Covina looking to make downtown more pedestrian friendly

By Ben Baeder and Daniel Tedford, Staff Writers
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 04/12/2010 04:59:03 PM PDT

COVINA - Covina is launching a $215,000 study to make its downtown more pedestrian friendly.

City officials would like to to widen sidewalks, create bicycle lanes, slow traffic and make walkers feel safe as they stroll down Citrus Avenue.

"Right now, you're stepping out into the street and cars are whizzing by," City Manager Daryl Parrish said. "This will kind of address that. I know it won't be exactly the same, but I always dream of it being a little bit like Paris, with sidewalk cafes, slow traffic and an environment where people will be more comfortable walking."

The study is partly funded by a $155,000 grant secured by U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis when she was still a congresswoman. The rest comes from Proposition C, a transportation bond.

The work must still be contracted out, but the council approved an agreement to use the money during a meeting last week.

While business owners would love to see more foot traffic downtown, some feel the pedestrian study is a step in the wrong direction.

"I just don't see this as a priority in these economic times," said Jennifer Zabriskie, owner of The Book Shop in Downtown Covina. "I understand the city received a `use it or lose it' grant, but there is no money to do any of the improvements that may come from the study anytime in the near future. So why waste taxpayer dollars?"

Instead, the city should reinvest in blighted areas, Zabriskie said.

Lucy Saldana, owner of Vintage Dreams, said a Parisian style downtown is a nice thought, but she doesn't see the area attracting enough foot traffic to justify any broad, new plans.

"I honestly don't know how they can possibly increase foot traffic," Saldana said. "They need to put more focus on bringing businesses here and helping the business stay here."

Shoppers generally come downtown to visit a specific store, and don't often wander or browse, said pedestrian and local business customer Matt Benavidez.

"I am sure it would be good for business," Benavidez said. "(Downtown) has a nice look and appeal, but I never get the urge to come down and shop. They are making changes, but they need to make a lot of changes."

Councilman Walt Allen said officials are trying to do just that.

Foot traffic has already increased with the additions of the 3 Vino's restaurant and the Covina Performing Arts Theater. The city hopes it can continue that momentum with this study, Allen said.

"If we can create more pedestrian traffic, that would be a tremendous benefit," Allen said. "I am hoping this study will help us toward that goal.

The pedestrian study comes as Covina is putting the finishing touches on another plan to ease downtown parking.

The City Council last week approved $50,000 to finish the parking scheme, which would be completed in June.

The city's staff hopes to have it to the council for approval by late summer, said Steve Henley, the city's public works director.

Meanwhile, Parrish hopes to wrap up by May a negotiation with the Olson Company to build a 50-townhome development at Citrus and Italia Street.

daniel.tedford@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2730