Federal court judge rules that Caltrans violated Endangered Species Act in Pacifica Highway 1 widening
On September 2, 2016, Federal court Judge Vince Chhabria issued an Order that the Highway 1 widening project in Pacifica was “arbitrary and capricious” and that both Caltrans and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the federal Endangered Species Act. Before approving the project, Caltrans had to submit to the Fish and Wildlife Service a Biological Assessment to assess potential effects of the project on the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake and threatened California Red-legged Frog. Caltrans’ Biological Assessment was fatally flawed. Caltrans falsely represented that the permanent impacts to the species would be offset by preservation of a 5.14-acre City of Pacifica parcel north of the wastewater treatment plant. The problem, the Judge found, was that the Pacifica parcel is already protected. So Caltrans, with the approval of the Fish and Wildlife Service, was double dipping with that piece of land. The plaintiffs’ attorneys presented internal Caltrans memos showing that Caltrans had already caught the mistake before submitting the Biological Assessment but withheld this information from the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Fish and Wildlife Service also violated the Endangered Species Act because the Biological Opinion it created for the project relied on another mitigation – enhancement of 5.46 acres of GGNRA land which the Park Service had not approved. Caltrans’ proposed enhancement and the details still needed to be worked out. This measure was thus so speculative, that relying on it violated the Endangered Species Act.
Judge Chhabria quotes Caltrans as claiming that the project “was shelved” and “may never go forward.” Caltrans could drop the project, which is not popular with a majority of Pacifica voters. To move forward with the project, Caltrans would need to start over with a new biological opinion.
The suit was filed by Pacificans for a Scenic Coast, Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives (PH1A) and the Center for Biological Diversity. PH1A is a grassroots Pacifica-based organization that seeks alternatives to the Caltrans widening plan for a variety of reasons, ranging from the quality of life for Pacifica residents to environmental concerns and increased traffic from the widening. It proposes alternatives such as better traffic signal timing, an increase in public transportation, and a reduction in single occupancy vehicles.
PH1A believes that it is crucial that this project not harm these species. The San Francisco Garter Snake, whose habitat has been severely reduced and fragmented, has been recognized as one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. Any place that offers healthy habitat to this snake is truly precious. The California Red-legged Frog, while facing a lower level of crisis, is a threatened species that must be protected. As local residents of Pacifica we are happy that we have succeeded in preventing harm to the San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog.
The 5.14 acre parcel was historically excellent habitat for the frog and snake. A previous owner bulldozed it to keep the presence of the frog and snake from getting in the way of development projects. As part of settlement for that illegal action, the property owner Bottoms was forced to deed that property over to the city of Pacifica, which is obligated to maintain it in ways that are beneficial for both species
The Fish and Wildlife Service also violated the Endangered Species Act because the Biological Opinion it created for the project relied on another mitigation – enhancement of 5.46 acres of GGNRA land which the Park Service had not approved. Caltrans’ proposed enhancement and the details still needed to be worked out. This measure was thus so speculative, that relying on it violated the Endangered Species Act.
Judge Chhabria quotes Caltrans as claiming that the project “was shelved” and “may never go forward.” Caltrans could drop the project, which is not popular with a majority of Pacifica voters. To move forward with the project, Caltrans would need to start over with a new biological opinion.
The suit was filed by Pacificans for a Scenic Coast, Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives (PH1A) and the Center for Biological Diversity. PH1A is a grassroots Pacifica-based organization that seeks alternatives to the Caltrans widening plan for a variety of reasons, ranging from the quality of life for Pacifica residents to environmental concerns and increased traffic from the widening. It proposes alternatives such as better traffic signal timing, an increase in public transportation, and a reduction in single occupancy vehicles.
PH1A believes that it is crucial that this project not harm these species. The San Francisco Garter Snake, whose habitat has been severely reduced and fragmented, has been recognized as one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. Any place that offers healthy habitat to this snake is truly precious. The California Red-legged Frog, while facing a lower level of crisis, is a threatened species that must be protected. As local residents of Pacifica we are happy that we have succeeded in preventing harm to the San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog.
The 5.14 acre parcel was historically excellent habitat for the frog and snake. A previous owner bulldozed it to keep the presence of the frog and snake from getting in the way of development projects. As part of settlement for that illegal action, the property owner Bottoms was forced to deed that property over to the city of Pacifica, which is obligated to maintain it in ways that are beneficial for both species
More news about this decision
Judge Rules Caltrans Lied To Support Highway 1 Expansion -- Highway 1 Expansion Plan For Pacifica Rejected
A federal judge has rejected state environmental approval of a plan to expand Highway 1 in Pacifica.
sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com|By KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/09/06/highway-1-expansion-plan-for-pacifica-rejected/
Video of the KPIX Channel 5 news story is at this link:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/…/highway-1-expansion-pla…/
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Judge’s ruling roadblock for plans to widen Highway 1 in Pacifica
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Judge-s-ruling-roadblock-for-plans-to-widen-9206151.php
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http://www.smdailyjournal.com/…/judge-sa…/1776425167887.html
Judge says new study needed for Highway 1 widening plan: Rare species in Pacifica prompts call by federal judge
smdailyjournal.com
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Center for Biological Diversity Press Release
Court Slaps Down Caltrans Highway Project in Pacifica
Approval Violated Endangered Species Act, Relied on Inadequate Mitigation
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2016/pacifica-highway-09-06-2016.html
A federal judge has rejected state environmental approval of a plan to expand Highway 1 in Pacifica.
sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com|By KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/09/06/highway-1-expansion-plan-for-pacifica-rejected/
Video of the KPIX Channel 5 news story is at this link:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/…/highway-1-expansion-pla…/
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Judge’s ruling roadblock for plans to widen Highway 1 in Pacifica
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Judge-s-ruling-roadblock-for-plans-to-widen-9206151.php
____________________
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/…/judge-sa…/1776425167887.html
Judge says new study needed for Highway 1 widening plan: Rare species in Pacifica prompts call by federal judge
smdailyjournal.com
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Center for Biological Diversity Press Release
Court Slaps Down Caltrans Highway Project in Pacifica
Approval Violated Endangered Species Act, Relied on Inadequate Mitigation
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2016/pacifica-highway-09-06-2016.html
City Manager plans Controlled 'Conversation' about Highway 1 Widening, but Community wants Full Dialogue, including Alternatives to Caltrans proposal
The City Manager's plan and critical public response are available on Pacifica Riptide >
And Maxine Hines' video version of the debate is available on YouTube >
Federal lawsuit filed to stop Highway 1 widening project: Pacificans, environmentalists sue Caltrans, City, SamTrans
San Jose Mercury News | May 26, 2015
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Hundreds of Pacificans celebrated like-mindedness on the highway widening issue at a fundraising event at Shelldance Nursery Sunday. Nancy Davis, the owner of Shelldance, hosted the event to raise money for Pacifica's Environmental Family. That group is spearheading the drive to raise money so local attorneys can bring a federal lawsuit against Caltrans in opposition to the highway widening proposal.
Peter Loeb's band, "Wall of Blues," with guest singer Nancy Hall played to an audience dispersed among three rooms of orchids and plants that makes visiting Shelldance such a unique experience. Many local artists donated their wares for sale to boost the coffers, as well. Read at Mercurynews.com >
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Hundreds of Pacificans celebrated like-mindedness on the highway widening issue at a fundraising event at Shelldance Nursery Sunday. Nancy Davis, the owner of Shelldance, hosted the event to raise money for Pacifica's Environmental Family. That group is spearheading the drive to raise money so local attorneys can bring a federal lawsuit against Caltrans in opposition to the highway widening proposal.
Peter Loeb's band, "Wall of Blues," with guest singer Nancy Hall played to an audience dispersed among three rooms of orchids and plants that makes visiting Shelldance such a unique experience. Many local artists donated their wares for sale to boost the coffers, as well. Read at Mercurynews.com >
Federal lawsuit filed to stop Highway 1 widening project: Pacificans, environmentalists sue Caltrans, City, SamTrans
San Mateo Daily Journal | May 13, 2015
By Samantha Weigel, Daily Journal
A group dedicated to preserving wildlife habitat and scenic ocean views has filed a federal lawsuit against state and county transportation officials in an attempt to prevent them from widening Highway 1 in Pacifica.
Caltrans is overseeing the nearly $52 million project that would widen about 1.3 miles of the coastal highway from four lanes to six while crossing the environmentally sensitive Calera Creek, which supports habitat for endangered frogs and snakes. The project site sits between two traffic lights — about 2,300 feet north of Reina Del Mar Avenue to approximately 1,500 feet south of Fassler Avenue.
Community and environmental activists filed the suit last week alleging project officials have violated federal laws such as the Clean Water Act; National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA; the Federal Transportation Act; the Endangered Species Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Local plaintiffs, Pacificans for a Scenic Coast and Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives, were joined by the national group the Center for Biological Diversity in filing the suit against state, county and federal authorities.
Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, city of Pacifica, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Highway Administration are named as defendants in the lawsuit seeking to halt the project.
“It will more than double the width of the highway just to add one extra lane on each side between these two traffic lights and it’s going to have tremendous environmental impacts. It’s going to impact endangered and threatened species, it’s going to impact wetlands, it’s going to affect coastal views, it’s going to put some businesses out of business,” said Peter Loeb with Pacificans for a Scenic Coast. Read the whole story >
By Samantha Weigel, Daily Journal
A group dedicated to preserving wildlife habitat and scenic ocean views has filed a federal lawsuit against state and county transportation officials in an attempt to prevent them from widening Highway 1 in Pacifica.
Caltrans is overseeing the nearly $52 million project that would widen about 1.3 miles of the coastal highway from four lanes to six while crossing the environmentally sensitive Calera Creek, which supports habitat for endangered frogs and snakes. The project site sits between two traffic lights — about 2,300 feet north of Reina Del Mar Avenue to approximately 1,500 feet south of Fassler Avenue.
Community and environmental activists filed the suit last week alleging project officials have violated federal laws such as the Clean Water Act; National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA; the Federal Transportation Act; the Endangered Species Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Local plaintiffs, Pacificans for a Scenic Coast and Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives, were joined by the national group the Center for Biological Diversity in filing the suit against state, county and federal authorities.
Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, city of Pacifica, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Highway Administration are named as defendants in the lawsuit seeking to halt the project.
“It will more than double the width of the highway just to add one extra lane on each side between these two traffic lights and it’s going to have tremendous environmental impacts. It’s going to impact endangered and threatened species, it’s going to impact wetlands, it’s going to affect coastal views, it’s going to put some businesses out of business,” said Peter Loeb with Pacificans for a Scenic Coast. Read the whole story >
Caltrans Noticed by Environmental Groups About Alleged Violations of Federal Laws
PacificaTribune | March 24, 2015
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Pacificans for a Scenic Coast, Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives and the Center for Biological Diversity provided notice of their intent to file a citizen suit for violations of the U.S. Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Caltrans is named a defendant in both.
"It also had to go to the city of Pacifica because the city is legally a 'necessary and indispensable party' to any decision in that lawsuit," said Peter Loeb, plaintiff representative. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority was named in that notice, as well.
Besides Caltrans, the notice to sue for violations of the Endangered Species Act went to U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, GGNRA and the Army Corps of Engineers.
"Caltrans had a notice published in the Federal Register that said that if there was going to be a federal suit of the Calera Parkway Project, that suit would have to be filed by May 8, 2015 or we would be forever barred from filing a federal lawsuit. This forced our hand," Loeb said. "We had to look at whether there were grounds for a federal lawsuit. We determined that there were grounds. Then we realized that we are required to send a 60-day notice of intent to sue, so we had to send those notices out by March 8. If Caltrans had not had that notice published in the Federal Register, we may never have considered a federal suit. The Federal Register notice made us look at whether there was a reason that Caltrans would want to bar us from filing a federal suit. Read the whole story >
To read the full text of the notices issued, click here for the notice pertaining to the Clean Water Act, and click here for the notice pertaining to the Endangered Species Act.
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Pacificans for a Scenic Coast, Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives and the Center for Biological Diversity provided notice of their intent to file a citizen suit for violations of the U.S. Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Caltrans is named a defendant in both.
"It also had to go to the city of Pacifica because the city is legally a 'necessary and indispensable party' to any decision in that lawsuit," said Peter Loeb, plaintiff representative. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority was named in that notice, as well.
Besides Caltrans, the notice to sue for violations of the Endangered Species Act went to U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, GGNRA and the Army Corps of Engineers.
"Caltrans had a notice published in the Federal Register that said that if there was going to be a federal suit of the Calera Parkway Project, that suit would have to be filed by May 8, 2015 or we would be forever barred from filing a federal lawsuit. This forced our hand," Loeb said. "We had to look at whether there were grounds for a federal lawsuit. We determined that there were grounds. Then we realized that we are required to send a 60-day notice of intent to sue, so we had to send those notices out by March 8. If Caltrans had not had that notice published in the Federal Register, we may never have considered a federal suit. The Federal Register notice made us look at whether there was a reason that Caltrans would want to bar us from filing a federal suit. Read the whole story >
To read the full text of the notices issued, click here for the notice pertaining to the Clean Water Act, and click here for the notice pertaining to the Endangered Species Act.
SUPPORT OUR FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST
the CALTRANS HIGHWAY 1 WIDENING PLAN
the CALTRANS HIGHWAY 1 WIDENING PLAN
Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives (PH1A) and Pacificans for a Scenic Coast (PSC)* are filing a federal lawsuit against the Caltrans Highway 1 widening plan. The Caltrans plan violates federal laws including the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.
It will take $20,000 to pursue this federal lawsuit. We need your help to do that.
Make a tax-deductible donation through Pacifica's Environmental Family (PEF).
It will take $20,000 to pursue this federal lawsuit. We need your help to do that.
Make a tax-deductible donation through Pacifica's Environmental Family (PEF).
Click on the donate button on PEF's website at
http://www.pacificasenvironmentalfamily.org/donate and write "PSC - Federal" in the purpose line. |
-OR-
Send a check payable to
Pacifica's Environmental Family PO Box 259 Pacifica, CA 94044 Put "PSC - Federal" on the memo line |
*Pacificans for a Scenic Coast (PSC) is a project of Pacifica’s Environmental Family.
April, 2015
Make your voice heard again on the Highway widening issue: this time in the “Housing Element” proposal in front of the City Council.
The City of Pacifica is required to develop a “housing element” that explains where housing might be developed in town, and the City has been circulating a proposed new "housing element". Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives (PH1A) is concerned that there are several references to the Calera Parkway project (CPP) that speak of the highway widening as if it were positive and as if it’s a done deal (pages 62, and 66-7). We would like the city to remove all references to this highly contentious project from the "housing element".
None of these references are necessary for the "housing element", and by treating the project as a given, there is a bias from the City toward acceptance of the project. Further, as the "housing element" must be consistent with the city’s general plan, including the CPP in the "housing element" implies that the CPP is consistent with the city’s General Plan. The CCP is inconsistent with the General Plan because the General Plan says that the capacity of Highway One should not be increased, and of course, the CPP increases the capacity of Highway One.
Please write to the city and/or come to the meetings below to let them know that:
1. The "housing element" should not include the Calera Parkway Project, and
2. The project is not consistent with the general plan: if the CPP is included in the "Housing Element", then the "Housing Element" would not be consistent with the General Plan.
Written comments should be sent to Planning Department, Attn: Christian Murdock, 1800 Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica, California 94044 (Email: [email protected]) by 1:30 PM on Friday, April 10, 2015.
The following hearings will be held:
Planning Commission: 7 PM on Monday, April 20, 2015
City Council: 7 PM on Monday, May 11, 2015
Make your voice heard again on the Highway widening issue: this time in the “Housing Element” proposal in front of the City Council.
The City of Pacifica is required to develop a “housing element” that explains where housing might be developed in town, and the City has been circulating a proposed new "housing element". Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives (PH1A) is concerned that there are several references to the Calera Parkway project (CPP) that speak of the highway widening as if it were positive and as if it’s a done deal (pages 62, and 66-7). We would like the city to remove all references to this highly contentious project from the "housing element".
None of these references are necessary for the "housing element", and by treating the project as a given, there is a bias from the City toward acceptance of the project. Further, as the "housing element" must be consistent with the city’s general plan, including the CPP in the "housing element" implies that the CPP is consistent with the city’s General Plan. The CCP is inconsistent with the General Plan because the General Plan says that the capacity of Highway One should not be increased, and of course, the CPP increases the capacity of Highway One.
Please write to the city and/or come to the meetings below to let them know that:
1. The "housing element" should not include the Calera Parkway Project, and
2. The project is not consistent with the general plan: if the CPP is included in the "Housing Element", then the "Housing Element" would not be consistent with the General Plan.
Written comments should be sent to Planning Department, Attn: Christian Murdock, 1800 Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica, California 94044 (Email: [email protected]) by 1:30 PM on Friday, April 10, 2015.
The following hearings will be held:
Planning Commission: 7 PM on Monday, April 20, 2015
City Council: 7 PM on Monday, May 11, 2015
Election Results -- The Voters Have Spoken
Pacifica Tribune | November 5, 2014
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
"The voters of Pacifica affirmed they are against the plan to widen the highway with the results of the City Council election Nov. 4.
The incumbent Sue Digre, outspoken against the proposed plan for Caltrans to widen the highway between Fairway Park and Fassler Avenue, earned the highest number of votes. She received 3,654 votes to earn 19.86 percent of the vote. The incumbent Mike O'Neill earned the second highest votes with 3,180 (17.26 percent). The third seat went to John Keener, who based his campaign on rejecting the current plan for the highway widening and holding budget forums to work out Pacifica's finances. Keener garnered 3,022 votes, or 16.43 percent. Eric Ruchames came in fourth at 2,533 votes (13.77 percent), Victor Spano next with 2,451 votes (13.32 percent), Matt Dougherty won 1,958 votes (10.64 percent) followed by Therese Dyer with 1,597 votes (8.68 percent)." Read the whole story >
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
"The voters of Pacifica affirmed they are against the plan to widen the highway with the results of the City Council election Nov. 4.
The incumbent Sue Digre, outspoken against the proposed plan for Caltrans to widen the highway between Fairway Park and Fassler Avenue, earned the highest number of votes. She received 3,654 votes to earn 19.86 percent of the vote. The incumbent Mike O'Neill earned the second highest votes with 3,180 (17.26 percent). The third seat went to John Keener, who based his campaign on rejecting the current plan for the highway widening and holding budget forums to work out Pacifica's finances. Keener garnered 3,022 votes, or 16.43 percent. Eric Ruchames came in fourth at 2,533 votes (13.77 percent), Victor Spano next with 2,451 votes (13.32 percent), Matt Dougherty won 1,958 votes (10.64 percent) followed by Therese Dyer with 1,597 votes (8.68 percent)." Read the whole story >
PH1A Voter Recommendations for Pacifica City Council Election on November 4, 2014:
Sue Digre John Keener Matt Dougherty
Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives has endorsed John Keener, Sue Digre, and Matt Dougherty for Pacifica City Council, based on their responses to our questionnaire on the proposed Caltrans widening project. All three of these candidates expressed clear opposition to the current proposal to more than double the width of a 1.3 mile segment of Highway 1.
All three of these candidates have shown that they support the city applying for grants to have independent professionals evaluate alternatives that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, protect our environment, and beautify our town.
In our outreach to thousands of Pacifica residents during the last two years -- public forums with large turnouts, petitions to City Council, tables at FogFest and throughout the town, -- we have found that an overwhelming majority of people we have spoken with support our position.
Caltrans has already certified its own Final Environmental Impact Report for the project. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority has programmed the funds for the final design. All that needs to happen now is for the Pacifica City Council to formally request that the SMCTA allocate those funds. Then the final design will be done and the project will move forward. Caltrans finalized the EIR for this project with very little input from the City Council. Now all the City Council can do is either accept or reject the Caltrans widening plan.
We want the city council to reject the Caltrans widening plan, and apply for grants to have an independent traffic engineer evaluate and recommend alternatives. We need City Council members who are prepared to clearly say no to the Caltrans widening project.
Please join us in voting for Keener, Digre, and Dougherty.
Sue Digre John Keener Matt Dougherty
Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives has endorsed John Keener, Sue Digre, and Matt Dougherty for Pacifica City Council, based on their responses to our questionnaire on the proposed Caltrans widening project. All three of these candidates expressed clear opposition to the current proposal to more than double the width of a 1.3 mile segment of Highway 1.
All three of these candidates have shown that they support the city applying for grants to have independent professionals evaluate alternatives that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, protect our environment, and beautify our town.
In our outreach to thousands of Pacifica residents during the last two years -- public forums with large turnouts, petitions to City Council, tables at FogFest and throughout the town, -- we have found that an overwhelming majority of people we have spoken with support our position.
Caltrans has already certified its own Final Environmental Impact Report for the project. The San Mateo County Transportation Authority has programmed the funds for the final design. All that needs to happen now is for the Pacifica City Council to formally request that the SMCTA allocate those funds. Then the final design will be done and the project will move forward. Caltrans finalized the EIR for this project with very little input from the City Council. Now all the City Council can do is either accept or reject the Caltrans widening plan.
We want the city council to reject the Caltrans widening plan, and apply for grants to have an independent traffic engineer evaluate and recommend alternatives. We need City Council members who are prepared to clearly say no to the Caltrans widening project.
Please join us in voting for Keener, Digre, and Dougherty.
Pacifica Residents Rally Against Caltrans' Plan to
Widen Highway 1
San Mateo County Times | February 15, 2014
By Aaron Kinney
About two dozen people gathered Saturday afternoon along Highway 1 to launch a campaign against a Caltrans proposal to widen roughly 1.3 miles of the coastal corridor. Read the whole story >
By Aaron Kinney
About two dozen people gathered Saturday afternoon along Highway 1 to launch a campaign against a Caltrans proposal to widen roughly 1.3 miles of the coastal corridor. Read the whole story >
Pacifica's Environmental Leaders Seek Alternatives to Highway Widening
San Jose Mercury News | October 15, 2013
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Pacifica's environmental leaders spoke last Wednesday about a subject that has been dogging them -- trying to find alternatives to Caltrans' plan to widen Highway 1 between Fairway Park and Rockaway.
Read the whole story >
By Jane Northrop, Pacifica Tribune Staff Writer
Pacifica's environmental leaders spoke last Wednesday about a subject that has been dogging them -- trying to find alternatives to Caltrans' plan to widen Highway 1 between Fairway Park and Rockaway.
Read the whole story >
PH1A Issues Public Statement on EIR for Highway Widening
- May 3, 2013
PH1A wishes to express its concerns and hopes regarding Pacifica government leadership on Highway 1 congestion options. PH1A is concerned that the City Council, on March 25, refused to take action to review the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Caltrans Highway 1 widening project. Public comments, including an “Open Letter” to the City Council signed by almost forty people, encouraged City Council consideration of the DEIR. Yet the City Council took no action, despite the number of speakers in favor of thorough City review of Caltrans’ plans. Speakers in favor of review outnumbered those favoring “no Council action” by approximately 4 to 1. Since that meeting, individual City Council members have affirmed their commitment to a full review of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) when it is released.
PH1A hopes that the City Council will fully and adequately review the FEIR, due to be issued this June. Full review of the FEIR by the Pacifica City Council should include, but not be limited to:
PH1A looks forward to a full review of Caltrans' plans by the Pacifica City Council in order to facilitate the broadest possible discussion regarding Highway 1 congestion relief, with due consideration given to the quality of life for Pacificans and visitors, traffic, pedestrian access, business, neighborhood, and environmental concerns.
PH1A hopes that the City Council will fully and adequately review the FEIR, due to be issued this June. Full review of the FEIR by the Pacifica City Council should include, but not be limited to:
- A review of construction impacts: traffic delay, noise, dust, project duration, impacts on local business, etc.
- A review of options to mitigate congestion:
- Synchronized and interconnected traffic lights;
- Improved signal timing;
- Expansion of existing road shoulders, for improving emergency access;
- Roundabouts;
- Auto and pedestrian underpasses;
- Changing school schedules;
- Providing school buses;
- Car-pooling options, for PSD students and for commuters;
- Enhanced SamTrans options during rush hour/congestion periods;
- A review of impacts of the proposed highway widening on businesses in Rockaway Beach and on the east side of the highway and on pedestrians.
- The impact of possible sound walls on the visibility and access of residents and visitors to Rockaway Beach and future businesses and amenities in the area.
PH1A looks forward to a full review of Caltrans' plans by the Pacifica City Council in order to facilitate the broadest possible discussion regarding Highway 1 congestion relief, with due consideration given to the quality of life for Pacificans and visitors, traffic, pedestrian access, business, neighborhood, and environmental concerns.