Residents Displeased with 40th Street Promenade and Five Points Reconfiguration

A feisty crowd attended the Normal Heights Community Planning Group meeting August 2 to express displeasure with the sudden disruption of their lives caused by two projects: the 40th Street Promenade and the long-awaited reconfiguration of the Cherokee, Madison, and East Mountain View intersections. The controversial aspect of this project, and the associated 40th Street Promenade, was the lack of notice to residents. Both projects have been discussed more than once over the last 10 years, but many in attendance said this was their first encounter with the two projects.

The 40th Street Promenade is complete except for the planting of 23 new trees, which are in the process of being evaluated. The trees will have bubble irrigation systems and will be maintained for one year by the contractor.

Known to locals as "Five Points" because of the numerous stop signs and intersecting streets in this area south of Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, the traffic-calming project on Cherokee, Madison, and East Mountain View will include new ADA ramps, crosswalks, and sidewalks, while some properties will receive new driveway aprons. Stop signs at squared-off intersections without blind spots will add to traffic calming and address safety issues at these nonstandard intersections. The result will be a safer experience for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, and school children who attend Normal Heights Elementary School on Ward Road.

The project is funded by a federal Smart Growth grant, is managed by CalTrans, and administered by SANDAG, with completion expected by the end of September.