Chico council takes on downtown revitalization, again
CHICO - The Chico City Council is set to once again vote on the Downtown Revitalization Project.
The council will also revisit the sewer rate increase per Councilor Dale Bennett's request. There will also be discussions on public power proposals in Oroville and how they could be applied in Chico; changes to the city's commercial cannabis regulations; and approaches to addressing public nuisances without invalidating the Warren Settlement.
At the April 7 council meeting, members of the public packed the City Council Chambers with 28 speakers addressing the revitalization project, many speaking against the proposal. The two-year-long initiative is aimed at making downtown more walkable, bikeable, accessible and economically successful. The plan is also aimed at enhancing connectivity and modernizing aging infrastructure and utilities.
The meeting resulted in a split vote - Councilor Tom van Overbeek recused - on adopting Option 1 of the plan which would change Main and Broadway streets from three lanes to two. It would also remove one singular parking spot, add protected bike lanes and widen sidewalks. Mayor Kasey Reynolds voted no on Option 1, but requested more community input and said she was "very close," to voting to approve it.
Opponents of the plan say it will make deliveries more difficult for trucks and make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to get through downtown. Proponents of the plan say downtown isn't safe for cyclists and pedestrians as it is and that it would be a good thing for traffic to be slowed. They also argue that downtown feels like a freeway with three lanes, and that making these changes will make it more people focused and enjoyable to walk around.
If approved, the council will seek Active Transportation Program grant funding. ATP supports city projects that make streets more bikeable and walkable, along with helping to reduce pollution. The deadline to apply for the grant is June, leaving some councilors anxious to approve the revitalization project. The grant would also help the city make much needed repairs to the sewer system.
ATP was established in 2013 by former Gov. Jerry Brown, "with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation," according to the Caltrans website.
The council will also vote to appoint Jacques Vos as the deputy director of Public Works Operations and Maintenance with an annual salary of $145,000.
The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at 421 Main St. Meetings are free and open to the public. The council agenda and links to live feeds can be found at chicoca.gov.
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