Council keeps Fair Oaks bulb-outs, authorizes design amendment to smooth corners

The City Council voted Oct. 1 to retain the existing curb extensions (bulb-outs) at several Fair Oaks Avenue side-street intersections and to authorize a contract amendment for additional design work to modify corners and ensure ADA compliance.

City Engineer Michael Vartanian presented three design options for the intersections at Hope, Mission, El Centro and Oxley: (1) modify only curb ramps as needed for ADA and preserve existing bulb-outs, (2) remove some curb extensions to widen east-west lane widths and crosswalk distances (staff's current design), and (3) a hybrid that reconstructs bulb-outs with smoother radii to remove sharp corners.

The Public Works and Infrastructure Commission had recommended retaining the existing curb extensions, voting 6-1 for that position at an Aug. 26 meeting. Council members said they had heard large numbers of residents urging retention for pedestrian safety and called the reconstructed-smooth approach (option 3) a possible middle ground; ultimately the council approved option 1 and authorized the city manager to execute a contract amendment for the additional design work to address ADA ramps and corner geometry.

Why it matters: Residents emphasized pedestrian safety, visibility for people pushing strollers and older pedestrians, and maintaining walkability. Council members noted the project's larger signal and ITS upgrades along Fair Oaks and said preserving bulb-outs reduces pedestrian crossing distances and improves visibility.

Public comment: Residents living near Fair Oaks said bulb-outs shorten crossing distances and protect pedestrians. "Having a bulb-out that gives me a wider sidewalk has benefits that lets me stop and talk to a neighbor," said resident Catherine Femia. Another resident, Olivia Ramirez, a transportation engineer, urged preserving bulb-outs and warned that widening vehicle travel lanes could encourage higher speeds.

Cost and next steps: Staff said options 1 or 3 would require a design amendment estimated at roughly $30,000 (additional design effort) but would not materially affect the project's $10 million construction funding for corridor ITS and signal upgrades. Council approved the design amendment and asked staff to continue community outreach while proceeding with the revised scope.

Ending: The council's decision preserves curb extensions while directing staff to refine the geometry and ADA ramps; staff will incorporate the change into the 50% design and continue public outreach.