Long opposed by residents on both sides of the Santa Ana River, there have been attempts to "revisit" the possibility of constructing this ill-conceived, expensive, and environmentally destructive bridge. Not only would the route of this proposed bridge traverse wetlands on Banning Ranch, the construction of this bridge would increase the traffic capacity of West Costa Mesa, enabling the construction of the proposed Banning Ranch development. “Bike Lanes And Parking on 19th” (BLAP-19) is a plan to prevent further significant increases in traffic on West 19th Street in Costa Mesa. Components of BLAP-19 include:
No widening of West 19th Street Designated bike lanes in both directions on West 19th Street Maintain existing on-street parking on West 19th Street
Adherence to the BLAP-19 plan would prevent the construction of the 19th Street Bridge. Other benefits may include:
Reduction of greenhouse gases, lowering the overall carbon footprint Reduction in traffic and decreased gasoline consumption Potential for altering and/or preventing the large proposed development at Banning Ranch from moving forward Increased walking and bicycling contributing to a more healthy cardiovascular lifestyle Increased safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists
The City of Costa Mesa must take the first steps in developing a plan to remove West 19th Street from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH), as well as changing the General Plan for the City. Citizen envolvement and political will and leadership will be necessary in order to achieve this goal!
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