By TR Robertson
On a recent hot Tuesday morning the Vista Transit Center was the scene for a presentation by Congressman Mike Levin (49th District) to the Vista City Council, City of Vista and the awarding of a grant in the amount of $250,000. Specifically, the award is part of grants from the Federal Transit System, which recently awarded 47 grants nationwide in the amount of $20 million for improvement of transit programs. California received 5 of the grants and with Congressman Levin’s assistance the City of Vista is one of those cities benefiting. The grants are “for planning, engineering, or developing transit facilities, or similar projects, such as creating integrated for collection systems or coordinating transit services.” The purpose is listed as “to support better transit access in environmental justice communities.”
Attending the presentation was Vista Mayor John Franklin, Council member Corinna Contreras (Deputy Mayor – District 1), Council member Joe Green (District 2), Council member Katie Melendez (District 3), and Council member Dan O’Donnell (District 4). Also in attendance were a number of the Congressman’s staff, Vista City officials, Media and other interested attendees.
The Congressman spoke about the continued inspired attitude the City Council has about improving the city in a variety of ways. One such way is the improvement of the transit opportunities and areas within the city. He mentioned that 9,000 residents live within a ½ mile of the Transit Center and improving the bicycle, pedestrian crossings and bus and Sprinter stops is a major step in making the area safe as well as improving the flow of traffic around the area. The Congressman also alluded to the recent $2.2 million awarded to the city for sidewalk improvements, traffic safety and safer street programs.
All of the members of the City Council had an opportunity to speak about the importance of receiving this newest grant. Mayor Franklin said the grant is a major step in assisting the decongestion of streets and providing a long-term vision for all areas of transportation for the city and another step in the city becoming more competitive for additional funding. Deputy Mayor Contreras thanked the Congressman for the investment in the safety of the city and she agreed that this would be a step toward additional funding for areas of transportation. She said grade separation is a process to make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The Deputy Mayor said additional consideration needs to be addressed in assisting First Responders and the intersections in this busy part of town. Council member Melendez said this is an example of developing good relationships between the local and federal governments and connecting the community in the area of transportation. Council member O’Donnell said the funding will lead to making safer access to major transportation areas within the city. Council member Joe Green also said he was excited that this was another step in dreaming about the continued growth of the infrastructure of transportation for the city and another example of the support between the federal government and the city.
Major Franklin, in a short question and answer session, said the initial funds would be used to study the significant scope of what is needed in this area and to study the cost of the grade separations for the project. City Manager John Connelly estimated a six month or longer feasibility study by an outside firm would be needed. Mayor Franklin also said they would like to look at other similar projects around the state or nation to be able to fully decide what would be necessary for the City of Vista.
City of Vista: $250,000 to create a multimodal mobility plan for the Vista Transit Center and surrounding neighborhoods, to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, curb pollution, and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers.
