Speed limits are set to be lowered across hundreds of miles of road in support of the city’s Vision Zero safety initiative, while a group in the College Area pushes for targeted improvements to outdated infrastructure.
The College Area Community Planning Board met Tuesday and discussed these types of repairs and updates – prioritizing lower-cost, high-impact projects. Changes in local school zones were a high priority. But a board member was skeptical.
“There have been so many proposed street projects and signal upgrades, and they have not moved forward,” Samuel Portillo said.
The city’s Comprehensive Speed Management Plan builds upon Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate traffic deaths by reducing speed limits. High-risk areas will be slowed by 5 miles per hour. School zone speeds will slip as low as 15 mph, affecting over 400 miles of road.
But speed reductions alone are not enough, Portillo argued. They must be paired with street design changes and intersection safety upgrades. The board briefly discussed past projects, and Portillo expressed concern about one.
“There is one that is right there in front of Tokyo Sushi; not a lot of people cross right there,” Portillo said, referring to a previous crosswalk project at El Cajon Boulevard and Aragon Drive.
The project included new ground markings, flashing pedestrian signs and a refuge island at the intersection, according to a 2024 social media post by the city and satellite images.
After the mention of the crosswalk project, the board’s conversation shifted to local pain points that need immediate attention.
“We have more in front of Hardy Elementary, the bus stop is outdated and there’s no ADA curb,” Portillo said.
It is not known when the stop will be updated. Curb ramps are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, federal standards that ensure wheelchair users and others with mobility issues can easily access sidewalks and crossings. The guidelines require gradual slopes, level landings and slip-resistant surfaces.
A discussion of street safety projects was set aside due to the absence of board chair Robert Montana. The board will consider the matter at its June 8 meeting.
Roberto Marin, a District 9 representative and director of community engagement, explained how the office will move forward with roadway updates. “We received input about certain streets, one of them I know is in really bad condition, Lambert Way,” he said,.
Road updates and repairs – among other issues, like the proposed city budget – will be discussed during District 9’s meeting with the mayor’s office on Friday, Marin said.
The board, which meets monthly at the College-Rolando Library, may have to make a change due to proposed library service cuts tied to the city’s budget crisis.
Under the mayor’s proposed budget, the library’s hours will be reduced to help bridge a $118 million gap. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera opposes this cut, Marin said.
