Circulation Element Update and Community Character

Expressed concerns about high-density development increasing traffic congestion and negatively impacting emergency response times.

Highlighted the lack of cumulative traffic analysis for recent housing developments and urged the city to retain level of service standards.

Argued that roads should be improved before new development occurs and opposed downsizing existing right-of-way widths.

Recommended incorporating traffic calming measures and road design elements based on lateral g-forces to control vehicle speeds.

Suggested deferring decisions on the circulation element for a year until the full traffic impacts of recent housing projects are known.

Emphasized the need for public transit and microtransit solutions to manage growing traffic rather than relying solely on cars.

Requested side-by-side document comparisons and urged the preservation of original General Plan policy 2.4 prioritizing neighborhood character over motorist convenience.

Warned against stripping out community character protections and criticized past planning decisions.

Shared historical context on the founding of Encinitas and the creation of its homegrown general plan constitution.

Advocated for transit-oriented development, senior microtransit, and reduced speed limits to ensure safety.

Requested a special study area designation for Olivenhain roads to address severe evacuation and traffic concerns.

Stressed that community character is paramount and that transportation networks must feel safe for all users.