DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE: THE BIGGEST PROJECT IN ARROYO GRANDE’S HISTORY
TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE: THE BIGGEST PROJECT IN ARROYO GRANDE’S HISTORY
GAZETTE GAZETTE GAZETTE
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVIAN KRUG
DearReaders,
A Message from your City Manager
Matt Downing
ItiswithgreatpleasurethatIpresenttoyoutheFallIssueoftheArroyoGrandeGazetteAswe enjoythechangingcolorsandcoolerdays,Iencourageeveryonetoembracetheseasonwithus aswehighlightthemanyexcitingprojects,events,andserviceshappeningacrossourcity.
Inthisissue,we’refeaturinganarticleonthehistoryandfutureplansfortheupcomingTraffic WayBridgereplacementProject.ThisisasignificantProjectthatwillenhancesafetyand connectivityinArroyoGrande,andIinviteyoutolearnmoreaboutitshistoryandthenewvision forthisimportantstructure
WearealsoshiningaspotlightonourdedicatedCommunityDevelopmentDepartmentteam. ThisteamplaysakeyroleinshapingthefutureofourcityThisissueoffersacloserlookattwoof thedepartment’scurrentprojects,theCity’sGeneralPlanUpdate,andtheActiveTransportation Planandwewillintroducesomeofthetalentedstaffwhokeepourcommunitymovingforward Asweheadtowardtheholidayseason,keepaneyeoutfordetailsonupcomingholidayactivities TheCityisgearinguptoofferfestiveopportunitiesforallagestoenjoy,andwehopeyou’lljoinus incelebratingtogether.
Asalways,I’dliketoextendawarminvitationtojoinusforourCityCouncilmeetings,heldonthe secondandfourthTuesdayofeachmonth.You’rewelcometojoinusinperson,ortuneinfrom homeonCharterChannel20,livestreamonYouTube,orfromthelivestreamlinkonourwebsite. Wehopetoseeyouthere!
Thankyouforyourongoingsupportandengagementinourcommunity.ArroyoGrandeistrulya remarkableplace,andIlookforwardtocontinuingourworktogethertoensureitthrivestoday andintothefuture.
Sincerely,
Matt Downing
BRIDGING THE FUTURE: PLANS FOR THE NEW TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE
AUTHOR Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk & Communications Coordinator
A Bridge Through Time
Originally built in 1932, the Traffic Way Bridge over Arroyo Grande Creek has long served as a vital connection within Arroyo Grande. This sixspan, 228-foot bridge was once part of California’s highway system before becoming the City’s responsibility in 1960 In 2008, the bridge was reconfigured to its current layout, featuring three vehicular lanes and dedicated bike lanes
Why Replacement is Necessary
Years of erosion along the creek have compromised the stability of the bridge's foundations, classifying it as "scour-critical," meaning its foundations are at risk of failure. Regular inspections have confirmed that the bridge has a high potential for further damage, especially during severe weather events. The planned replacement aims to resolve these issues by implementing a design that spans the creek without intermediate supports, enhancing structural resilience
A New Bridge Design
Construction of the new bridge is set to begin in Spring 2025. The project will replace the current structure with a modern, single-span bridge built to meet contemporary safety and design standards. The proposed bridge will feature a wider cross-section, including three lanes (two northbound and one southbound), 5-foot-wide bike lanes, and 6-foot-wide sidewalks, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Eliminating in-creek supports will significantly reduce maintenance and environmental impact, allowing safer water and debris flows during high creek levels
Community Impact and Funding
To minimize disruption, the City Council approved a full closure of Traffic Way between East Branch Street and Station Way during construction.
This approach is designed to allow the bridge to be completed within a single construction season, reducing costs and minimizing environmental impacts. Although the full closure will affect traffic circulation, it enables a scheduled completion by December 2025 A coordinated detour plan is in place to support downtown access while the bridge is closed
The
Traffic Way Bridge
Replacement is the largest project ever undertaken by the City in its 113- year history.
The project is funded largely by the Federal Highway Bridge Program, covering nearly 89% of costs, with the City responsible for the remainder. This federal support enables the City to address critical infrastructure needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
Looking Ahead
The Traffic Way Bridge replacement symbolizes a commitment to the future of Arroyo Grande Beyond ensuring public safety, the project reflects the City's focus on sustainable infrastructure that supports both modern transportation needs and environmental stewardship. As construction approaches, community members can expect updates and continued engagement opportunities to stay informed throughout the process. The City is very excited to be embarking on this project, which will be the biggest project in the City’s 113-year history, and while construction will impact the community temporarily, it’s replacement is critical to maintain circulation
For more details, you can visit the Project’s page on the City’s website or contact City Engineer Shannon Sweeney at ssweeney@arroyograndeorg
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Guiding Growth in Arroyo Grande
The Arroyo Grande Community Development Department plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our city - guiding development and growth that enhance the quality of life for all residents In this spotlight, we take a closer look at the dedicated professionals who work in the Community Development Department and highlight two major projects they are currently working on
Active Transportation Plan
The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure for walking, biking, and other non-vehicular modes of transport. With a focus on safety and connectivity, this plan seeks to reduce dependence on cars, promote healthier lifestyles, and minimize environmental impact To create a bike-friendly and pedestrian-accessible environment, the ATP incorporates community feedback and evaluates local needs, identifying new pathways and connections In addition, the plan aligns with the City of Arroyo Grande’s commitment to sustainable growth by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, thus creating a more livable city for all residents.
General Plan Update
The General Plan, often referred to as the city’s “blueprint,” is a long-term document that guides Arroyo Grande’s future land use, housing, infrastructure, and environmental strategies The current update to the General Plan includes new
focus areas such as environmental justice, affordable housing, and public health A robust public input process ensures the plan reflects community values, preparing Arroyo Grande to address challenges in housing, traffic, and economic development for years to come. This comprehensive update will modernize City policies and provide a clearer vision for future development
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
The Community Development Department (CDD) team is dedicated to supporting the city’s growth and implementing projects that improve the lives of Arroyo Grande residents Here’s a quick look at some of the team members who make it happen:
Director
of Community Development Brian Pedrotti leads the CDD team and is charged with overseeing the many projects and activities his team is working on Brian left the County of San Luis Obispo planning team in 2021 to begin his exciting role as a Community Development Director for the City he loves and that his family calls home With a wealth of knowledge that has even led him to teach planning classes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Brian provides strong leadership for his dynamic team Overseeing the Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement divisions ensures there is never a dull moment Of his work, Pedrotti says his favorite aspect is working with a dedicated team that shares a commitment to creating a vibrant city, and interacting with the community to help them achieve their vision of their city
Planning Manager Andrew Perez leads the planning efforts for the City. Perez and his team are working on the Active Transportation Plan while also navigating the complexandrigorousprocessofupdatingthe City’sGeneralPlan Inhissixyearsworkingfor the City, a project highlight of his career has been facilitating the entitlement of the affordable housing development with the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo He looksforwardtoworkingwiththecommunity on important projects like the Active Transportation Plan, which will make Arroyo Grande a safer, more accessible place for everyone Perez is pivotal in managing both current development projects and long-range planning policies that will shape the future of ArroyoGrande.
A vital member of the planning team is Patrick Holub. Holub is the City’s Associate Planner and has been with the City for 10 years. Holub is currently working on land-use related projects and just about anything else you can think of to keep the Community Development Department running Patrick offersawealthofknowledgeaboutallaspects of planning as well as key insights into the innerworkingsofArroyoGrandeandisalways availabletolendahand.
Rounding out the Arroyo Grande Planning Division is Shayna Gropen (See AG Gazette Volume 1, Issue 2 for a full, in-depth employee Spotlight on Shayna) Gropen graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in City & Regional Planning and is working on a variety of current and long-range planning projects in the city. She enjoys tackling complex projects that will benefit the City and lead to a better built environment. Shayna finds engaging with the community to be the most rewardingpartofherworkinAG.
Natalie Riddering is the City’s Planning/Engineering Technician, handling many of the public records requests received bythedepartment Natalieworksdirectlywith the City Engineer and Senior Engineer on a variety of map and easement related tasks, as well as tackling GIS and grant funding projects Natalie is a problem solver and a gogetter.
The City’s Community Services Specialist is Christina Alvarez. Christina is a former Arroyo Grande Police Department employee who moved to the Community Development Department in 2021 Christina often responds to community concerns and ensures that City standards are adhered to. Her kind demeanor and willingness to work with members of the community to reach positive outcomes makes her an ideal liaison, while her background working with law enforcement gives her a strategic and safety-oriented perspective.
A relative newcomer, Emi Ochoa is the City’s Building Technician. Emi has become an invaluable asset to the City Serving as the only full-time staff member for the Building Division, Emi’s efficient, can-do attitude allows one of the busiest branches of the department to run seamlessly, bridging the gap between the City’s building consultant teamandCitystaff
The dedicated Community Development Department is committed to shaping a bright future for Arroyo Grande and creating a vibrantcommunityforgenerationstocome
For more information on the City’s Community Development Department and other ongoing projects, please visit our websiteatwwwarroyograndeorg
In Other News . . .
Swinging Bridge Ribbon Cutting
City, county, state, and federal representatives joined staff and enthusiastic community members on September 13, 2024, to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly rehabilitated Swinging Bridge! In her remarks on behalf of Congressman Salud Carbajal, Erica Reyes, District Director, praised the Arroyo Grande City Council for proactively securing federal funding to offset project costs, including $500,000 from Federal Community Project Funding, with the remainder funded by Measure O-06 Sales Tax Funds. The project was completed one month ahead of schedule and on budget an exciting success for our community!
The 2024-2025 Community Service Grant Program Application is Now Open!
The City is pleased to announce its eleventh year of the Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program, which provides monetary grants to eligible non-profit groups that provide specialized social service, educational, cultural, beautification, and recreation programs and projects benefitting its citizens The Budget for the 2024-25 Community Service Grant Program is $75,000 More information can be obtained online at: http://www arroyogrande org/602/Community-Service-GrantProgram
Election Update: City of Arroyo Grande
The County of San Luis Obispo is currently in the midst of the canvass period for the November 5th election. Official election results will be certified by December 5th. For more information, please visit the SLO County Office of Election’s website at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/clerkrecorder/elections-and-voting. We invite you to join us on Tuesday, December 10th at 6:00 PM for the City Council meeting where newly elected City Council members will take their oaths of office and be seated at the dais.
UPCOMING RECREATION SERVICES EVENTS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH
Get ready for a festive season with Arroyo Grande Recreation Services! Join us for the Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Dash, Art in the Park Holiday Market, the Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting, Mayor's Holiday Light Challenge, and Breakfast with Santa. Celebrate community and holiday spirit with familyfriendly fun for everyone!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
