Council hears five-year CIP that prioritizes quiet zones, Cedar Boulevard improvements and Lakeshore Park restroom

City staff presented a draft five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on April 23 that staff said is intended as a forward-looking work plan rather than a wish list. The proposed program covers roughly 100 projects with estimated five-year costs in the mid-hundreds of millions.

High priorities highlighted by staff include quiet-zone implementation at multiple rail crossings, a proposed Cedar Boulevard complete-streets program, annual street maintenance and overlay programs, playground replacements and facility needs such as replacement of worn fire stations and planning for a cultural arts center. "Quiet zone implementation" was repeatedly identified as one of the highest scoring projects; staff said design on many crossings is roughly 30% complete and that implementing quiet zones requires coordination with Union Pacific and CPUC approvals.

Regarding the Cedar Boulevard complete-streets concept, staff said the corridor project could include pavement reconstruction, bike and pedestrian facilities and streetscape improvements, but that the work is large and likely extends beyond the five-year window unless phased. Council members asked staff to focus initial work on sections that deliver safety benefits near the high school and park frontage.

Council also asked staff to elevate design work on a pedestrian bridge to connect the new Bayside development to regional trail facilities; staff agreed to add design funding and to identify a funding source contained in the Bayside-specific plan account. Council declined to fund a citywide program of bus shelters without a funding partner but asked staff to study whether targeted shelters and signage could be advanced. Finally, for Lakeshore Park councilors asked staff to accelerate an interim accessible restroom (rent/lease option) earlier in the CIP than originally scheduled and to do community outreach before installation.

What happens next: Staff will return to council next month with a draft CIP that incorporates council feedback and will present a refined plan for adoption concurrent with the FY2027 budget.

Sources: City Engineer Mickey Sabotta and City Manager Benoon presentation to council, April 23, 2026.