A more thorough OCTA workshop report

5/25/07

Jack Eidt's report from yesterday's OCTA workshop.
Jack is an Urban Planner - founding member
of Wild Heritage Planners, The Beltway Plan,
Fix-5-Working Group. Jack's a Sierra Club member
and a non-stop participant in the battle to
Stop the Trestles toll road.

His report:


Wild Heritage Planners and Fix the 5 First attended the South Orange County Major Investment Study Stakeholders Meeting yesterday. What has become painfully clear now to even individuals who are not part of the Save Trestles-San Onofre coalition is that OCTA refuses to model any alternative that does not include the SR 241 extension south of Oso Parkway.

241 Sensitivity Analysis
Numerous commenters from both sides of the tollway debate requested that a sensitivity analysis on the 2030 baseline conditions should be modeled to illustrate conditions without the 241 extension. Supporters advocated that it would "show Sanchez" what a disaster traffic would become. And we asserted that it would be important for OCTA to have a backup plan considering the significant opposition and environmental and regulatory hurdles that the proposal faces. All commenters agreed that such a sensitivity analysis would be an important tool in the long range planning for South OC transportation.

Tami Warren stated the obvious -- that she heard our comments but was under the mandate from the OCTA Board to shield their eyes to any option without the extension, case closed.

What is needed is to have a more concerted discussion with the OCTA players to at least consider an option without the extension, which may include Monte Ward and we should consider whether any OCTA Board members might support our position. I guess this discussion might be easier should the Davis amendment pass...

Alternatives
WHP has argued from the start that the east-west connection between the 241 and 73 tollways that would complete the system in a generally circular beltway would be instrumental toward dealing with proposed and existing traffic in foothill SOC. This option will necessitate tunneling to protect properties in SJC and should blend into the I-5 south of the 73 offramps. OCTA is now modeling this alternative.

We also contend that extending the Antonio-Avenida La Pata "Smart Street" not only between San Clemente and San Juan Cap, but south to the I-5 along Cristianitos would provide an alternative to the I-5 for local traffic and in case of emergencies that could be integrated into the 241-73 beltway at Rancho Mission Viejo. OCTA has refused to consider this option.

And finally, Interstate 5 must be widened with a community sensitive design south of Avenida Pico to the County line, two lanes in each direction. No viable alternative has been presented within a timeline of any of our existences on this planet.

In addition, OCTA is looking into double-tracking the LOS-SAN on an inland corridor through RMV, which may be sited along the proposed 241 extension corridor. We will be producing an alternative that would more likely follow the La Pata corridor as an alternative to tunneling under the I-5. Once again, we need to fight the contention that putting a rail corridor through a state park and wilderness is the cheapest option...

Your comments are welcome.

Jack Eidt
Wild Heritage Planners
714 501 8262