Residents Encouraged to Speak About Monterey Road Wednesday

South Pasadena City Council Members will discuss design options regarding sidewalks and bike lanes for Monterey Road Wednesday.  

"The public is encouraged to attend the upcoming City Council meeting to share their thoughts on how to best address the sidewalk accessibility issue," the City wrote in a press release last month.  

The Monterey Road Street Improvement Project includes roadway repairs for Monterey Road between Pasadena Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue. As part of the design of the project, existing utility obstructions in the sidewalks must be made compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

This means the sidewalks must be a minimum of 4" wide with no obstructions. Currently, there are more than 60 obstructions including lamp posts, vents and traffic signals. 

Mixed Response

The City held a meeting on July 13 to collect public input, yet of the three design options presented there was not an overall consensus. Only about 15 residents came out, in addition to Councilmember Richard Schneider and Mayor Mike Ten, according to a Patch Letter to the Editor. 

While some have expressed discontent with this project mainly because of the outcome of the Fair Oaks project, others agree that the City should be compliant with ADA requirements.

"As a resident who lives on Monterey Road, I think the sidewalks are in a state of disrepair and are unsafe," Chris Colburn commented July 25.

"They are uneven and slanted at such an angle (not just driveway sections, sidewalks) that if you were pushing someone in a wheelchair, they would roll into the street," he continued.

Construction Process 

Although no decisions have been made as to what contractor will be awarded the project, City Manager John Davidson said the firm will be chosen on a competitive basis; this includes either an RFP or formal bid process, which will be awarded to the lowest bidder by City Council in a public meeting.  

When it comes to design, the City will send out an RFP and select the designer based on qualifications, availability, experience and pricing, he said. 

"We will continue to notice surrounding residents about future projects via mailings, press releases, city website, e-neighbors, posting of agendas and other forms of community outreach," .

"We want and need the public's thoughts, ideas and support."

City council unanimously voted Aug. 18 that bike lanes on Monterey Road would be excluded from the update to the Bicycle Master Plan. Council will eventually vote separately on the issue like . 

If you cannot attend the meeting but are interested in providing feedback, e-mail pwfeedback@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us.