Selected excerpts from a Memo written by City Administrator Rich Guillen to Chair, Peggy Miller, Forest & Beach Commission, dated October 10, 2006, as follows:
SUBJECT: SW CORNER OF FIFTH AND LINCOLN STREETS
Traffic safety has been a concern at this intersection for a long time (for approximately 10 years). Both the city Engineer and the former Public Works Director acknowledged that street improvements are needed. In fact, the former Public Works Director a few years ago attempted to have a eucalyptus tree on Fifth Avenue removed in order to rectify a trip hazard due to surface roots.
The median that was located at this corner protected young scrawny trees that were at a height that interfered with the sight distance for motorists. I personally toured the area once with the City Forester and Public Works Superintendent and on another occasion with the City Engineer. The City Engineer and I agreed that the sight distance and the intersection needed to be improved for safety reasons and unfortunately the only way that could be accomplished was to remove the island and small trees.
Staff appreciates your regard for the stated objectives in the General Plan and agrees that it’s in our interest to not replace trees with asphalt concrete in order to maintain our community character. However, in this case where trees are in the street and obstruct the sight distance of the motorists, I have no choice but to eliminate this traffic hazard. Thus, I intend to move forward with this project…”
COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
If, as City Administrator Rich Guillen stated, “traffic safety” at the SW corner of 5th Av. and Lincoln St. was a concern for approximately 10 years, then why did Guillen only now, 6 years after becoming City Administrator, decide to “move forward” to replace the trees with asphalt concrete in late 2006?
SUBJECT: SW CORNER OF FIFTH AND LINCOLN STREETS
Traffic safety has been a concern at this intersection for a long time (for approximately 10 years). Both the city Engineer and the former Public Works Director acknowledged that street improvements are needed. In fact, the former Public Works Director a few years ago attempted to have a eucalyptus tree on Fifth Avenue removed in order to rectify a trip hazard due to surface roots.
The median that was located at this corner protected young scrawny trees that were at a height that interfered with the sight distance for motorists. I personally toured the area once with the City Forester and Public Works Superintendent and on another occasion with the City Engineer. The City Engineer and I agreed that the sight distance and the intersection needed to be improved for safety reasons and unfortunately the only way that could be accomplished was to remove the island and small trees.
Staff appreciates your regard for the stated objectives in the General Plan and agrees that it’s in our interest to not replace trees with asphalt concrete in order to maintain our community character. However, in this case where trees are in the street and obstruct the sight distance of the motorists, I have no choice but to eliminate this traffic hazard. Thus, I intend to move forward with this project…”
COMMENTS & QUESTIONS:
If, as City Administrator Rich Guillen stated, “traffic safety” at the SW corner of 5th Av. and Lincoln St. was a concern for approximately 10 years, then why did Guillen only now, 6 years after becoming City Administrator, decide to “move forward” to replace the trees with asphalt concrete in late 2006?
Is there any evidence in the Police Record to indicate any traffic collisions or vehicle-pedestrian accidents at this intersection due to the “young scrawny trees” at the SW corner of 5th Av. & Lincoln St.?
City Administrator Guillen cited “the sight distance and the intersection needed to be improved for safety reasons and unfortunately the only way that could be accomplished was to remove the island and small trees.” Does this set a precedent? Is the City Administrator now going to order the removal of all trees at all intersections in Carmel-by-the-Sea which “obstruct the sight distance of motorists?”
Since approximately 10 years have elapsed since the SW corner of 5th Av. and Lincoln St. was identified as a traffic safety concern, the City Administrator had plenty of time to place this item on a Forest & Beach Commission agenda for their input, analysis and recommendation.
During the Appearances of the 7 September 2006 Forest & Beach Commission meeting, the Minutes reflect the following: “Clayton Anderson reported a tree planter was removed on Lincoln and 5th and it did not come before the Commission for approval.”
While City Administrator Guillen appears to recognize that his proposed actions are a violation of the General Plan i.e., replacing trees with “asphalt concrete,” he states he intends “to move forward with this project” anyway.
While City Administrator Guillen appears to recognize the needed to maintain Carmel’s “community character,” the present asphalt concrete pavement and 4’ high traffic guidance posts detract from Carmel’s community character; another reason why the item should have been placed on a Forest & Beach Commission agenda for their recommendation, et cetera.
City Administrator Guillen’s reference to the former Public Works Director’s attempt “to have a eucalyptus tree on Fifth Avenue removed in order to rectify a trip hazard due to surface roots” implicitly communicates to the Forest & Beach Commission that the members cannot be trusted with such issues because in the 5th Av. eucalyptus tree case the Forest & Beach Commission intervened and made the wrong decision.
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