By TR Robertson
The January meeting of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee featured a presentation of the Comprehensive Multi-Model Corridor Plan and a presentation by Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall about some of the major issues he and the city council are dealing with in 2022.
Cal Trans North County Director Allan Kosup went through a PowerPoint presentation of the Comprehensive Multi-Model Corridor Plan (CMCP) Update for North County. The focus of the presentation was on the 78 corridor improvements to identify programs and projects at the corridor level needed to meet customer and policy objectives. This wide reaching plan looks at Federal, State and Regional Plans; Local/County General Plans Technology Highway, Transit, Local Road, and Active Transportation Improvements in an effort to provide the best plan for dealing with transportation issues in the North County.
There are five current programs for development and improvement throughout the county. All of this involves a collaborative process to evaluate the plan of improvements. This process began 18 months ago and has also involved gathering input and evaluation of the best course of action. The Goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to Improve Community Connections, Provide Choices tailored to Needs, Build a foundation for future possibilities, Shift towards clean transport and Improve experience for all. The North County Strategy will consist of Highway Capacity Management, Rapid Commuter Service, Transportation Network and Sprinter Improvements. Mr. Kosup pointed out there are mobility challenges and prioritizing development challenges that must be dealt with. Along with this is the continued Smart Signalized of all intersections. This Comprehensive Plan is a 30+ year plan. Funding is always a huge issue when deciding what project to start first. The next steps include Transportation solutions phasing and bundling, Performance analysis, Continued engagement which includes public meetings, the final draft and Comprehensive Plan completion by mid-2022 and Development and implementation of the Plan and funding opportunities. For more information go to www.sandag.org/CMCP or call 888-317-8976. For those wanting input into the proposals go to www.sandag.mysocialinpoint.com/northcounty.
The carpool lane from Loma Santa Fe to Palomar Airport Road is expected to open in late February and the carpool lane from Palomar Airport Rd. to Highway 78 set to open in early 2023.
Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall reported on a variety of Carlsbad proposals and projects. A comprehensive growth management plan update will soon be finalized as well as beginning a look at Carlsbad’s infrastructure. Since 2008, the council and various committees have been looking at improving to protect the coastline area and looking at a coastline park as well as dealing with beach erosion. Homeless issues remain an ongoing problem and proposals for assisting and dealing with and helping displaced individuals will continue to be discussed and evaluated. A new fire station on Cannon Rd. is in the future. The continued needs of assisting the business community is important and needed as they work through the changing COVID issues. Water for Carlsbad has been covered for the next 3 years primarily due to the over $90 million spent on a recycled water project. Redistricting will hopefully be complete by April 17.
Legislative Reports
Jason Haber – City of Carlsbad – At the Jan. 11th Council meeting, water and wastewater rates will be discussed. Also on the agenda is a sand retention proposal impact study. The Council will also hear from legislative updates as they effect Carlsbad, committee assignments for council members. At the meeting on the 18th, the innovate 78 programs will be heard from as well as reports on diversity, the Clean Energy Alliance Program and rates. He also reported the Strategic Planning Work Program is ready for public engagement.
Cody Petterson for District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer – Cody introduced himself as the new representative for Carlsbad’s new San Diego County Board of Supervisors appointee for the area – Terra Lawson-Remer.
Kyle Krahel-Frolander representing District 49 Congressman Mike Levin -Kyle reported the Congressman has returned to Washington and is working on a variety of bills and programs for the area. His Veterans Education Benefits act was passed as well as a program for military dependents qualifying for school meals. He reported that during the 2021 year their Oceanside office assisted over 1,100 individuals with a variety of issues.
Bret Schanzenbach – CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber has finalized the Committee Goals for the Chamber. The Goals for 2022 are:
1. Facilitate interaction and Chamber visibility with Federal and State legislators and other Government policymakers
2. Increase awareness of legislation and key issues affecting Carlsbad businesses
3. GAC outreach program; and Collaborate with other Chamber committees. Gift Carlsbad.com is still available to assist businesses in Carlsbad.
The next Government Affairs Committee meeting for Carlsbad will be February 2nd.
