian walkway project on Burns Valley Road with residents of Autumn Village and Austin Manor. Seniors of the complex seemed to be satisfied with the project”s end result.
Safe passage on Burns Valley Road has been at the forefront of Thein”s political commitment. The project originally envisioned a sidewalk with curb and gutter; however, due to financial limitations, the project was revised last summer to a six-foot wide pedestrian walkway and bike lane rather than an actual sidewalk.
“We are here to hear your concerns,” Thein said. “Let”s start with where we”ve been, where we are and where we”re going.”
Thein began by explaining to the dozen people in attendance that installation of a sidewalk along Burns Valley Road to the Burns Valley Shopping Center had originally been the responsibility of Autumn Village/Austin Manor developers. However, she said, “That was before our time and (the project) must have fallen through the cracks.”
Thein continued, “Our concern has always been getting you out of the street and getting you safe passage. We had a little money, but never enough.”
Thein said with use of housing-set aside funds, money from the Area Planning Council and STIP funds, the project was able to be brought to reality. The major factor in completing the project was the city”s ability to revise its road rehabilitation project, which was funded through Prop. 1 allocations and STIP funds. The city was first in the state to receive Prop. 1 funds because a project had been in place when funds were available for release. Revision of the road project included improvements on Burns Valley Road.
“Because of our administration, we were able to stretch those dollars more than we ever thought we could,” Thein said.
Although the project is considered complete, Thein said the possibility of an actual sidewalk does exist with regard to future development. Thein said if the property adjacent to the walkway is ever sold and redeveloped, the developer will be required to install curb, gutter and sidewalk. She said at present, she hopes to see rumble dots and reflectors in the area to enhance the safety of pedestrians using the walkway.
“You are on our minds and you never leave our minds,” Thein said, adding “And, the good thing is, if you are in a wheelchair, you can”t fall off (the curb).”
Concerns conveyed by the residents included safety issues related to the “blind corner” where the walkway begins and the installation of speed limit and crosswalk signs. Mayor Giambruno suggested looking at the possibility of converting the corner into a four-way stop. Residents also requested more patrol in the area due to the excess of speeding motorists that come through.
Overall, the residents seemed to be satisfied with the walkway. “It”s a lot better. At least we don”t feel like we have targets on our backs,” said Linda Jones. “Now we can move (without the gravel) and when winter comes, at least we won”t be walking in the mud.”
Melody Scott and his seeing-eye dog Ladybug were in attendance. Scott said that he and his dog are pleased with the walkway. “It”s a lot safer and faster,” he said in relation to his seeing impairment. “It”s better on (Ladybug”s) feet and she walks easier, too.”
Thein concluded by assuring the residents that she and Giambruno will continue to work in their best interest and continue to seek out funds for constructing an actual sidewalk.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
