TED SANDERS, San Clemente
I am writing to express my disappointment that certain members of the city council did not have the vision to approve the proposed reconfiguration of El Camino Real from North Beach to El Portal, as recommended by civil engineers.
Given the engineering analysis performed indicated that the reconfiguration would still allow acceptable levels of service based on 2030 traffic volumes, it makes no sense. I guess the parties referenced in an unscientific survey against the project know better.
With the Miramar Theater redevelopment underway and its proposed food court and events venue, this section of El Camino Real is likely to experience higher volumes of pedestrians and bicycle use soon.
No one wants to eat with traffic zooming by a few feet away or walk there or travel by bike, so it makes sense to calm and buffer traffic in the area and better utilize the right lane. This reconfiguration would be better for the environment by encouraging people to walk or use bikes versus autos.
For residents in a hurry not wanting to walk or ride a bike, I suggest you jump on Interstate 5 and take one of the seven exits—based on experience, it is quicker than El Camino Real.
