Resident urges more play space and sidewalks at Del Rio; commission votes to place parks/sidewalk process on a future agenda

During public comment at the May 5 meeting, Heather Howell, who said she has lived in Atascadero for 10 years, asked whether new developments on El Camino Real near Del Rio have been required to provide public space for children, sidewalks and parking. Howell said young mothers in stroller need places to play and asked whether the city had required public space in recent projects.

Staff reply and next steps: Phil, the community development representative, said staff has completed environmental review and planning for the commercial node near Del Rio and noted an addendum to a prior EIR; he said sidewalks are part of project review and that parks are typically encouraged but are not always mandatory for a private development to build on-site public parks. Staff invited residents to meet at "Coffee with a Planner" and offered to bring a focused informational presentation to the commission describing how parks and sidewalks are planned, dedicated and funded.

Commission action: Commissioner Jones moved to have staff present the parks- and sidewalks-process as an informational item at a future meeting; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call. Staff said the presentation will include public works staff to explain dedication, funding and construction processes and will be scheduled on an upcoming agenda.

"We've got several planners available to talk to you," Phil said, urging residents to review plans and the environmental analysis either online or in person. The commission agreed to carry the topic forward so the public can receive a clear explanation of how parks and sidewalks are created and funded in Atascadero.