Salinas Community Reports This community report was written by a student from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), as part of a volunteer program at LandWatch. The purpose of this collaboration is to engage students in their local communities, and to stimulate their interest in and knowledge about local land use issues. Participants in this program research issues and attend meetings in various communities in Monterey County, reporting on important agenda items and other items of interest. Community reports are written from the student's point of view, and do not necessarily represent the official position of LandWatch Monterey County. LandWatch is committed to offer information to the public, and we are happy to make our website available for these student perspectives. Please enjoy the following community reports from the various communities of Monterey County. City of Salinas General Plan Update--Traffic/Transportation/Circulation Thursday May 3, 2001 Meeting Submitted by Marc Holbik & Robert Durkin The third and final topic group workshop for the General Plan Update Program was held at City Hall on Thursday May 3rd, 2001. A small and familiar group of residents attended the meeting. Originally, only four people had come to attend the first meeting on the general plan. After reviewing the general plan timeline, a presentation was given by Keith Higgins, of Higgins Associates, on the issues and plans for Traffic, Transportation and Circulation in the City of Salinas. The power point presentation covered problem road intersections, planned roads, automobile circulation, and truck routes. Mr. Higgins also briefly touched upon bus, bike, and pedestrian routes. The floor was then initially opened to questions, but due to the inability to deliver answers, the session became an "issue gathering" event. Issues raised by participants were written on a large sheet of paper for Higgins Associates and Cotton/Bridges Associates to consider when writing the General Plan. One issue of notable interest was the proposed widening of Boronda Road to a six lane "expressway" and its designation as a truck route. Objections were raised because the road runs through residential areas. A six lane road is not quite pedestrian friendly and is a safety hazard, two issues of high importance for Salinas residents. Other examples of dangerous and non-pedestrian friendly areas were raised as well. It appeared to me that despite the voicing of the need for more alternative modes of transportation, there is a feeling that the new general plan may fall short on the promise to guide the city in the direction called upon by its citizens. Residents voiced their discontent with the failed promises and visions of past plans, and the lack of power exuded by the visions of the plan. As the citizens are removed from the decision making process and only given the chance to provide "input" for the decision makers, a truly democratic process is impossible. [Return to Community Reports]
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