Commission debates Terabessa/SESTA access: staff favors removable bollards over $50,000 gate

A lengthy discussion at the Oct. 1 meeting focused on access controls at the Terabessa/SESTA site, where a developer design change removed an original alley and raised emergency-access concerns. Staff described a developer-proposed automatic gate to permit emergency vehicles but restrict public left turns, and public works staff suggested flexible bollards as a lower-cost, reversible alternative.

Ross explained the rationale: the development’s revised layout blocks the original alley used for through access and staff wants to avoid creating a safety problem while preserving emergency access. He said flexible bollards would allow bicycles to pass, are cheaper and can be removed if unintended traffic problems (for example, increased u-turning) arise. "They're much cheaper than the gate, about $300 in bollards versus $50,000 for the boom gate," Ross said.

Several commissioners pushed for full access and argued drivers would likely perform u-turns nearby regardless of a curb cut, while others said the bollard compromise respects the neighborhood’s original limited-access design and gives staff a reversible tool. A commissioner noted the committee likely lacks authority to unilaterally change an already-approved architectural design review (ADR) without a council vote; staff said further change would probably require council action. The commission asked staff to pass the feedback to plan commission and council as the SESTA build moves forward.