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Home My WebLink About2025-04-29; City Council; 09; Intersection Traffic Control Options for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements ProjectCA Review CKM Meeting Date: April 29, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766 Subject: Intersection Traffic Control Options for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project District: 1 Recommended Action 1.Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council-adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 1); or 2.Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 2); or 3.Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 3) Executive Summary The city has a Capital Improvement Program project to make significant improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection based on a conceptual design the City Council approved in 2023. (See Resolution No. 2023-206 included in Exhibit 4.) That design includes a roundabout at the intersection, pedestrian safety improvements and a wider sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet. The project was to be partly funded by a $1.054 million grant from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). On Nov. 12, 2024, the Carlsbad City Council approved a request to SANDAG to amend the scope of the grant by removing the construction phase and extending the grant by two years, so that it would apply to just the earlier phases of the project. The amendment was intended to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding scope and extend it for two years. This is consistent with the City Council’s direction to postpone construction of the project until more data can be collected and evaluated on how traffic is performing at the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection, as the City Council had previously directed. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 1 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 ~ CITY COUNCIL ~ Staff Report Two SANDAG committees have since recommended against supporting the request, and the SANDAG Board of Directors have postponed a discussion on the issue. This delay presents an opportunity for the City Council to re-evaluate the project’s scope and implementation approach. If no action is taken by the City Council and SANDAG, the grant will expire on May 8, 2025. Staff are requesting the City Council’s decision on whether to follow the City Council’s previous direction to proceed with the design and environmental permitting of a roundabout and wait before proceeding with construction until five months after completion of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road roundabout, which would likely mean the city would not receive the approximately $455,000 remaining in the grant funds, or to take another approach. Explanation & Analysis Timeline The City Council authorized the Public Works Director to apply for a grant from SANDAG under the Active Transportation Grant Program for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6058), accepting the terms of the grant agreement, on March 10, 2015, • The Public Works Director signed the original grant for $1,054,000 on May 9, 2016. • SANDAG provided two extensions to the grant term to allow the city more time to collaborate on the project details with California State Parks, which owns land immediately adjacent to the project area. o Amendment No. 1 to the grant was approved by SANDAG On April 17, 2019, extending the grant termination date to May 9, 2022. o Amendment No. 2 to the grant was approved by SANDAG On May 3, 2022, extending the grant termination date to May 8, 2025. • On July 18, 2023, the City Council approved the conceptual design of the project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection, pedestrian safety improvements and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet. (See Resolution No. 2023-206 included in Exhibit 4.) The City Council authorized staff to proceed with the project’s next steps, which include its final design and environmental permitting, and directed staff to return with information on five months of traffic performance at the coastal roundabout project at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council’s approval for construction. That roundabout is expected to be completed in 2028. The staff report is provided in Exhibit 4. • On Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to ask SANDAG to amend the scope of work to remove the construction phase and request a 24-month time extension of the grant for the project. (Resolution No. 2024-245.) • On Feb. 12, 2025, SANDAG’s TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request. Committee members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties, such as the lack of a California Coastal Commission permit and environmental clearance for the project, and stated it was unlikely that the project could be completed in the timeframe the city has requested. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 2 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 • On March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee also recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request. Some Transportation Committee members expressed support for the project and noted it has region-wide benefits but also had concerns about the progress to date, the absence of funding to construct the project and the City Council’s decision to wait to approve the final design until another roundabout project is completed and studied, which they said leaves the project’s design and construction timeline uncertain. • SANDAG’s Board of Directors were scheduled to discuss the grant at its March 28, 2025, meeting, but the item was removed from the meeting’s agenda, to be scheduled at a later date. Grant terms The grant was initially approved in the amount of $1,054,000, requiring a 42% local match by the city to result in a total cost of $1,804,000. The city has so far invoiced SANDAG for reimbursement of $599,186, which includes two pending invoices totaling $10,896. The city has received $531,415 in cash payments because SANDAG retains 10% of each payment to the city. Those retained funds are to be released to the city after the project is completed. The remaining balance of the grant is approximately $455,000. Options Staff offer the following options for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council’s previous direction in Resolution No. 2023- 206 approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 1. Additional information on this option and a copy of Resolution No. 2023-206 can be found in the July 18, 2023, staff report provided as Exhibit 4.) Pros • Roundabouts can reduce vehicle conflict points with other vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles as well as reduce vehicular speeds • The roundabout option will result in the shortest delay for drivers, which means traffic will move more efficiently through the roundabout compared to the intersection with a traffic signal • Roundabouts force cars to slow down and slower speeds tend to reduce the severity of injury collisions • Roundabouts are self-enforcing, meaning the design causes drivers to use more caution • Roundabouts result in less air pollution and electricity usage • Roundabouts decrease acceleration noise from motorcycles and other loud vehicles along the coast • Meets the City Council’s policies related to traffic safety, mobility and environmental sustainability • The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommended the roundabout option on May 1, 2023 April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 3 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 • The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition supports the roundabout option as the best design for cyclists of all types Cons • No construction funding has been identified for this option, which is estimated to cost over $19 million • Roundabouts are relatively new to Carlsbad, and some community members have expressed concerns regarding a roundabout at this location due to the large number of visitors and residents who use the intersection • Construction may not start until 2029 because, in keeping with the City Council’s direction, the final approval of this option is contingent upon review for five months and satisfactory performance of the roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road, which is targeted to be completed in 2028 • The SANDAG Board could decide not to support the city’s request for the grant extension for the reasons cited by the two SANDAG committees, which include the City Council’s decision to wait to approve the final design until another roundabout is completed and studied, thereby leaving the project’s design and construction timeline uncertain 2. Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 2. Additional information can be found in the July 18, 2023, staff report provided as Exhibit 4.) Pros • Also meets the City Council’s policies related to traffic safety, mobility and environmental sustainability • Enhances safety compared to the existing conditions • Projections show the traffic signal would satisfactorily accommodate future traffic flow until 2035 • Drivers are more accustomed to traffic signals Cons • No construction funding has been identified for this option, which is estimated to cost over $17 million 3. Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 3.) Pros • The project design would be simpler and could be designed, permitted and constructed faster • The improvements would include an enhanced pedestrian pathway and crosswalks and upgraded curb ramps to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, standards • The estimated cost of $2 million is significantly lower than the first two options, which would depend on the grade changes associated with creating pedestrian pathways conforming to the current ADA standards April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 4 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 • This option may help secure the remaining SANDAG grant and future grant funds by providing a streamlined target delivery schedule that is not contingent upon other projects and providing additional support documenting that the city is committed to completing improvements at the intersection within a shorter time frame Cons  Not all the construction funding has been identified for this option • Provides limited enhancements compared with Options 1 and 2 Fiscal Analysis All three options would require additional appropriations at a future date. Option 3 is the least expensive option, with a current cost estimate of $2 million as compared to over $19 million for Option 1 and over $17 million for Option 2. Amending the scope of the grant for Option 3 may allow the city to maximize the use of the remaining grant funding, which is approximately $455,000. SANDAG would still need to approve the requested 24-month time extension and the change in the project’s scope, but the construction phase would still be included. Next Steps Upon the City Council’s direction, staff will work with SANDAG staff and submit a revised request to amend the grant agreement, depending on which option is selected. Staff will also work on the environmental review and permitting and final engineering design consistent with the City Council-approved design option. If the City Council takes no action and the SANDAG Board does not approve the amendment to the grant agreement so that the requested time extension and scope change are not approved prior to the grant expiring on May 8, 2025, staff would proceed with the City Council’s prior direction in Resolution No. 2023-206 of continuing with design and environmental permitting of the roundabout option and would request additional funding for design and environmental permitting of approximately $455,000 at a future date, if needed. Staff would also return to the City Council with its evaluation of the performance results of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road roundabout five months after its construction completion and request a budget appropriation for construction of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project roundabout option once the designs are completed. Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6058 Total appropriation to date $2,908,569 Total expenditures and encumbrances to date -$1,861,117 Total available funding $1,047,452 Expiring grant (estimated) -$455,000 Remaining balance (estimated, if grant extension is not approved) $592,452 April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 5 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Environmental Evaluation The proposed action to either confirm the roundabout option or approve a new preferred intersection control option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. Exhibits 1. City Council resolution - Option 1 2. City Council resolution - Option 2 3. City Council resolution - Option 3 4. July 18, 2023, City Council staff report (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 6 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE CITY COUNCIL-ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2023-206, APPROVING A ROUNDABOUT AS THE INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTION FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps of final design and environmental permitting with the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data of another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road five months after its construction completion before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on May 9, 2016, the city was awarded a $1,054,000 grant as part of the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, Active Transportation Grant Program; and WHEREAS, the grant was extended twice with a current expiration date of May 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to SANDAG to amend the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the project to a later date when additional data related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 7 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 1 to confirm Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection and authorizing staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project, and waiting until the roundabout at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection is completed and performance data analyzed before seeking approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred traffic control design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council confirms Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection and authorizing staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project, and waiting until the roundabout at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection is completed and performance data analyzed before seeking approval for construction of the Project. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 8 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the roundabout option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 9 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE AS THE PREFERRED INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTION FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable and in the public interest to make improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project; and WHEREAS, a traffic signal and additional improvements as a part of this Project would enhance coastal access, improve walking and biking infrastructure, and improve traffic flow along Carlsbad’s coastline; and WHEREAS, the Project team has completed conceptual design options, traffic technical studies, and is ready to move forward with completing the environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the Project; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps of the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data of another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, to amend the grant in the Active Transportation Grant Program to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the Project to a later date when additional data April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 10 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 2, which includes a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option, and authorized staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred traffic control design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council approves a traffic signal at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection as the preferred intersection traffic control design option. 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the selected design option of a traffic signal for the Carlsbad April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 11 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 12 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Exhibit 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-101 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SMALLER SCALE PROJECT WITH LIMITED IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable and in the public interest to make improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project; and WHEREAS, a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as a part of this Project would enhance coastal access, and improve walking and biking infrastructure along Carlsbad’s coastline; and WHEREAS, the Project team has completed conceptual design options, traffic technical studies, and is ready to move forward with completing the environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the Project; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps with the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data on another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, to amend the grant in the Active Transportation Grant Program to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the Project to a later date when additional data related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 13 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 3, which includes a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred option, and authorized staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred intersection design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council approves a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection as the preferred intersection design option. 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting, and final engineering for the selected design option of a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 14 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 29th day of April, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Blackurn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin. NAYS: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 15 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Exhibit 4 July 18, 2023, City Council staff report (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 16 of 16 Docusign Envelope ID: 70E40283-483F-4ED4-8F6C-6938FC15F829 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Paul Gaea <pauljgaca@gmail.com > Thursday, April 24, 2025 7:52 PM City Clerk Roundabout All Receive -Agenda Item # ~ For the Information of the: cc " 1 -{3~- The roundabout is a terrible option! Stiel< with a traffic signal and better crosswalk options CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello! Deborah Taylor <deborah@mhtaylor.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 7:55 PM City Clerk Roundabout Vs. Traffic light. The traffic light plan is the best and safest option. Thank you, Deborah Taylor 6310 Paseo Descanso Carlsbad CA 92009 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: lrecker@cox.net Thursday, April 24, 2025 8:30 PM City Clerk lrecker@cox.net Carlsbad Blvd & Tamarack comment As a driver, I like roundabouts and the way they can improve traffic flow. However, the best roundabouts are those with little pedestrian traffic. As a pedestrian and as a driver along Carlsbad Blvd, there have been many times, especially in high season, when traffic backs up around the various crosswalks because just as one pedestrian group finishes crossing, another group starts in, and then another, and so on. A traffic light, however, ensures 'batch processing' to use operational management terms. It gives traffic the opportunity to go and then pedestrians get their turn. Without taking turns, cars will back up as there is a constant stream of pedestrians and worse, cars will make risky moves to avoid the next batch of pedestrians. I already have seen this more times than I can count around the mid-road crosswalks. A roundabout at the Tamarack & Carlsbad intersection is a BAD idea . Please choose a different option. Linda Recker CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Clifton King <seakingpoet@gmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 10:31 PM City Clerk proposed roundabout at Tamarack and Coast Hwy (Carlsbad Blvd) Don't do it. My observations over the years (I 've been driving since 1958) is that too many drivers are confused about how a roundabout works. There is little doubt about a straight red light/green light intersection. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Laura Soeten <lorimidori@aol.com > Friday, April 25, 2025 6:50 AM City Clerk Re: ..t. Revisiting options for Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave Please use Option 2 Traffic Signal instead of the Roundabout. The crosswalks seem more dangerous to me without Traffic Lights! I clerk@carlsbadca.gov On Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 07:37:53 PM PDT, City of Carlsbad <communications@carlsbadca.gov> wrote: Having trouble viewing this email? View as web page Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue coastal improvements On April 29, the Carlsbad City Council will revisit options for intersection improvements at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue. Read the staff report. Since some project funding is tied to a grant from the San Diego Association of Governments, which expires in May 2025, the City Manager is bringing this item forward to give the City Council an opportunity to re-evaluate the project's scope with options to: • Confirm the City Council's previous direction approving a roundabout at the intersection and waiting to start construction of the project until more data can be collected and evaluated on how traffic is performing at the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road when it is completed • Approve a traffic signal at the intersection with other improvements • Approve a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements, including enhanced pedestrian pathway and crosswalks and upgraded curb ramps to meet ADA standards 1 See the original renderings of the roundabout and traffic signal opti ons. City Council meeting Tuesday, April 29, 5 p.m. Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Read the agenda, staff report How to participate Members of the community may attend this public meeting and provide comment. • Attend the meeting in person • Email clerk@carlsbadca.gov • Watch the livestream More information Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave project webpage Previous City Council direction -minutes Traffic safety resources City of Carlsbad I 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 US Unsubscribe I Update Profile I Constant Contact Data Notice CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Judy Glenn <jjglenn@mac.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 7:37 AM City Clerk I Support a Traffic Signal at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd Intersection, Not a Roundabout I am opposed to the City Council's present proposal and design for a roundabout at the Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd intersection. I have lived in my nearby condo for almost 12 years and walk or drive via this intersection multiple times a week. The traffic jams and potential for vehicle, bike, and pedestrian accidents, injuries and fatalities will increase exponentially. The current proposal for a roundabout is dangerous considering the present and future population growth and usage of this intersection by locals and visitors. The City of Carlsbad and the City Council will be held legally responsible for all financial and personal losses due to a roundabout at this location. Each Council member's vote will be recorded and considered in future elections, legal actions, and financial judgements. Every personal injury or death will be will be the COUNCIL'S RESPONSIBILITY! CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Nikki Matosian Friday, April 25, 2025 9:30 AM City Clerk Item 9 -CC comment •Revisiting options for Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave From: Julianne Adamik <julieadamik@me.com> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 6:08 AM To: Communications <communications@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Revisiting options for Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave Um ... l hope someone realizes that a roundabout won't work with crosswalks on both sides. This is a heave pedestrian crosswalk area . A roundabout would mean that you will have cars stopping all the time in the middle of the roundabout. It will back up traffic and increase the likelihood of accidents. As I'm going around the roundtable, glancing to the right or left to make sure there isn't traffic entering the roundabout just as someone steps into the crosswalk I may hit the person in the crosswalk or get rear ended because I slam on my brakes. Bad design ... Julie Julianne DeWalt Adamik julieadamik@me.com or Julieadamik@gmail.com 951-567-3322 (Mobile Phone) On Apr 24, 2025, at 7:37 PM, City of Carlsbad <communications@carlsbadca.g_Q.'L> wrote: Having trouble viewing this email? View as web page 1 Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue coastal improvements On April 29, the Carlsbad City Council will revisit options for intersection improvements at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue. Read the staff report. Since some project funding is tied to a grant from the San Diego Association of Governments, which expires in May 2025, the City Manager is bringing this item forward to give the City Council an opportunity to re-_evaluate the project's scope with options to: • Confirm the City Council's previous direction approving a roundabout at the intersection and waiting to start construction of the project until more data can be collected and evaluated on how traffic is performing at the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road when it is completed • Approve a traffic signal at the intersection with other improvements • Approve a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements, including enhanced pedestrian pathway and • crosswalks and upgraded curb ramps to meet ADA standards See the original renderings of the roundabout and traffic signal options. City Council meeting Tuesday, April 29, 5 p.m. Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Read the agenda, staff report How to participate Members of the community may attend this public meeting and provide comment. • Attend the meeting in person • Email clerk@carlsbadca .gov • Watch the livestream 2 More information Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave project webpage Previous City Council direction -minutes Traffic safety resources {c ity of Carlsbad o a ■m City of Carlsbad I 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 US Unsubscribe I Update Profile I Constant Contact Data Notice 3 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 4 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: City Council, RANDY LAINE <randylainejetsurf@msn.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 9:35 AM City Clerk CANCEL DANGEROUS ROUND ABOUTS I lived on Tamarack across from Vigiluccis for years and Stop Light is the best Traffic Option period. Studies from across major U.S. Cities verify 'Round-about' Traffic circles are failed & dangerous accident causing non-solutions. Please cancel the flawed Tamarack Traffic Circle before disrupting and harming Carlsbad Traffic flows. Thank you. Respectfully, Randy Laine Cell -760-908-3379 Fax -760-729-7647 CardConnect Payments Specialist 1060 Hoover St. Carlsbad, CA 92008 CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Griff Lewis <griffith.t.lewis@gmail.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 10:13 AM City Clerk Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Options I am sorry I won't be able to attend the City Council meeting next week when they will review the options for the intersection at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue. So, in my absence, I thought it would be best to send you an email with my thoughts. There are three options for the intersection: a roundabout, a traffic signal and a smaller scale project. am very opposed to the roundabout option for the following reasons: 1. There are three westbound lanes on Tamarack Avenue that would need to merge into a single lane before entering the roundabout. 2. There are four southbound lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard that would need to merge into a single lane before entering the roundabout. 3. There are four northbound lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard that would need to merge into a single lane before entering the roundabout. I believe that all the merging will result in more accidents and make the intersection more dangerous. If you look at the other traffic circles in the area (north Carlsbad on Carlsbad Boulevard, Chestnut Avenue, Highway 101 in Leucadia for example), all the roads entering the roundabout are single lanes. No merging is required before entry. I am in favor of either of the traffic signal options. Regards, Griff Lewis 168 Maple Ave 847-650-3139 griffith.t .lewis@gmail.com en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Faviola Medina Sent: To: Friday, April 25, 2025 8:16 PM City Clerk Subject: Attachments: FW: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 RE: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 -----Original Message----- From: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 6:18 PM To: Faviola Medina <Faviola.Medina@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Sheila Cobian <Sheila.Cobian@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: FW: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 Hi Favi, Please include the attached email in the correspondence distribution for item no 9 on Tuesday's City Council meeting agenda. Thank you, Tom -----Original Message----- From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 2:26 PM To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 OK, thanks for the clarification, Tom. From my perspective, Option 3 makes sense as a short-term solution to improve the pedestrian experience, and I hope it allows us to retain the grant money. A more elaborate longer-term project can be in the works, as well, with other sources of funding, although you are well aware of my skepticism of the roundabout option. The data on State Street have continued to be very troublesome, even since the July 2023 council meeting, and Encinitas has had a terrible experience at their new roundabout at El Portal. On 4/25/2025 12:39 PM, Tom Frank wrote: > Hi Steve, > > Thanks for the additional questions. > > Regarding option 2 -it's the four-lane alternative. We are not recommending any lane reductions in option no. 2 or 3. > > On option no 3, the cross walks remain in the same locations although they will be upgraded to high visibility continental style consistent with our current striping guidelines. No new crosswalk legs will be added. > > Regards, > > Tom Frank, PE 1 > Transportation Director/City Engineer > Public Works Branch > City of Carlsbad > 1635 Faraday Avenue > Carlsbad, CA 92008 > http://www.carlsbadca.gov > > 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov > > Facebook I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> > Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 10:39 AM > To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> > Cc: Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff > Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov> > Subject: Re: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 > > Hi Tom, > > I am just trying to get transparency for the public and council on exactly what council will be voting on. > > I think Option 1 (roundabout) is pretty clear. > > However, Option 2 (larger traffic signal project) remains a bit ambiguous. If council votes to go with Option 2, does staff intend to proceed with the 4-lane alternative (existing lane configurations) or the 3-lane alternative (removing a vehicle lane south of the intersection)? It is clear that some on the council are concerned about vehicle lane removals, and the General Plan requires explicit council approval of such projects, so this is an important distinction. > > And new Option 3 (small scale project) is largely unknown. The draft resolutions for all three options, including this one, state that conceptual plans and traffic studies have been completed, but it sounds like there are actually no conceptual plans for this option. The text describes pedestrian path and crosswalk improvements, but, if council votes to go with Option 3, are there any other changes planned relative to the current lane configurations/cross-sections? > > Thanks, > Steve > > > On 4/25/2025 6:49 AM, Tom Frank wrote: >> Good morning, Steve, >> » Thank you for your interest and question. Unfortunately, we don't have final conceptual designed or technical studies completed at this time. >> » Thank you, >> » Tom Frank, PE » Transportation Director/City Engineer Public Works Branch City of » Carlsbad 2 » 1635 Faraday Avenue » Carlsbad, CA 92008 » http://www.carlsbadca.gov >> » 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov >> » Face book I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews >> >> >> » -----Original Message----- » From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> » Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 12:05 AM » To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> » Subject: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 >> » I noted this item on Tuesday's City Council agenda, but there is very little information on the new Option 3 in the staff report. Could you please provide the conceptual design options and traffic technical studies. » CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. > CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 3 Ana Alarcon From: Tom Frank Sent: To: Friday, April 25, 2025 6:16 PM Steve Linke Cc: Lovelynne Magalued; Geoff Patnoe Subject: RE: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 Thank you, Steve, We will include your comments in the agenda item correspondence distribution. Regards, Tom Frank, PE Transportation Director/City Engineer Public Works Branch City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbadca.gov 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov Facebook I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews -----Original Message----- From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 2:26 PM To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 OK, thanks for the clarification, Tom. From my perspective, Option 3 makes sense as a short-term solution to improve the pedestrian experience, and I hope it allows us to retain the grant money. A more elaborate longer-term project can be in the works, as well, with other sources of funding, although you are well aware of my skepticism of the roundabout option. The data on State Street have continued to be very troublesome, even since the July 2023 council meeting, and Encinitas has had a terrible experience at their new roundabout at El Portal. On 4/25/2025 12:39 PM, Tom Frank wrote: > Hi Steve, > > Thanks for the additional questions. > > Regarding option 2 -it's the four-lane alternative. We are not recommending any lane reductions in option no. 2 or 3. > > On option no 3, the cross walks remain in the same locations although they will be upgraded to high visibility continental style consistent with our current striping guidelines. No new crosswalk legs will be added. 1 > > Regards, > > Tom Frank, PE > Transportation Director/City Engineer > Public Works Branch > City of Carlsbad > 1635 Faraday Avenue > Carlsbad, CA 92008 > http://www.carlsbadca.gov > > 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov > > Face book I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> > Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 10:39 AM > To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> > Cc: Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff > Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov> > Subject: Re: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 > > Hi Tom, > > I am just trying to get transparency for the public and council on exactly what council will be voting on. > > I think Option 1 (roundabout) is pretty clear. > > However, Option 2 (larger traffic signal project) remains a bit ambiguous. If council votes to go with Option 2, does staff intend to proceed with the 4-lane alternative (existing lane configurations) or the 3-lane alternative (removing a vehicle lane south of the intersection)? It is clear that some on the council are concerned about vehicle lane removals, and the General Plan requires explicit council approval of such projects, so this is an important distinction. > > And new Option 3 (small scale project) is largely unknown. The draft resolutions for all three options, including this one, state that conceptual plans and traffic studies have been completed, but it sounds like there are actually no conceptual plans for this option. The text describes pedestrian path and crosswalk improvements, but, if council votes to go with Option 3, are there any other changes planned relative to the current lane configurations/cross-sections? > > Thanks, > Steve > > > On 4/25/2025 6:49 AM, Tom Frank wrote: >> Good morning, Steve, >> » Thank you for your interest and question. Unfortunately, we don't have final conceptual designed or technical studies completed at this time. >> » Thank you, 2 >> » Tom Frank, PE » Transportation Director/City Engineer Public Works Branch City of » Carlsbad » 1635 Faraday Avenue » Carlsbad, CA 92008 » http://www.carlsbadca.gov >> » 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov >> » Face book I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews >> >> >> » -----Original Message----- » From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> » Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 12:05 AM » To: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> » Subject: Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave Intersection Option 3 >> » I noted this item on Tuesday's City Council agenda, but there is very little information on the new Option 3 in the staff report. Could you please provide the conceptual design options and traffic technical studies. » CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. > CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 3 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Carlsbad City Council: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 11 :02 PM City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Kevin Shin Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection. I watched all three SAN DAG meetings regarding the grant for this project (ITOC, Transportation Committee, and Board of Directors). They are very concerned about the lack of timely progress and the low likelihood of the project being completed, given its very high (and unfunded) $19 million projected cost. The title of the original 2015 grant is "Pedestrian Improvement Project," and the projected cost was $2.9 million. Over the ensuing 1 O years, the project scope and cost have exploded. The simplified Option #3 brings things closer to the primary original intent--enhancing the pedestrian path and crosswalk facilities around the intersection. It should be much easier to complete this important project in a timely fashion with existing funds, thus addressing SANDAG's primary concerns and maximizing the likelihood that Carlsbad can retain the remaining funds in the grant. Also, please abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Road roundabout. In its 11 years of existence, Carlsbad's State Street roundabout has had the highest collision rate of all intersections in Carlsbad. This includes numerous new collisions and injuries just since my last presentation and your decision to go forward with the Tamarack roundabout in 2023 . And a new roundabout at El Portal Street has had the highest collision and injury rate of all Encinitas intersections in its first 2-1/2 years of operation, such that they are planning to install crash-rated bollards around the perimeter to reduce damage to life and property in the surrounding area. Best regards , Steve Linke Carlsbad, CA 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear City Council, Jason Ozie! <jason_oziel@icloud.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 11 :59 PM Keith Blackburn; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Kevin Shin; Priya Bhat-Patel; City Clerk Manager Internet Email Agenda Item 9 I am a 22 year resident of Old Carlsbad and live on Tamarack Avenue. I drive from my house to Tamarack State Beach to surf nearly every single day. When I'm not surfing, I still drive to the beach and use the intersection of Tamarack and Carlbad Blvd several times per day. I am very aware of the dynamics of this intersection and the amount of pedestrian traffic that is in the area. Coupled with the bicycle traffic, beach parking, and tourist presence, this intersection presents a number of challenges. Improvements are needed but the reality is that it is not severely broken. The traffic data that has been studied many times over does not indicate a history of a safety issue here. I am a fan of roundabouts but only when they make sense given all of the factors in the surrounding area. This intersection is about the worst place for a roundabout that one could imagine. I respectfully urge your support for Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection and ask that you abandon plans for a roundabout. Please don't waste $17-$19M in taxpayer dollars to fix a problem that could be resolved for a simple $2M, supplemented with a SAN DAG grant. After reviewing all three recent SAN DAG meetings related to this project (ITOC, Transportation Committee, and Board of Directors), it's clear there are serious concerns about the project's escalating cost and lack of timely progress. With a current estimate of $19 million-most of which remains unfunded-the likelihood of successful completion appears low under the current trajectory. Originally approved in 2015 as a "Pedestrian Improvement Project" with an estimated cost of $2.9 million, the scope and budget have expanded dramatically over the past decade. Option #3 helps refocus the project on its original purpose: improving pedestrian access and safety at this intersection. This more streamlined approach is not only more financially feasible, but also significantly increases the chances of delivering the improvements within existing funding, directly addressing SANDAG's concerns. I also encourage reconsideration of the proposed roundabouts at Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road. The roundabout at State Street-Carlsbad's first-has had the highest collision rate of any intersection in the city over its 11-year history. Similarly, the relatively new roundabout at El Portal in Encinitas has quickly become the city's most collision-prone intersection, prompting plans to install protective bollards in response to frequent crashes and injuries. These examples highlight the need for a more cautious and data-driven approach to roundabout implementation, especially in areas where pedestrian safety is a top priority. Thank you for your consideration and continued commitment to enhancing Carlsbad's infrastructure. 1 Respectfully yours, Jason Oziel CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 2 ize the sender and know the content i Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Clerk and City Council Gregg Ferry <gregg@greggferry.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 6:46 AM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) "Please do not support any Option for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on climate change." I am a retired engineer. My experience ranges from tiny projects (Arduinos) to large consequential projects (flight control system for 747's) and breadth which include marine condition analysis. If my previous comments have been read, one would see that I consider that a round-about at Tamarack is a phenomenally dumb idea. My reason is that there is insufficient space for one. This is why the Encinitas round-abouts have been disappointing at best. I would advise the Council to go with option 4: make no changes. With the oncoming rise in sea level, by the end of the century, Carlsbad Blvd.will have crumbled into the sea. Witness the sea walls and cliffs along Terra mar failing. Focus on climate change mitigation. Gregg Ferry 3344 Appian Rd Carlsbad CA 92010 (805) 743-3779 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Linda Petrucci <lindacolby@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 7:56 AM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) I want to encourage you to support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection. Please focus on pedestrian improvements. Also, please abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack and re-evaluate the Cannon Road roundabout. Other North County roundabouts have experienced the high collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. I am concerned that families with small children will be at risk crossing a busy street while excited at the prospect of a day at the beach, or conversely, a little dazed after spending hours in the sun and waves. People many not be as focused on traffic in those circumstances as they should be. This is especially true if ther are no traffic lights Linda Petrucci 4640 Park Dr. Carlsbad 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: MPK <packnpens@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 7:57 AM City Cler~ ublic comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) PLEASE vote for option 3 at tamarack and cbad blvd!! Every wheeled object known to man rolls through that intersection. The roundabout will have too many "moving objects@ to be effective. Start small and inexpensive! Mike CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Mary Kent <mmkent@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:49 AM City Clerk Public comment4/29/25 Item #9 Please support Option #3 for Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Ave intersection. Please, please stop with the roundabouts everywhere. They are dangerous, expensive and unnecessary! Thank you, M CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Mayor, Council, and Staff, Teri Jacobs <tjacobs86@pacbell.net> Saturday, April 26, 2025 10:19 AM City Clerk 4/29 Council Meeting Agenda Item 9 Option #3 is the only choice which should be considered. That intersection definitely needs some updating but a traffic circle there will only cause more confusion and not provide safe traveling for vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes. While you are at it please reconsider the traffic circle proposed at Cannon! Regards, Teri Jacobs Resident Dist 1 and frequent pedestrian at the Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd intersection Sent from my iPad CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Ann Brenoff <anniebj90290@yahoo.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 11 :53 AM City Clerk Tamarack roundabout --such a bad idea I am dismayed to see that the city is once-again considering building a traffic circle at the Tamarack intersection with Carlsbad Blvd . Not only is it a bad idea for safety reasons, it will be an expensive project that we don't need and can ill afford. Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. I hope you will finally and permanently drop the roundabout option at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Road roundabout. It is absurd to clutch your pearls over the idea of missing out on a $500,000 grant on a project that would cost tens of millions of dollars. A grant isn't "free" money. It is taxpayers money. And there is nothing wrong with not spending it. Option 3 is the only sane option. Regards, Ann Brenoff owner of 4590 Adams St. Carlsbad 92008 Ann Brenoff 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Dear City Clerk ROBERT RODEWALD <rorodewald@aol.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 11 :57 AM City Clerk Public Comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack intersection) Roundabout Letter 2025.docx Please see my attached response regarding this matter and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks in advance, Robert H. Rodewald 3865 Skyline Road Carlsbad, CA 92008 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 April 26, 2025 Re: Council Item #9, Carlsbad Blvd./Tamarack Ave intersection Dear City Clerk On July 18, 2023, I sent you an email indicating my preference for the options considered by the City regarding improvements to the above referenced intersection. In that email, and reiterated here, I said that I do not consider these Roundabouts to be a safe improvement to existing intersections in the City. Please abandon the Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd roundabout as well as the contemplated Cannon Rd roundabout. There is growing evidence that these improvements are unsafe and they are far too costly. I favor Option #3 and encourage you to pursue that less expensive, safer solution. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Robert H. Rodewald 3865 Skyline Road Carlsbad, CA 92008 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Sandra O'Brien <sandratobrien@icloud.com> Saturday, April 26; 2025 1 :18 PM City Clerk Sandra O'Brien Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection Dear City Council of Carlsbad: I am not able to attend the meeting in person but want to voice my concerns on the roundabout and other traffic safety issues on C'bad Blvd. I live only 2 blocks from this intersection and go through it (walking) daily. I cannot imagine how much more risky it will be for pedestrians, bikers, families with kids and strollers etc. to try and cross here with a roundabout instead of a traffic signal. 1. What is the data to show that this intersection has a high degree of accidents and would "benefit" from a roundabout (I do not agree they are safer)? It's my understanding that a major project like this needs data to support it-not just conjecture. If anything, look at the roundabout further down toward O'side-it is a disaster-traffic backup and confusion no matter the time of day .... I've personally witnessed several near-collisions with cars, bikes and pedestrians there. 2. Traffic backup-especially during tourist season-will be horrendous. Many people from out-of- state who are not familiar with how to use a roundabout (including many locals) will make it even more challenging. Nobody can figure out the right of way and pedestrians will get lost in the confusion. 3. Alternatives to slow down traffic on C'bad Blvd-has this been explored? What was discussed? Why were those alternatives discarded? There are a lot of speeders on that road-especially from Cannon to Tamarack, yet few speed limit sign reminders or radar. It is rare to see anyone being pulled over for speeding on that stretch (I can see it from my home). 4. I know as a pedestrian I appreciate the crossing flashing lights at multiple places on C'bad Blvd. PLEASE ADD ONE SOUTH OF THE TAMARACK INTERSECTION! Many of us-especially surfers-cross at the lagoon trail entrance. PLEASE consider this for our safety. That will help slow things down too. Please abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Road roundabout. Other North County roundabouts have experienced the highest collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. Thank you for considering less radical and more effective solutions than a roundabout! And less expensive! Sandra T. O'Brien sandratobrien@icloud.com "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." Anai's Nin 1 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: drdianeb@aol.com Saturday, April 26, 2025 3:01 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Honorable Mayor and Council: Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Blvd./Tamarack Ave. intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. This will allow for needed changes without adding a roundabout or signal which would any many UNFUNDED millions of$$ to the project. With Option #3, Carlsbad can use the SANDAG funds for these improvements. I also request that you abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd. and re-think the roundabout at Cannon/Carlsbad Blvd. Despite numerous powerpoint presentations stating how safe roundabouts are, the State St. Roundabout in the far north of the city has the highest collision rate in the entire city. Encinitas' new El Portal Roundabout, open only 2 years, already has the highest accident rate in that city also. Between 2/23 and 8/24, there were 19 accidents at that roundabout. Some of these accidents have resulted in severe injuries. Please make the fiscally responsible decision and choose Option #3. Thank you -- Diane Bedrosian District 2 resident for 33 years CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Bill Baer <bbaer2003@hotmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 3:06 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Please approve option #3 -the smaller scale Tamarack/Carlsbad Bl intersection. The smaller cost compared to the other 2 options should be the consensus of the council to be fiscally responsible. In addition, the roundabout option will cause more traffic congestion due to a reduction to only one lane in each direction. In the summer, when there are alot of pedestrians, this area would be very difficult to drive through since the pedestrians have the right of way. Overall, I think roundabouts are good, but not for this area. Bill Baer Carlsbad resident since 1973 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dale Bodman <dalebodman@hotmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 3:42 PM City Clerk Public Comment on 4/29/2025 council Item# 9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd Intersection) To Whom it May Concern: I have spoken up several times concerning traffic circles and what a terrible idea they are for Carlsbad. I am writing this email to support Option # 3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. I have been a resident of Carlsbad for over 35 years and have over 40 plus years of civil engineering experience involving all aspects of engineering including traffic engineering. Roundabouts do not work in the United States let alone in Carlsbad? These traffic implementations have only resulted in far more accidents and high collision rates rather than other intersections. This issue has been discussed over way to many years and now the cost of implementation is excessive for the return. Please abandon any idea of a roundabout option at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Road roundabout.-Option# 3 is your best fix for the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue!!!!!!! Thank you, Dale Bodman, PE CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Pupping <puppingfamily@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 3:46 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) City of Carlsbad Mayor, Council, Traffic Commissioners and City Staff: We were both raised in north San Diego County and are 22 year residents (taxpayers) of the City of Carlsbad. I strongly disagree with approving any roundabouts on Carlsbad Blvd. With more vehicle commuters than cyclists to access our beaches, we need to be realistic about the impacts any roundabout would have on not only on Carlsbad residents but also those that live inland. Where is the permit from the California Coastal Commission which looks at access to our to beaches and environmental impacts? Our beaches should be accessible for all and not just those that live close enough to walk or bike.The design will not only further impact drivers but also impact emergency response. I disagree that roundabouts move traffic more efficiently. Bottlenecking a roadway only increases delays, pollution and frustration. Why should cyclist have precedence over drivers on the roadway when realistically there are more vehicle commuters. It is more dangerous to have cyclist move into a busy single sharrow lane and through the roundabout with vehicles than it is to keep separate. As a driver of a vehicle and cyclist, I feel more in danger with Option 1. We strongly encourage your support for Option 3 for approving a smaller scale project. Thank you, Anita and Lenny Pupping CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Ric Koch on < rkochon56@gmail.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 4:39 PM City Clerk Waste of money. Option #3. I have lived in this area for 40 years.i am sure we can use the money for many other things that can improve the quality of living in Carlsbad. Locals use this area to excess the beach. You would create some many problems. My father told me if it's not broken don't fix it. Happy in Carlsbad. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: lblack50@aol.com Saturday, April 26, 2025 4:49 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) I have previously commented on Carlsbad's desire to put in roundabouts in heavily trafficked areas. I understand that it is back on the docket again! I certainly do not understand your obsession with roundabouts. Does the city of Carlsbad have millions of dollars they just want to spend? Does someone on the board have a friend that needs work so the city wants to throw money their way? I would love to see a list of pros? Those people who run traffic lights will be the same people who ignore the roundabout right-of-way. At least with traffic lights there is a caution light before the green moves to red. I strongly suspect the pros have to do with intersections that are not already governed by traffic lights and are only replacing intersections with 4-stop stop signs and have minor amounts of traffic -car and pedestrian, or currently have no stop signs or traffic lights. And, if you notice all the examples of roundabouts on line, they are huge not small areas, And, when do the pedestrians step out into traffic? With a traffic light pedestrians know exactly when they are safe to step out into traffic. Where there are many pedestrians and much car traffic, it just makes absolutely no sense. I disagree with the one at Tamarack AND at Cannon. My parents bought the house on Garfield just a couple of houses from Tamarack in 1948 where I now currently live. I am very familiar with the traffic patterns in these areas and quite familiar with the pedestrian traffic. I am so curious as to what the difficulty is in this day and age with having traffic lights. Do they not adequately accomplish the safety required for both cars AND pedestrians? And if so, why is Carlsbad so anxious to spend millions of dollars? If you so eagerly need to spend millions of dollars and you believe Carlsbad needs roundabouts, then put one on Highland and Magnolia (or even Highland and Carlsbad Village Dr where the street is wide) where there is very little traffic (or cross traffic) during the day and will allow cars to just drive through them and not have to stop at a stop sign if there is no traffic. Why would you even consider a roundabout where there is heavy car traffic AND pedestrian traffic? Suppose to save gas? Imagine one at Highland and Carlsbad Village Dr. I am on Carlsbad Village Dr driving west toward the beach. I wish to make a left onto Highland driving south. With a roundabout I have to drive all the way around the circle in order to get where I am going and hope that no one enters the roundabout to hit me. With street lights, I have to stop at the intersection (using very little gas); the light turns green and I turn. Have I really saved gas with the roundabout? I will tell you what problem does exist -bicycles. Bicyclists don't want to stop at stop signs and seem to think they have the right away at intersections. Spend the city's money requiring bicyclists to have permits for riding them, especially the electric ones! Make them take a driving test and a written test! When a police officer sees them not following the laws they should confiscate the bicycle and require the parents to come down and pay a fine. Recently I read this information concerning local roundabouts: In its 11 years of existence, Carlsbad's State Street roundabout has had the highest collision rate of all intersections in Carlsbad, including numerous new collisions and injuries just since the decision to go forward with the Tamarack roundabout was made in 2023. And a new roundabout at El Portal Street has had the highest collision and injury rate of all Encinitas intersections in its first 2-1/2 years of operation, such that they are planning to install crash-rated bollards around the perimeter to reduce damage to life and property in the surrounding area. Despite generic claims that roundabouts reduce both overall and injury collisions, the experience has been very different here in North County. Respectfully, Lura Black 1 3921 Garfield St (since 1948) CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Council Members, Jennifer <jennifer.wall260@gmail.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 4:50 PM City Clerk Jennifer Wall Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) I am writing once again regarding the upcoming decision on the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection. I urge you to please support Option #3, focusing on immediate pedestrian improvements without major changes to traffic flow. As I shared previously, I am not opposed to roundabouts in general. However, Tamarack is a uniquely high-volume pedestrian area where hurried and distracted drivers are already a daily hazard, even with current signals and flashing crosswalks. I walk this stretch daily and can attest that many drivers routinely ignore pedestrian right-of-way, even when making direct eye contact. This stretch of Carlsbad Boulevard is used by a wide variety of people every day -walkers, runners, parents pushing strollers, surfers crossing with boards, cyclists, and residents simply out enjoying the coast. Introducing a roundabout would only add confusion and risk for everyone, forcing pedestrians into multiple points of conflict without the full protection of a stoplight. A "holding area" in the middle of moving traffic does not feel like progress for pedestrian safety. While roundabouts can be appropriate elsewhere, Tamarack is simply the wrong place. Real-world behavior -not theoretical models -must be the guiding factor. For these reasons, I urge you to abandon the roundabout at Tamarack and reconsider the Cannon Road roundabout. Other North County roundabouts have shown elevated collision and injury rates, and we should not repeat those mistakes here. Please choose the safest, simplest path forward by supporting Option #3. Thank you for your time and your commitment to protecting all members of our community. Sincerely, 1 Jennifer Wall Chestnut Ave, Carlsbad CA CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Kris Wright <kriswrt222@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 5:20 PM City Clerk; Council Internet Email Request Option 3 Agenda #9 Intersection Traffic Control Options at Tamarack x Carlsbad Blvd. Dear Mayor and Council Members, Please select Option #3 After reading the Staff Report and attending the prior Council meetings for this issue in the past, I urge the Council to vote for Option #3. It is the least expensive option given that there have been two x two year extensions already for the SANDAG grant. The ask for a third extension is not guaranteed given that the two SANDAG Committees that have met, recommended that no extensions be granted for a third time. As Option 1 (with the roundabout) has the estimated cost of $19M, we are dealing with the SANDAG grant of $1.054M, with the proviso that the City of Carlsbad contribute a 42% match, consisting of $750k. It is not stated who would be paying for the remaining $17,196,000 but the remainder might be obtained from the Gas Tax Fund which would most likely drain our funding there. Currently the remaining $17M is not funded, to my knowledge, and if it comes from the General Fund, it would require a Prop H vote. The choice of Option 1 is, in my opinion, a boondoggle. 1. The last directive from the City Council to allow 5 months of data from the Canon Rd. roundabout, which is to be completed in 2028, would require a 3 year extension ask in addition to the two x 2 year extensions already granted from SANDAG. 2. Data from that Canon Rd roundabout would not be a legitimate comparison as the number of pedestrian crossings is significantly higher at the Tamarack x Carlsbad Blvd location which should be a concern to Council. Safety issues should be considered as it is one of, if not the highest crossings by pedestrians to the beach in our City. 3. Safety data from the LSRP by C&R Associates (dated 10/22) have stated that the roundabout located on Carlsbad Blvd x State St. (further north) which has much less pedestrian crossings than Tamarack, has the dubious honor of having the third highest injury rate (as a High Collision Frequency) Intersection in the entire City. Only two intersections at El Camino Real x Palomar Airport Rd. and Melrose x Palomar Airport Rd. are higher. In fact, according to this consultant's report, the Intersection Crash rates for the roundabout at State x Carlsbad Blvd., is the HIGHEST in the entire City of Carlsbad. 1 Table 2-2 High Collision Frequency Intersections LSRP by C&R Associates (10-22) All S.-./ LocaUQII Injury Yehlele PaoestJ1en 8/lle Fatal El Gamino Real & Palomar Airport Road (signalized) 18 17 1 1 Melrose Drive & Palomar Airport Roaa (signalized) 16 16 Appendex B Carlsbad Boulevard & state Street (roundabout) 15 12 1 2 .---------Table 2-2 El Gamino Real & Alga Road (signalized) 14 14 1 College Boulevard & Palomar Airport Road (signalized) 12 12 El Gamino Real & La Costa Avenue (signalized) 12 11 1 Rancho Santa Fe Road & La Costa Avenue (signalized) 12 12 El Gamino Real & Garlsbad Village Drive (signalized) 11 11 El Gamino Real & Gannon Road (signalized) 10 10 1 Melrose Drive & Uonshead Avenue (signalized) 10 10 Appendex B Table 2-5 Intersection Crash Rates /Table2-5 Garlsbad Boulevard & State street Roundabout 0.510 15 1 1 3 2 3 3 Tamarack Avenue & Garlsbad Village Drive Signal 0.340 8 7 1 Garlsbad Boulevard & Cerezo Drive Signal 0.337 9 4 1 1 1 2 Roosevelt Street & Garlsbad Village Drive Signal 0.285 2 1 4 Paseo Avellano & Galle Barcelona Signal 0.276 5 2 1 1 1 Washington Street & Carlsbad Vrllage Drive Side Stop 0.274 6 1 3 1 2 State Street & Carlsbad Village Drive Signal 0.238 5 1 2 2 The choice of Option 2 is just too expensive at a cost of over $17M but would retain the stoplight and 4 lanes on Carlsbad Blvd. I am against this option. To conclude, our city as other municipalities are subject to a reduction in Federal, State and County assistance during these years of financial uncertainty. Our expenditures need close examination and Option 3 allows us to improve the Tamarack x Carlsbad intersection, to stay within a reasonable budget, use the SANDAG grant money in a timely manner without having to wait for the Canon roundabout, keep traffic flowing with 4 lanes, and a stoplight that will continue to ensure that pedestrians (and the disabled) can cross the street without having to make "eye contact" (as the City Traffic Engineer Tom Frank stated at the last meeting on this subject). I couldn't help but think about the blind individuals who cannot make eye contact to cross the street and nighttime pedestrians who cannot actually meet a driver's eye in the dark in order to cross. The entire scenario seems to be a disaster. I am sure you will receive letters like last time from a coalition of bicyclists who want the roundabout. However, the cost of this boondoggle is not coming from the pockets of most of these bicyclists who live elsewhere. It is the residents and taxpayers of Carlsbad who do not want this roundabout at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. and in particular, I would want our money to be spent elsewhere on projects that are more important to our city. Please Vote for Option 3. Thank you, Kris Wright Long time resident of Carlsbad. 2 Kris Wright kriswrt222@gmail.com CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 3 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Marsha Dufour < marshadu4@aol.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 5:32 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 Council Item # 9 As a taxpaying member of district number 1, I firmly support option number 3. Though I was raised with roundabouts back east, !understand their efficiency, however, I absolutely do not agree with putting one on Tamarack and Carlsbad Boulevard --I have lived here, on Tamarack Beach for almost 25 years. The amount of traffic and congestion in summertime and the copious amount of times when 5 becomes congested, it becomes almost absurd to think that one lane in each direction and a roundabout would help--it would only hinder traffic flow I strongly feel there should be enhancements, perhaps even a pedestrian walkway across Carlsbad Boulevard someday, but absolutely no roundabouts. With gratitude, Marsha Dufour CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: KAY GAVIN <kaygavin52@gmail.com> Saturday, April 26, 2025 6:13 PM City Clerk kaygavin52@gmail. com Public comment on 4/29/25 council item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Dear Carlsbad City Council Members, Thank you for the opportunity to provide public feedback once again on this critical item. We would like to request the City Council Please Support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave intersection that will focus on pedestrian improvements. We would also like to provide our reasons for requesting that the City Council abandon the Round-a-bout option today and in the foreseeable future for this extremely busy intersection. We are 35+ yr residents of Carlsbad who live off Tamarack Ave and access the coastal intersection at Tamarack Daily at various times of day and believe we can provide valuable insights for the council. We also use the Cannon roundabout numerous times a week also at various times of day. Attempting to compare the current traffic using the Cannon roundabout or State St to the proposed Tamarack location is like comparing an Apple to a Watermelon and quite frankly we're shocked that there are people attempting to do so. There is ABSOLUTELY No Comparison in size, scope and usage between these locations. Below is what we notice on a daily basis to support our view and would like to share with the council members. #1 There is virtually No pedestrian traffic crossing at Cannon or State St for that matter #2 There is little to No bike traffic at Cannon and even State St doesn't compare to Tamarack except when the large bike packs are out on the weekend. #3 Cannon is not a necessary or even frequently used route by our young e-bikers, surfers and tourists to get to the beach or into town. (we're Especially Concerned for the safety of our young e-bikers) #4 Even the volume of vehicle traffic at Cannon or State St is no comparison to the intersection at Tamarack. Yes there's Legoland & during certain times of day there is more traffic but again doesn't compare to the constant traffic flow along the coastline & Tamarack. In addition, we'd like add a few other items to consider. Carlsbad is a major destination spot for tourists as well as hosting events such as races and Art& Craft fairs. Round-a-bouts are not common place in most cities which means most tourists will not be familiar with the proper use and traffic flow of these. This will Most Definitely not only Slow Traffic Down and cause congestion but be assured accidents will most definitely Increase as a result. Even considering the above items, accidents at our current roundabouts are increasing and some like State St have the highest collision rates than any other intersection in Carlsbad. Even Encinitas is finding that the El Portal round-a-bout has the highest collision and injury rate after only 2+ yrs and is Now having to spend More Money to try and remedy this as best they can. Doesn't this go against what Carlsbad is trying to achieve? Round-a-bouts are not always a safer and better option and in the long run you can Guarantee Carlsbad City will end up spending More Money that we don't have to try and correct this huge mistake. PLEASE abandon this insistent idea once & for all of creating round-a-bouts in busy traffic intersections in Carlsbad such as Tamarack. Thank You for the opportunity to share our thoughts and what we witness on a daily basis. Regards 1 Kay & Kevin Gavin CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Cheryl Haiman <cherylhaiman@gmail.com > Saturday, April 26, 2025 6:30 PM City Clerk Public Comment on 4/20/2025 Council item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Please choose option #3 for the Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection to improve pedestrian usage. As we stated in our comment in 2023 concerning this proposed action, we are frequent users of the beach and sidewalks of the Tamarack Beach area. We again request you abandon the idea of a round about at this intersection. The amount of work and tourist traffic we observe on Carlsbad Blvd would make getting through a round about to the beach from Tamarack Ave by car, bicycle or on foot extremely hazardous. The conventional stop light system works very well for all three. We believe statistics recording accidents and injuries at other round abouts in North County point to the accuracy of our views on this point. Many drivers display impatience and a lack of respect for traffic laws, and they tend to ignore the "taking turns" idea inherent in round about traffic. Therefore, we also think further consideration needs to be given to plans to build a round about on Cannon Road . Mark and Cheryl Hai man CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: 4/26/25 dml718@roadrunner.com Saturday, April 26, 2025 7:09 PM Council Internet Email; City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) PLEASE SUPPORT OPTION #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. Also, PLEASE ABANDON the roundabout option at Tamarack and rethink the Cannon Road turnabout. Other North County roundabouts have experienced the highest collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. The location of the proposed roundabout (Tamarack/Coast Highway) would best be served by a traffic signal and not a roundabout. Tamarack is a one lane road (in either direction) and the proposed roundabout would take out a lane on Coast Highway, reducing it to a single lane. This particular location has been well served by a traffic light for many years. The amount of pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles that use this location daily would be safer with a traffic light. A single lane roundabout conveys the idea that cars can continuously move through the road without stopping. You combine this with people wanting to go to Tamarack Beach (in or out), and you have more of a traffic problem. You add summer time when lots of people want to go to Tamarack Beach, and the problem worsens. When you mix this up with pedestrians who want to safely cross the road, and bicyclists who pull in front of automobiles to get through the roundabout, what you end up with it is high potential for pedestrians and bicyclists to get hit and injured, in addition to automobile accidents (which would pretty much stall any waiting traffic until the accident can be cleared off the roundabout). I'm sure the City of Carlsbad has sufficient funds to pay out the injury lawsuits filed as a result of the poorly planned roundabout. I was at the meeting when the roundabouts were discussed. The city planner presented the proposed version of the roundabout like it was wonderful, doable and the answer to the traffic at the above intersection. While his presentation seemed thorough, what it lacked was common sense. When it comes to vote for changing Tamarack/Coast Highway to a roundabout, use your common sense and vote NO. Option 3 is the only option that makes sense as it is Cost Effective for the city and Provides more Safety for all vehicles and pedestrians . PLEASE SUPPORT OPTION #3! Donna Linehan Carlsbad Resident 1 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Please no more roundabouts. Thank you. R. Ziss bob ziss <rziss@msn.com > Sunday, April 27, 2025 9:29 AM City Clerk Cannon blvd. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Just say NO to the roundabout! Tyra Droegemueller/Pacific Gaming Services < pgs777@sbcglobal.net> Sunday, April 27, 2025 10:03 AM City Clerk Option 3 Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am a Carlsbad resident and I am against the roundabout proposed at the intersection of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd for the following reasons. 1. Proven data obtained by Carlsbad consultants state that the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Blvd and State has the highest intersection crash rate in the entire city. 2. SANDAG has already provided two extension to the $1.054 Million grant which now expires on May 8, 2025 and two SANDAG committees have recommended that SANDAG NOT extend the grant any further. The entire cost of the roundabout could then be put squarely upon the City which costs approximately $19M 2. Cost of Option 2 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an expensive solution by using traffic lights at a cost of approx. $17M 3. Cost of Option 3 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an improve intersection (than we currently have) but cost much less at approx. $2M The folks from the many of the members of Bicycle Coalitions do not pay taxes in our city and live elsewhere yet they are weighing in on how Carlsbad spends our money. Which is never ok! We need to do what the residents want. Not a outside group Please vote for Option 3 as that is the least expensive yet improves that intersection. Thank you, CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Christine Smoczynski <chris_enhls@yahoo.com> Sunday, April 27, 2025 1 :31 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. Please abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Road roundabout. Other North County roundabouts have experienced the highest collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. Just as an example, in its 11 years of existence, Carlsbad's State Street roundabout has had the highest collision rate of all intersections in Carlsbad, including numerous new collisions and injuries just since the decision to go forward with the Tamarack roundabout was made. Also, check out Encinitas's El Portal Street roundabout. In it's 2-1/2 years of operation, it has had the highest collision and injury rate of all Encinitas intersections. Looking at all available options, it seems a roundabout would not be an ideal option as an 'improvement'! Remember, there are MANY cyclists that use the bike lanes. Sharing the southbound lane with cars could cause a multitude of issues for safety as well as slowing traffic considerably. Please reconsider a roundabout. Thank you, A concerned Carlsbad resident. Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Doris Schiller <dorisschiller55@gmail.com> Sunday, April 27, 2025 5:11 PM City Clerk public comment on 4/29/2025 council item #9 Tamarack /Carlsbad Blvd intersection Please support option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Ave intersection that does not have a roundabout. I think that the amount of pedestrian traffic at that intersection makes it not suitable for a roundabout. I like knowing they must stop and wait for a green light. I walk with a person in a wheelchair and the current small island and narrow path is dangerous for her to maneuver. She goes down to the beach by herself sometimes and a roundabout would be a disaster for her. A roundabout would need a crossing guard to make sure cars will stop for pedestrians waiting to cross. Personally, I will not step off the curb unless I know they will stop. Doris Schiller 6753 Oleander Way, Carlsbad, CA 92011 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hi there! Caroline Reilly <CarolineReilly@pm.me> Sunday, April 27, 2025 5:56 PM City Clerk Tamarack and Coast Highway I cannot attend the meeting regarding the Tamarack and Coast Highway issue. We live near there and see the pedestrians, dog walkers, baby strollers, runners, bicyclists, surfers, etc. daily. I personally drive that intersection everyday on my way home from work. A round about will not work in that particular intersection. If there is no forced pause in pedestrian traffic, then there is no pause there. The best and safest way is to separate pedestrians from traffic either by bridge or tunnel. This intersection is completely different that where the round about is located on Coast Hwy at the Oceanside border. A round about at Tamarack would cause a huge back log of motor traffic and frustration especially for commuters who live in that area . Separating pedestrians via a bridge or tunnel would solve both issues without pause in either way of traffic. We appreciate your consideration! Caroline Reilly 4009D Canario Street Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sent from Proton Mail for iOS CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Council members, Michele Stclair <msaint1023@gmail.com> Sunday, April 27, 2025 9:22 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4-29 council Item #9 (Tamarack ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Please support option #3 for the Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements and safety. I have lived in Carlsbad for over 30 years and have not seen any huge issues with this signal protected intersection, adding a roundabout in this busy intersection would be UNSAFE for pedestrians and bikers. Crossing at a roundabout is not the easiest thing to do on any given day, now add the Tamarack beach parking lot that backs up into the intersection and a driveway into Vigilucci's on Tamarack and now you have backed up traffic on both streets and made it UNSAFE for pedestrians trying to get to the beach! This is the busiest intersection for beach goers with the showers, restrooms, and easy beach access at a now unprotected intersection with a roundabout! Take the signal protection away and you have now created a HUGE issue with pedestrian safety!!! Other North County roundabouts, including the one at State St. in Carlsbad, have experienced the highest collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. Please abandon the roundabout at Tamarack and re-think the Cannon Rd roundabout. I am not against roundabouts, I believe they have their place but with the pedestrian traffic these areas have, this is not a safe solution and not one that I can support. Thank you, Michele Stclair 760-522-0188 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Stephen Ralbovsky <sralbovsky@gmail.com> Sunday, April 27, 2025 11 :15 PM City Clerk Public Comment re: 4/29/2025 City Council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave & Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Honorable Members of the Carlsbad City Council: I strongly urge you to please support Option 3 (pedestrian improvements only) with regard to Item 9 on your agenda -Intersection Control at Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Ave., at your April 29, 2025 meeting. Further, please fully and finally abandon any proposal to construct a roundabout at Carlsbad Blvd. & Tamarack Avenue. Finally, please reconsider the roundabout planned for Cannon Rd. and Carlsbad Blvd., all based on my observations and comments below. I live near Harrison St. and Adams St. I walk to Tamarack Beach every day via Tamarack Ave. I walk north on the seawall to Pine and return south at street level on the east side of Carlsbad Blvd. I very carefully observe traffic and street crossing patterns for my own safety, and I get to observe how other pedestrians act as they walk and cross streets. Pedestrians are often distracted by: companions, their dogs, their children, pushing strollers, pulling wagons or carrying beach gear, looking at their cell phones and/or listening to whatever they are hearing through their earbuds. Many of these pedestrians are visitors, trying to get their bearings as they head down the hill on Tamarack to get to the beach. Any help Option 3 can give them to passively make them safer as pedestrians would be a positive for those pedestrians as well as the City and its reputation as a family and visitor friendly destination. I wrote to the Council on July 17, 2023, when you were previously considering this roundabout, and offered my views that a roundabout at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. would be unsafe, costly, disruptive and unwise, and I continue to strongly feel that way. Dangers of roundabouts I am very familiar with roundabouts, especially in Scottdale, AZ, which has many roundabouts. As we all know, the very design of roundabouts slows traffic, but does not predictably stop it in the way a traffic signal does. Approaching drivers must make very quick decisions to yield to traffic or accelerate to merge and proceed. This leaves very little time for drivers to look for pedestrians who are trying to decide when it might be safe to cross. It is especially difficult for drivers to see pedestrians trying to cross at a crosswalk on the opposite side from where the driver entered the roundabout. Pedestrians benefit from signal lights for traffic and walk lights for them -predictable opportunities when it is clear to everyone that it is the pedestrians' turn to cross, because they have the walk light. It is my practice and my observation that the vast majority of pedestrians wait for and proceed only when they have a walk light and have double checked that there are no distracted drivers, because they know they are safer if they follow this procedure. 1 We have many bicyclists in Carlsbad, especially on Carlsbad Blvd. In today's world, these human powered bicycles are often joined bye-bikes, typically ridden by teens and sometimes, frighteningly, 'tweens and pre-teens. These younger bike riders and other inexperienced bicycle riders are likely to be more than occasionally frightened by fast-moving, non-stopping roundabout traffic and I fear they will instinctively flee to the sidewalks for their own safety. While this may be safer for the bike riders, it is most assuredly NOT SAFER FOR PEDESTRIANS. Sidewalks are the ONLY safe place for pedestrians to walk, run, stop and talk, look at the ocean, etc. I feel very strongly we must do everything we can to preserve sidewalks for pedestrians and pedestrians only! A roundabout next to a busy sidewalk will create danger to those on the sidewalk, as explained above, as well as from the aftermath of the inevitable vehicle and vehicle/bicycle crashes that will certainly occur. A roundabout at Tamarack is unwise Roundabouts have a larger footprint than typical 90 degree intersections. There is no extra room at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. The decline as you head west on Tamarack towards Carlsbad Blvd. cannot be materially altered. The roundabout itself would be right on the beach bluff. The stress of demolition and construction right on the bluff seems foolhardy. We need only look to recent events in Del Mar, Encinitas and south of San Clemente to know how dangerous and disruptive bluff failures can be. Why would we choose to tempt fate by choosing to reconstruct this intersection? I believe we can all agree - beach bluffs are precious, irreplaceable, and must be protected. Eastbound traffic into the roundabout, i.e. cars driving up from the beach parking to street level, will be at a particular disadvantage entering the roundabout. This will increase risk to those drivers, vehicles and bicycles already in the roundabout, and pedestrians trying to cross at any of the crosswalks. Drivers coming out of the parking lot into the roundabout will have zero, then limited, vision of what is going on at street level until they get to the top of the driveway-right at the roundabout itself! I assume this type of roundabout design, with an entry point with limited vision, is highly unusual with little data to support likely future safety. The restrooms and showers at Tamarack are in constant use by pedestrians, bicyclists, surfers, and beachgoers. Limiting access to those facilities during demolition and construction would be highly disruptive. Eliminating the showers, which appears to be the plan based on renderings on the City's website, seems very unwise. Surfers and beachgoers use the showers for comfort and hygiene before they leave the beach. If they don't have access to showers, they are likely to rinse sand off in the restroom sinks. This will quickly clog the sinks, requiring costly repairs and/or temporary restroom closures. As I understand it, wastewater from the Tamarack restrooms is pumped UP to street level sewers. This set-up cannot withstand frequently being clogged with sand. Tamarack beach parking would be impossible during the multi-year demolition and construction period. More importantly, emergency responder access to the beach level with their trucks and equipment would also likely be impossible at Tamarack during this period. This risk of impeding first responders and their equipment from getting to the beach seems to be an especially high cost of an unnecessary roundabout. Roundabouts in Carlsbad and nearby communities I believe the statistics for Carlsbad and other North County communities unfortunately show we are not achieving the predicted safety that roundabout proponents claim in general. May I suggest that 2 roundabouts are more suited to 1) intersections with little or no pedestrian traffic; and 2) streets with relatively light, free-flowing traffic. The roundabouts in Carlsbad, existing, planned and contemplated, seem to be for streets with heavy pedestrian use and/or more than occasional heavy, 'bumper-to- bumper' traffic. When traffic is constant, drivers trying to join the roundabout get frustrated by waiting and force their way into the flow, even when there isn't room and they really should be waiting for a genuine break in traffic. We all bemoan long traffic lights, but we know that we will get our turn in a minute or two. There is no such assurance in a busy roundabout, so drivers take chances. And, when the 1-5 is stopped because of traffic or an accident, drivers switch to Carlsbad Blvd., resulting in genuine bumper-to-bumper traffic until the freeway clears and provides for the high volume of traffic for which it was designed. Roundabouts appear to not be a good option for Carlsbad. Again, Please support Option 3 (pedestrian improvements only) with regard to Item 9 on your agenda -Intersection control at Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Avenue. Thank you for taking the time to read this comment regarding the safety of our community and, especially, our pedestrians. Respectfully submitted, Stephen Ralbovsky 4081 Aidan Circle 3 All Receive -Agenda Item # q For the Information of the: Ana Alarcon Cl~UNCll 1 From: Dat?/4 ~A)_ CC g Martin Danner < martin@danner.org > CM_ ACM _✓DCM (3) _ Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 10:30 AM To: Council Internet Email Cc: City Clerk Subject: Public Comment forCity Council Meeting 4/29/25 Item 9 Intersection Traffic Control Options Dear Carlsbad City Council Members, For several years I lived in Auckland, New Zealand, where roundabouts are very popular. In many cases they improve the flow of traffic through the intersection. However, Auckland still uses traffic signals in many of its intersections. I researched why and discovered these facts. 1. Traffic Volume and Flow • Roundabouts: Preferred for intersections with balanced traffic volumes from all directions, as they facilitate continuous flow and reduce delays. • Traffic Signals: More suitable for intersections with high traffic volumes, especially where there is a dominant traffic flow on one road, or where pedestrian and cyclist crossings are frequent. 2. Safety Considerations • Roundabouts: Generally associated with lower vehicle speeds and reduced severity of crashes. However, they can pose higher risks for cyclists and pedestrians if not properly designed . • Traffic Signals: Provide controlled crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists, potentially enhancing safety in urban areas with high foot traffic. Given these considerations: • The volume of traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard is much higher than Tamarack Avenue. • The number of bicyclists and pedestrians who use this intersection is relatively high I strongly favor Option 3, which preserves the existing traffic signals but makes safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. This option is also fully funded, whereas the others are not. For these reasons, Option 3 makes the most sense for this intersection. Sincerely, Martin Danner Carlsbad Resident 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Carlsbad City Council, AC Campbell <andrina.campbell@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 10:44 AM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd) My name is Andrina Campbell. I am a Carlsbad resident and I am asking you to please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. 1. Option #3 is safest for pedestrians. I am an avid walker. I usually walk up to 30 miles per week almost exclusively along Carlsbad Blvd between Cannon and Carlsbad Village Drive. Roundabouts are the MOST DANGEROUS option for pedestrians. period. We need CLEAR RED LIGHTS to stop cars. Red lights don't just slow traffic, they stop traffic entirely allowing us to safely cross. Roundabouts are intended to allow cars to flow more smoothly. This is the exact opposite of what we need on Carlsbad Blvd which is a scenic road filled to the brim with cyclists, pedestrians and tourists. I am asking that you scrap roundabouts at both Cannon and Tamarack. 2. QQtion #3 is less expensive and easier. Quite frankly, the situation isn't broken, so don't spend millions of dollars fixing it. Residents of Carlsbad WANT Carlsbad Blvd to be "stop and go" for cars. We want it to feel slow and uncomfortable and even annoying for the drivers who want to race down, endangering people enjoying the beach. Roundabouts encourage drivers to slide right through making it a quicker and easier drive. With the expense of the other options and the realistic expectation of making Carlsbad Blvd less safe for pedestrians, what is the draw? Nothing. In short, just say no. Say no to expensive roundabouts and just make the current conditions safer for us all. Sincerely, Andrina Campbell 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dave Lyon <dhlyonarch76@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 10:50 AM City Clerk Tamarack Roundabout-Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Dear City of Carlsbad Mayor and Councilpersons, Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. As you continue towards your final decision on the Carlsbad Tamarack intersection, I ask you to remember that decisions made by this council and previous other councils continue to increase the density and traffic in old Carlsbad. These planning decisions have led to many more pedestrians seeking safe coastal access. At this particular intersection (Tamarack and 101 ), which is already peculiar given the access to and from the state beach parking lot, tourist pedestrian Traffic is extremely high. In my experience, the use of roundabouts works best when pedestrian traffic is minimal.I am unable to see drivers trying to make decisions in a major access roundabout at this location while adding the element of extremely random pedestrian and cycling activity. The existing roundabout at the north end of Carlsbad is another location that I frequently use. It is scary and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists due to its downhill orientation and asymmetric entry locations. I understand that since its installation the State Street roundabout has had the highest collision rate of all intersections in Carlsbad; including numerous new collisions and injuries just since the decision to go forward with the Tamarack roundabout was made in 2023. I also understand that Encinitas is also having similar safety issues with some of the roundabouts they have installed. Despite generic claims that roundabouts reduce both overall accidents and injury collisions, it appears the experience has been very different here in North County. For this reason I continue to oppose the roundabout concepts at both the Tamarack Ave, Cannon and 101 intersections and fully support option# 3 to increase pedestrian safety. Respectfully, David Lyon Resident 3975 Hibiscus Circle Carlsbad. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Sheila Cobian Monday, April 28, 2025 10:57 AM City Clerk Ana Alarcon; Faviola Medina FW: Agenda Item #9 -Tamarack Intersection -Please choose Option 3 Was sent to County Clerk and meant for Carlsbad City Clerk From: Vickey Syage <vickey.syage@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 10:43 AM To: Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca.gov>; Priya Bhat-Patel <priya .bhat-patel@carlsbadca .gov>; Kevin Shin <kevinshin27@gmail.com>; Teresa Acosta <teresa .acosta@carlsbadca.gov>; Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: clerk@sdcounty.ca.gov; Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Agenda Item #9 -Tamarack Intersection -Please choose Option 3 Dear Council, I ask that you choose Option 3, to focus on pedestrian safety, retain the $450,000 in SAN DAG funding, and spend $1.5 M of City funds. It is the most cost effective, "bang for the buck" solution in these uncertain economic times, and provides some real, tangible improvements for our City. Honestly, I'd prefer to let the $450,000 SAN DAG funds expire if it requires a $17M-$19M traffic circle solution. That's a "go broke saving money approach and based on the accident statistics of the traffic circle at the north end of the City, and unsafe option. The traffic circle on the Coast at the North end of the City is one of the most dangerous intersections on the Coast road. My husband is a long time dedicated road cyclists with thousands of miles under his belt. He has ridden from San Francisco to San Diego on his bike 15 times in 15 years, for a charity bike ride event. That Carlsbad traffic circle his nemesis when he rides the coast through to and home from North Carlsbad. Nightmare. The Coast road is a tourist haven, especially during the summer. Not sure if you saw this great write up about the Carlsbad "foodie" scene with our Michelin star restaurant and 3 others. We are the latest "dining magnet" for Los Angeles, which is great for the tourism business and awful for Coast traffic. Angelenos will drive down here. And they will spend their time and money in the Village, on the golf courses, and at the Coast. 1 Tourists, cyclists, pedestrians, summer time traffic and traffic circles= disaster waiting to happen. Please don't do that to us. Option 3 is the way to go. It's proven, it allows traffic flow, it adds improvements for pedestrians, it's cost effective, and most importantly, it avoids confusion with people unfamiliar with Carlsbad. The Coast Road is a tourist road. Lots of unfamiliar drivers. Let's keep it simple, let the traffic flow, and conserve our fiscal output. Thank you. Vickey Syage 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruth Gazda <ruthgazda@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 12:11 PM City Clerk Roundabout at Tamarack and Carlsbad Boulevard Please keep the roundabout as previously approved. I live in the neighborhood and walk and drive that intersection frequently. I am so looking forward to having roundabouts at Cannon and Tamarack for all the reasons staff recommended initially. Ruth Gazda CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: michael ajdour <michaelajd@yahoo.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 1 :04 PM City Clerk April 29 2025 Item 9 Coast & Tamarack intersect Please choose #3 or leave as is. And please stop throwing money at studying it endlessly. The steep hill out of the lot & a roundabout are just not going to be compatible, among many other things mentioned by many other residents. Thanks, Julie Ajdour Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android en attachments or click on links unless Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: City clerk, Annette Cruz <cruznking63@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 1 :59 PM City Clerk Cbad Blvd. and Tamarack turn around I have sent information and concerns, months previously. This round about at Carlsbad Blvd . and Tamarack is not going to turn out well. You will see with the amount of e-bikers, pedestrians, runners and cars in that area, there is going to be more traffic and accidents. There will be more congestion and the flow of traffic will be slower. I do not think the city has looked at the area because if you did, you would realize there is so much activity on Carlsbad Blvd. that a round about will not only be dangerous but it will get congested. Not good for our city. Annette Cruz CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Paula Bernstein < bernstein.paula1@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 2:54 PM City Clerk All Receive -Agenda Item # .9_ For the Information of the: ~~g)UNClt J Pal0 ~ • "l&~ ./ cc / CM _ACM= DCM (3) J Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/ Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Item 2 Correspondence Rec -Bernstein.pdf Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave intersection. Please focus on pedestrian improvements. In 2023 I submitted some of my concerns RE: a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave. These concerns have only intensified since then and that correspondence is attached. At that time, I attended meetings about this project and repeatedly heard that roundabouts would move motorists faster and be better for cyclists. Lacking from the discussion, in my opinion, was what is best for pedestrians. I kept hearing about how Carlsbad's State Street roundabout had worked out so well. However, this location is not a valid comparison as there is far more pedestrian traffic at the Carlsbad Boulevard/ Tamarack Avenue intersection. Furthermore, it is my understanding that Carlsbad's State Street roundabout has had the highest collision rate of all intersections in Carlsbad. It is also my understanding that other North County roundabouts have had higher collision rates and injuries than other intersections. Please consider abandoning the roundabout option for the Carlsbad Boulevard/ Tamarack Avenue intersection in favor of Option #3. I also believe the planned roundabout for Cannon Road should be reconsidered. Sincerely, Paula Bernstein 111 Sequoia Ave Carlsbad 1 From: To: Subject: Date: bernstein.paula1@gmail.com Traffic Proposed Traffic Circle at Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave Sunday, April 30, 2023 9:50:25 AM Dear Commission Members, I am unable to attend the 01MAY2023 meeting as I am planning to be out of the country. have some concerns that I would appreciate the commission considering. My residence is on the corner of Sequoia Ave and Carlsbad Blvd (111 Sequoia Ave), one block from the subject intersection. I attended the last meeting about the options for the Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack intersection. At that meeting, one of the presenters representing the City was asked if he had spoken to residents on Sequoia Ave to which his response was something to the effect of "Yes, and I met the condo re sidents". This gentleman was clearly confused as I am on the HOA BOD of my building which is the only condo on the street. There was no such meeting. I checked and nobody on the BOD was contacted about these plans; nor was the Management Company. I am frequent pedestrian at the intersection of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd. As such, it is problematic crossing the street even when the Pedestian Light is illuminated. A substantial number of cars do not stop when making the turn be it on green or red light. The "circle" proposal does not even have a pedestrian light. I have seen the argument that the pedestrian has a shorter distance to cross, but I don't see how that is safer if the motorists are not stopping. I am also concerned about the additional traffic on Sequoia. Cars frequently turn onto Sequoia Ave when traffic slows on Carlsbad Blvd. Again, too often they do so without first slowing down. Living on the corner, I have witnessed this with increasing frequency as I exit my driveway. I am concerned that the traffic circle which aims to slow traffic will result in far more traffic on Sequoia Ave. This is a narrow street and, when cars are parked on both sides which is often the case, two cars cannot pass without one car pulling over. There are also no sidewalks in areas on the street and a lot of people walk down the street. Before making any decision about the intersection at Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack, please consider motorist behavior and what can be done to make the streets safer in this area. Also please consider the impact on Sequoia Ave as I fear the circle will be creating even more dangerous conditions for the residents and others in the area . Thank you, Paula Bernstein CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Monday, April 28, 2025 4:23 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: No on Roundabout From: Robert Fierros <robtnolga@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2025 1:08 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: No on Roundabout Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am a Carlsbad resident and reject the roundabout proposed at the intersection of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd for the following reasons. 1. Proven data obtained by Carlsbad consultants state that the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Blvd and State has the highest intersection crash rate in the entire city. 2. SANDAG has already provided two extension to the $1.054 Million grant which now expires on May 8, 2025 and two SANDAG committees have recommended that SANDAG NOT extend the grant any further. The entire cost of the roundabout could then be put squarely upon the City which costs approximately $19M 2. Cost of Option 2 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an expensive solution by using traffic lights at a cost of approx. $17M 3. Cost of Option 3 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an improve intersection (than we currently have) but cost much less at approx. $2M The folks from the many of the members of Bicycle Coalitions do not pay taxes in our city and live elsewhere yet they are weighing in on how Carlsbad spends our money. Please vote for Option 3 as that is the least expensive yet improves that intersection. Retired Master Sergaent Robert Fierros Registered Voter and Carlsbad Citizen since 1973. CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Monday, April 28, 2025 4:32 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: TAMARACK/ROUNDABOUT From: Rebecca Douglass <rebeccardouglass@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2025 7:54 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: TAMARACK/ROUNDABOUT Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am a Carlsbad resident and reject the roundabout proposed at the intersection of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd for the following reasons. 1. Proven data obtained by Carlsbad consultants state that the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Blvd and State has the highest intersection crash rate in the entire city. 2. SANDAG has already provided two extension to the $1.054 Million grant which now expires on May 8, 2025 and two SANDAG committees have recommended that SANDAG NOT extend the grant any further. The entire cost of the roundabout could then be put squarely upon the City which costs approximately $19M 2. Cost of Option 2 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an expensive solution by using traffic lights at a cost of approx. $17M 3. Cost of Option 3 which would retain the 4 lanes and provide an improve intersection (than we currently have) but cost much less at approx. $2M The folks from the many of the members of Bicycle Coalitions do not pay taxes in our city and live elsewhere yet they are weighing in on how Carlsbad spends our money. Please vote for Option 3 as that is the least expensive yet improves that intersection. Respectfully, REBECCA DOUGLASS-REGISTERED VOTER-TAX PAYER-RESIDENT SINCE 2000 820 CITRUS PLACE 92008 04-25-2025 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig Arterburn <craig .arterburn@att.net> Monday, April 28, 2025 6:35 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) To Carlsbad Traffic Board and City Council: I've been a resident since 1961 and now live in the Terramar area since 1966. Are you trying to alleviate vehicle traffic congestion or pedestrian congestion at Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Avenue (and Cannon Rd.)? It's likely impossible to do both. I am against all roundabouts/rotaries where heavy pedestrian traffic is present. It's an accident waiting to happen. Extensive traffic light controls will be necessary to aide pedestrian traffic, and this will defeat any benefit a roundabout/rotary would have for vehicle traffic. Without the light controls, vehicle traffic will have an even worse burden watching out for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in a roundabout/rotary. Options 1 and 2 are outrageously expensive and not worth the cost. I assume Option 3, the least expensive cost, would be similar to the criss-cross crosswalks at Carlsbad Blvd. and Carlsbad Village Dr. That seems to have worked well at that intersection, especially for pedestrians. I am also concerned about the traffic delays and rerouting during the construction of these roundabouts/rotaries. It will be a nightmare. Such a project should be put to a city-wide citizens' vote due to the cost alone. Craig Arterburn 5335 El Arbol Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: stoneyb <bstoneyj86@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 7:02 PM City Clerk Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Ave. intersection plan Our family uses the crossing at Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Ave. regularly, both as pedestrians and as motorists, several times a week. I was opposed to the placement of a traffic circle at this intersection when it was first proposed. Now, with speeding ebikes added to the existing bicycle traffic, this intersection will prove to be more dangerous than ever if a traffic circle Plan 1 is implemented. Please vote for Option 3 to retain a safe and workable intersection for all users. Brad Jacobs Cell 209.202.4781 Fax 831.662.8947 en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Lizzee <elanfi@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 6:26 AM City Clerk; Council Internet Email Agenda 9 council@carlsbadca.gov clerk@carlsbadca.gov To: Mayor Keith Blackburn Mayor Pro Tern Priya Bhat-Patel Council Member Melanie Burkholder Council Member Kevin Shin Council MemberTeresa Acosta Regarding Agenda #9 INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTIONS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT SELECT OPTION 3 Dear Council Members, I am a long time resident of District 1. I drive through the roundabout at the end of Coast Hwy & the beginning of Carlsbad boulevard & State St at least 10 times a week. Pedestrians take their life in their hands trying to cross. I see them wait on either street as car after car & bicycle concentrates on moving through the circle. Whoever says it's a breeze has not gone through that traffic circle on the weekend or rush hour & has not tried to cross from carlsbad boulevard to state by foot. Pedestrian traffic is huge at tamarack! For the good & SAFETY of carlsbad pedestrians, beach goers, young, old and inbetween, please vote for OPTION 3 as that is the least expensive yet improves that intersection. OPTION 3 will also be beneficial to motor & bicycle traffic, especially when traffic is used as an alternative route from the 5, which happens frequently. Thank you Elizabeth Banks Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: City Council Members, Cindy Williams <cindyjim1536@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:35 AM City Clerk Public comment item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection. With the high pedestrian and traffic use of that intersection, a roundabout would be a too complicated and potentially an unsafe option. Roundabouts have their use when it is only vehicles that are being controlled, having lived in the large city of Rome, Italy for three years, I saw their merits. But, the proposal and configuration of Option #1 in our lovely Carlsbad beach community and with our many summer tourist guests accessing Tamarack beach, I feel strongly that it would be an unfortunate and dangerous mistake. Option #3 making improvements to pedestrian safety definitely makes sense. Thank you, Cynthia Williams A proud Carlsbad resident cindyjim1536@gmail.com CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Tim Mccombs <timmcsurf@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:46 AM Sent: To: City Clerk Cc: Linda Mccombs; Steve Linke Subject: Public comment on 4/29/2025 council item #9 (Tamarack Blvd/Coast Hwy intersection I wish to express my extreme opposition to Option #1 for this intersection. A roundabout for this terribly busy intersection would be a disaster. It would turn into another Bar Pavilion project that would become so unpopular that the City would need to re-spend millions to reverse it. Here are my reasons to oppose the round-about option: • The intersection is way too busy with cars, bikes and pedestrians to squeeze into single lanes for a roundabout, and I believe pedestrians would be the most vulnerable, having to race through the intersection dodging cars and bikes hoping to make it through without being hit. If we use a blinking pedestrian light to help them cross, like is done at multiple streets crossing Carlsbad Blvd to the N, it would in effect act as a traffic light stop, so what would the benefit of a roundabout be? • The "line of sight" in all 4 directions of this intersection are too poor to make a roundabout safe and feasible. Going N on CBad Blvd, your sight of Tamarck traffic going both E and Wis restricted: looking E by the condos on the SE corner; on the W by the lower elevation of traffic coming out of the beach parking lot. Going W on Tamarack, approaching the intersection, sight is restricted to the N by the new addition to the Vigilucci's restaurant on the NE corner. And I am not complaining about their addition, just pointing out how it restricts sight up CBad Blvd. Going S sight is restricted by Vigilucci's also, and definitely looking down into the lower Tamarack Beach parking lot. Going E, coming up out of the parking lot, is absolutely impractical for a roundabout. You can't see traffic in any direction until you are only yards away from entering the intersection! 1 I see no way possible a roundabout works for this very congested and compacted intersection. I have seen roundabouts work well in other areas around the state, even when the traffic is fairly heavy, but they have all been in wide open spaces where there are clear lines-of-sight in all directions entering the intersection. I have been a Carlsbad resident since 1986 and one of the uniquely beautiful and attractive characteristics of our city is the wide open views of the ocean we get driving down the Coast Highway (CBad Blvd, of course). Please don't ruin it by causing a massive traffic snarl by building this roundabout! Sincerely, TimMcCombs Tim McCombs 760-415-0226 CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 2 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 8:24 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: Tamarack/101 roundabout From: Dee Dee Rowlett <ddrowlett@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 4:56 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Tamarack/101 roundabout I am at a loss why the staff/city thinks this roundabout is a good idea .... do all y'all even live here? Have you actually walked across this intersection during summer? IMO it's bad enough you want to use TIF and PFF funds which is city funds but you feel otherwise .... under Prop H but maybe this size of a project should go to a vote of your constituents. At the very minimum, if you need to choose, I feel, Option 3 is the best option Dee Dee Trejo-Rowlett 760-579-1394 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council Members, Jens Peter Timm <jptimm@teamgandt.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 8:32 AM City Clerk Public Comment on 4/29/2025 Council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave./Carlsbad Blvd. Intersection) We are writing today to express our strong support for abandoning the ill-conceived and costly roundabout at the Tamarack intersection, in favor of investing in an enhanced signal and/or pedestrian improvements to improve safety and access to the public. Additionally, we urge the council to take this opportunity to rethink going ahead with the roundabout at the Cannon Road intersection, particularly in light of the City of Encinitas's experience with the installation of the El Portal Street roundabout, which in roughly 2.5 years has already earned the dubious distinction of having both the highest collision and injury rates in all of Encinitas, and is already in need of costly remediation to address these threats to public safety. While we have repeatedly been told that the introduction of roundabouts will make traffic safer, that has demonstrably not been the experience of North County. Additionally, any significant infrastructure changes to the Cannon intersection should be planned in conjunction with the future redevelopment of the property occupied by the Encina Power Station. Our experience with researching and communicating about this issue with the. Commission has only amplified our objection to the installation of a roundabout at Tamarack as currently conceived. In contrast to the north end of Carlsbad, where the roundabout connecting State Street to Carlsbad Boulevard functions relatively well, the Tamarack intersection is much more complex. Additionally, while the State Street roundabout at the north end of the city is commonly referenced as both equivalent and successful, it registered the highest rate of collisions in the city of Carlsbad, significantly greater than the current and functioning traffic light at Tamarack. The city has repeatedly quoted statistics that although the accident count may go up, the reduced energy of the accidents makes roundabouts safer. Our concern is not for the safety of persons in automobiles, but for the safety of the cyclists and pedestrians for whom any collision has a high potential for serious injury or death. The Tamarack intersection includes the entrance to Tamarack State Beach and the entrance to Vigilucci's Restaurant, and has a high volume of pedestrian traffic for both access to the beach and to the sea wall promenade. Further, the high volume of north/south Carlsbad Boulevard bike traffic is already problematic at this intersection. We fully supported the earlier proposal of dropping the number of vehicle lanes down to three and other measures of slowing traffic from the first time the city conducted a study of this intersection, but the conversion of this complex mixed-use intersection into a roundabout will create a pinch point that will adversely affect the only north/south emergency vehicle access to the beach, ADA compliance, traffic and access to neighboring streets (including our own), not to mention seriously endangering all non-vehicle users. 1 We have lived in this area of Carlsbad for over 15 years, and have been watching this project closely. Each proposal cites studies from various sources i.e. "according to the Federal Highway Administration," however, not only is this assertion devoid of context, we have not seen any study of this particular intersection which takes into consideration the high volume of pedestrian traffic (particularly non- resident tourists during summer) and the impact on efficiency and safety of the proposed all-segment- yield pedestrian crossing. We believe that the first study conducted by the consultants contracted by the city regarding this intersection found that a roundabout was not feasible. We continue to be interested in understanding how this revived proposal addresses those previously identified deficiencies. Having resided in London for several years, we are very familiar with what a well-designed roundabout can accomplish. That being said, in London, where there is a high amount of pedestrian cross-traffic, either there are stop signals incorporated into the roundabout, or pedestrian traffic is entirely diverted into underground passages, neither of which have been considered in the proposed design concept. Finally, unlike previous proposals of the redevelopment, the southern lagoon pedestrian crossing has been eliminated from this design concept, which seems like a missed opportunity to create direct access to the lagoon from the beach. Thank you for your time and deliberation on this matter. Sincerely yours, Jens Peter Timm Resident and owner 314 Date Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 (949) 278-2716 en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sheila Cobian Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 8:42 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: Highly Against Tamarack Roundabout-Public Comment on Item no 9 on tonight's City Council agenda Thank you, (cityof Carlsbad Sheila Cobian Assistant City Manager 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008-1949 442-339-2917 Confidentiality Notice: Please note that email correspondence with the City of Carlsbad, along with any attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt. Facebook I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews From: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:20 AM To: Paz Gomez <Paz.Gomez@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Sheila Cobian <Sheila.Cobian@carlsbadca.gov>; Nathan Schmidt <Nathan.Schmidt@carlsbadca.gov>; Hossein Ajideh <Hossein.Ajideh@carlsbadca.gov>; John Kim <John.Kim@carlsbadca.gov>; Miriam Jim <Miriam.Jim@carlsbadca.gov>; Suzan Ehdaie <Suzan.Ehdaie@carlsbadca.gov>; Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov>; Michael O'Brien <Michael.OBrien@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: FW: Highly Against Tamarack Roundabout-Public Comment on Item no 9 on tonight's City Council agenda FYI From: Tom Frank Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:19 AM To: Milo <milob760@gmail.com> Cc: Faviola Medina <Faviola.Medina@carlsbadca.gov>; Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: RE: Highly Against Tamarack Roundabout-Public Comment on Item no 9 on tonight's City Council agenda Milo, 1 I realize the last link did not work, so I'm providing the web address below: FHWA TOPR 34: Accelerating Roundabout Implementation in the United States I Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Thank you again, Tom From: Tom Frank <tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:14 AM To: Milo <milob760 @gmail.com> Cc: Faviola Medina <Faviola.Medina @carlsbadca.gov>; Lovelynne Magalued <Lovelynne.Magalued @carlsbadca.gov> Subject: RE: Highly Against Tamarack Roundabout-Public Comment on Item no 9 on tonight's City Council agenda Hi Milo, Thank you for reaching out with your questions. Considering your interest in roundabouts, I will notify you when we present a workshop on roundabouts to our Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission. We like provide information to the commissioners and public on subjects of interest. For some quick unbiased information on the performance of roundabouts I offer the following links : The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Roundabouts iihs.org AARP position on roundabouts: https://www.aarp.org/l ivable-communities/info-2014/l ivability-factsheet-modern- roundabouts.html#:~:text=Because%20modern%20roundabouts%20eliminate%20the,to%2 Dpedestrian%20are%20greatly%20reduced Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 2 I am also copying our City Clerk to be included in public comments on item no 9 on tonight's City Council agenda . I hope this helps and I hope to meet you tonight or someday soon. Regards, ( City of Carlsbad Tom Frank, PE Transportation Director/City Engineer Public Works Branch City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbadca.gov 442-339-2766 I tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov Facebook I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews From: Milo <milob760@gmail.co m> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 7:39 PM To: Tom Frank <tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Highly Against Tamarack Roundabout Hi Tom, Hope you are having a good start to your week & I understand you are likely busy with many projects improving our wonderful city of Carlsbad so I hope to make this relatively brief. 3 I wanted to better understand why the Transportation staff is recommending a roundabout at the intersection of Tamarack and Coast Highway. As a resident of Carlsbad I have massive concerns about this proposed project and I highly object to it, as have many others in the community. What is substantially wrong with the current traffic light intersection that is there and has been there years? I personally hold the opinion that it is one of the faster lights to be able to get through effectively from all directions, and have never had an issue waiting more than a couple minutes passing this intersection. I don't see the reason why this project is being proposed to fix a non-issue for the majority of residents. Being a 19-million dollar project I can think of thousands pf better ways to spend those taxpayer dollars. I personally am an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and I have great personal concerns about the *realistic* safety of a roundabout intersection rather than a stoplight. I have had many occasions when turning around the roundabout at Coast Highway/State street, when I have nearly been T-boned by drivers who do not know how to properly use a roundabout. I can use my blinkers, hand signal, I could even be wearing a neon sign that read "yield to traffic in roundabout" and Tom, let me tell you , California drivers are NOT able to understand how to navigate them properly. In all honesty that is my biggest concern. If California drivers all knew how to use a roundabout, then it would be a great idea, as it seems on paper, but the real life situation is that they do not. There is not enough research done on roundabouts in communities who do not know how to use them versus the research done in countries or areas where roundabouts are very common, and this creates a potentially deadly situation when roundabouts are proposed in areas such as this, where drivers simply do not get it. I just don't see the point in trying to fix an issue that isn't there. I will be interested to see how the roundabout functions at coast highway and cannon, as I believe that has already been approved correct? I think I have slightly less concerns about that as it is one lane going to one lane, and as it stands that light gets significantly more congested than I have ever seen tamarack become. That one may actually be an improvement, but again on Tamarack I don't see the point of fixing something that isn't not broken, and for many people actually making that intersection worse, as well as more dangerous. Please let me know your thoughts and or comments on this email. I have read the staff report and hope to make it to speak on the issue on front of council tomorrow. So much for keeping it brief, but thank you for your time & have a great day -Milo CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ize the sender and know the content i safe. 4 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Pamela Beirne <pammolano@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 9:14 AM City Clerk Round-about at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd Intersection I moved into my house on Garfield St. last summer and I cross the intersection at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd frequently. It is a very busy intersection most of the day but the stoplight controls the pedestrian, car and bike traffic in an organized manner. I am all for widening the sidewalks and making the intersection safer, but putting in a round -about would be a mistake. The rules of who has right of way or "who crosses when" would be confusing to both traffic and pedestrians. This would cause major traffic back-ups and pedestrian accidents. Thank you for taking the community's input into account on this decision. Best regards, Pam Beirne CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: tklane8459@aol.com Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:34 AM City Clerk Public Comment on 4/29/2025 Council Item# 9 All Receive -Agenda Item# ...:i_ For the Information of the: ~TY COUNC_!y .J Betel Ip% 60 /46 CM_/__AcM "'J.DcM (3)2 I urge you to support Option #3 for the Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd. intersection. Please abandon the roundabout option at Tamarack and any other intersection, as they have a steady flow of car traffic (with confused drivers) thereby making it unsafe for pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars to navigate. I have seen an elderly woman holding a stop sign as she walks through the Leucadia 101 roundabout several times. She's not doing it for school children. A traffic light at the intersection brings everyone to a complete stop, forces drivers to look around, and allows pedestrians to cross safely. Bicyclists do not have to cut in front or behind a car and get into the confusing mix of other cars coming from all directions. If you want to slow things down, then post lower speed limits and step up police traffic enforcement. Please support Option 3. Thank you. Thomas Lane Carlsbad CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: April 29, 2025 Diane Rivera <dianariver@aol.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11:50 AM City Clerk; Council Internet Email Tamarack Roundabout -Public Comment 4-29-25 Item# 9 Subject: Tamarack Roundabout -Public Comment 4-29-25 -Item# 9 Dear Carlsbad City Council, My name is Diane Rivera and I am a resident of South Carlsbad, 92011 I am asking that you please support Option #3. As stated before by many: • The volume of traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard is much higher than Tamarack Ave. • The number of bicyclist and pedestrians who use this intersection is relatively high. I am in favor option #3 which preserves the existing traffic signals but makes safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclist. This option is also fully funded. Option #3 makes the most sense for this intersection. Sincerely, Diane Rivera A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If you don't turn your life into a story, you just become a part of someone else's story. - Terry Pratchett, novelist (28 Apr 1948-2015) I 01, 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council: kelly.leberthon12@gmail.com Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:31 PM City Clerk 4/29/2025 council Item #9 (Tamarack Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) A roundabout at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd is a bad idea. Also, please re-think the Cannon Road roundabout. This is a safety issue as well as a cost issue. Other North County roundabouts have experienced the highest collision rates and unacceptable numbers of injuries compared to other intersections. Please support Option #3 for the Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection to focus on pedestrian improvements. Thank you, KeLLtJ Le isevtvioV\, en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello, Deirdre Cosby <cosbydvm@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :08 PM City Clerk Public comment on 4/29/25 council Item #9 (Tamarak Ave/Carlsbad Blvd intersection) I am writing in support for Option 3 at the Carlsbad Blvd.-Tamarak Ave intersection which would allow for some minor pedestrian improvements only. Please see my email from 2023 (a version is enclosed below) regarding my opposition to roundabouts as a Carlsbad resident. The data support that roundabouts work to reduce fatalities but actually increase accidents involving bikes, cars, and pedestrians which is shown in the data captured from the roundabout going into Oceanside and the ones in Encinitas that I have heard they are considering removing. These might work well in other places but our intersection there is not broken, it operates very smoothly and there is hardly ever issues or accidents when compared to other intersections in our beautiful city. I am currently out of the country supporting the USA Longboard Team in El Salvador with my husband who is their team manager, Bing Cosby, Jr., or we would have attended the meeting in person. Thank you for reading my comments and I look forward to keeping Carlsbad running smoothly without roundabouts that have shown to be problematic and costly. Deirdre Cosby, DVM 760-213-4806 Item #2 Traffic and Mobility Commission 1 May 2023 Below is my opposition to the proposed extraneous, nonsensical "solution" to a not nearly as dangerous intersection as others in Carlsbad that costs residents heavily, offers minimal benefit to safety, and will certainly cause an increase in traffic and delays when traveling for all North County coastal travelers. My husband is a Carlsbad High School '89 graduate and we have lived in our current house off Tamarak and Adams for 9 years. We are a surfing family and travel up and down Tamarak and 101 multiple times A DAY all yearlong. When considering input -mostly opposition -from residents, I hope you can define what the actual GOAL is of slowing down the traffic at Tamarack and Coast Hwy besides the catch all word of "safety". From my journal publication research on the subject, papers exist in support of roundabouts but the majority have been written about a small number of lanes in minimally traveled areas that have a high fatality rate associated with elevated speed -with the object of the roundabout being to slow traffic down. These articles indicate that the roundabout may result in less fatalities, but that wrecks and injuries to people and property are more prevalent. Key takeaways: roundabouts placed in minimally traveled roads with high fatality rates due to speed. Does the Tamarak and Coast Hwy intersection match most of what was studied? No. So conclusions that a roundabout would help are by extrapolation only from the literature available which is not comparable to our situation. Changing a well-operated, heavily traveled intersection into a roundabout to slow traffic down needs to be evaluated IN CONTEXT of the needs of the community who use the intersection -we need to look at the cost to benefit ratio. You are hearing from citizens to help decide how much of a benefit it would be to us -residents that actually use the roads regularly. And then weigh this against the cost -both figuratively and literally -for the taxpayer/residents. 1 If I'm interpreting this proposal correctly then a roundabout is the suggested solution to speed related road fatality problem at this intersection. Roundabouts slow high speed traffic in order to reduce fatal traffic accidents which happen from speed. By this proposed solution, I would assume that the problem we are solving is that the Tamarak-Coast Hwy intersection is the most fatal to travelers both vehicular and non, hence why drastic configuration measures need to be taken to reduce speed. Is this true? Are the statistics of fatalities at this intersection consistent with the "problem" we are seeking solutions for? If the object for this commission is to prevent fatalities at this intersection via slowing speed -is the construction of a new roundabout the only solution? No it is not. Are any other proven measures available to us to prevent accidents while still keeping traffic running smoothly for cars, buses, bikes, skaters, and pedestrians? Yes - a few examples are: speed checks, DUI checkpoints, police presence, public education about traffic rules, and police-community engagement. Police and policing the roads SAVES LIVES and deters would-be law breakers .... which, in turn, reduces speeding AND and reduces traffic wrecks and injuries (remember roundabouts have little to no evidence of lowering accidents or injuries ... only fatalities from speed). How does enforcing current traffic laws work in our analysis of cost to benefit ratio in comparison to adding a roundabout at Tamarak and Coast Hwy? Let's look further: the cost of a roundabout is substantial, essentially permanent, slows/stops traffic, creates confusion to drivers/riders/walkers not used to the concept, and is at the opposition of the majority of residents. The cost -benefit ratio appears to be not in favor of it's construction. The benefit looks good on paper but the reality is that there are less fatalities at this already slow intersection that is notoriously safer than many other intersections in our town. If traffic and citizen safety is this council's prerogative, then increasing police efforts to enforce current traffic laws will save lives and injuries. Putting our money to work in living, breathing officers of the law will make it safer all year round and throughout the community. This is a major benefit on many levels. We all know about the rise in crime here -fatal stabbing at Hosp, smash and grabs at our mall, massive thefts at local stores, massive petty theft, catalytic converter theft when a resident was filling her prescription at Rite Aid, increase in drug addicted/mentally challenged people on the streets, citizen altercations with criminals on the rail trail, railroad crossing deaths, and even wrecks and deaths in our sleepy four way stop sign intersections near Carlsbad High/Magnolia ElementaryNalley Middle School. We are living in an era where laundry detergent is behind locked cabinets at Walmart because of rampant criminal activity. The laws are there but what good are they if not enforced and if our police do not have a strong presence in our community? Adding officer support not only assists us with safety at this intersection, but all intersections and throughout our ENTIRE community 365 days per year. This fact is obviously more of a benefit than a cost. Instead of using taxpayer funds to restructure a non-problematic intersection -which I'm sure includes some lucky contractor's overpriced landscape and art "beautifying" line item expense--THE BEST USE of our money? Everyone knows how to use a crosswalk. NO ONE knows how to use a roundabout. This is clear by watching people at the Cbad/Oside loop -which has much less vehicle, foot and bike traffic, less lanes funneling into it. We aren't Europe. A roundabout here would bring unnecessary havoc. The intersection in question is vital to traffic flow throughout North County and slowing it down works against residents and visitors by causing back up, confusion, and congestion. Speaking of congestion, has the projected emissions and surrounding air quality impact been addressed? Slowing and stopping traffic leads to idling cars and stagnant pollutants. This is not good for pedestrians walking, people dining at open air restaurants or enjoying the beach. I have yet to hear the data for this. Safety data should include perspectives from pedestrians, E-bikers, joggers, cyclists, wheelchair using and sight impaired/blind individuals. This assessment should also include scenarios where if there is an accident in the loop or even an emergency at the beach causing gridlock -THE ENTIRE contraption FAILS. There is no easy way of turning around or re-routing out of this size of a roundabout. What is the plan here? How do emergency vehicles access the injured and clear a wreck? Does everyone go in reverse? In conclusion -citizens want safety and applaud our city leaders investigations into helping BUT pouring our money into a minimally problematic intersection is not the answer. The cost-benefit ratio fails to benefit us. Just 2 in the last few months we've had more deaths in Carlsbad on the train tracks and in 25mph zones by our schools than at that particular intersection. How about we look at the reality of our city 's needs and not some glorified fantasy that a roundabout at Tamarak would make our community safer. Enforce current laws, host community education forums, social media campaigns, and employ officers to hold drivers, riders, and pedestrians accountable. Thank you for hearing out residents who use that intersection regularly. Hopefully we are all provided with the evidence we need to make a thoughtful decision. Deirdre Cosby 3 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hope Nelson < hopefromthehood@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :54 PM City Clerk Item #9, 4/29/25 Council Meeting To Mayor Blackburn, Council Members Burkholder, Shin, Bhat-Patel, and Acosta: I was appalled when a City traffic engineer, who one would assume is a traffic expert, said that a roundabout at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd would accommodate walkers safely because drivers and walkers make eye contact and that would make walkers safe. Admittedly, I am not a traffic engineer, but I found this comment appalling. As a layperson, I cannot imagine that a roundabout would provide more safety than a signal and in fact, considerably less. The Tamarack crossing accommodates many groups of people crossing, not just ones and twos, but families with children in tow, and moms and dads pushing strollers and laden with beach toys and coolers; not only locals but visiting families, four or five or more per group. This is simply not the ideal for a roundabout and I seriously doubt this is the kind of foot traffic a roundabout is designed for. Though I am not thrilled with a roundabout at Cannon and Carlsbad Blvd, the pedestrian traffic at Tamarack is most certainly impacted differently than at Cannon. The differentiating factor is Beach Access for pedestrians and autos. For some reason, when the Council heard the issue regarding a roundabout at Tamarack, it was contingent upon the 1st 6 months of service at the not yet built Cannon roundabout, but I believe even that idea is badly flawed due to the dissimilarities of the two. Please consider my comments above and vote for Option #3 from the agenda packet. 1 Many thanks for all you do, Hope Nelson 25 year Carlsbad resident 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Mayor Keith Blackburn Margarette Marquis < mmmarquis4@yahoo.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:37 PM Council Internet Email; City Clerk agenda 9, select option 3 Follow up Completed Mayor Pro Tern Priya Bhat-Patel Council Member Melanie Burkholder Council Member Kevin Shin Council MemberTeresa Acosta Regarding Agenda #9 All Receive -Agenda Item # .1 For the Information of the : ~ITYCOUNr ✓ 02:, 2~ t GG f DCM {3~ INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTIONS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT SELECT OPTION 3 Dear Council Members, I have been a resident of Carlsbad since 1971. I drive through the roundabout at the end of Coast Hwy & the beginning of Carlsbad Boulevard and State Street at least 10 times a week. I have seen Pedestrians trying to cross at the roundabout. I see them waiting on either street as cars/bicycles move through the circle. Whoever says it's a breeze has not gone through that traffic circle on the weekend or rush hour and has not waited to cross from Carlsbad Boulevard to State Street by foot. Pedestrian traffic is huge at Tamarack. Option 3, as designed, appears to be our best option to keep Carlsbad residents and visitors safe especially since the coastal route is heavily used as an alternative route when The 15 is congested during tourist season and holidays. Thank you, Margarette Marquis CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: JackB <jackbmarq18@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 4:01 PM City Clerk : agenda 9, select option 3 Sent from my iPhone Subject: agenda 9, select option 3 Mayor Keith Blackburn Mayor Pro Tern Priya Bhat-Patel Council Member Melanie Burkholder Council Member Kevin Shin Council MemberTeresa Acosta Regarding Agenda #9 INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTIONS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT SELECT OPTION 3 Dear Council Members, I have been a resident of Carlsbad since 1990. I am a California native. Option 3 is our best option to keep Carlsbad residents and visitors safe. Thank you, Jack B Marquis 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: RAH <randyahixon@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 4:19 PM City Clerk City Council Meeting April 29, 2025, agenda item 9 Regarding item 9 of the City Council meeting this evening -Intersection Traffic Control Options at Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack Ave.: I live within a few blocks of that intersection and drive through it regularly. I am opposed to the adoption of the resolution to approve a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option. With the number of visitors and residents using that intersection, particularly in the summer months, I would prefer a traffic signal to control the vehicle and pedestrian traffic at that intersection. Randy A. Hixon 4050 Garfield St Carlsbad, CA 92008 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Importance: City Council, Sunny Blende < blendehixon@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 4:31 PM City Clerk Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue coastal improvements High I am a local citizen of Carlsbad District 1 and live on Agua Hedionda Lagoon where I am a member of the AHLF and help neighbors pick up trash on the end of Garfield Street. I frequent the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue on an almost daily basis. I walk in the morning with a group, I travel on Carlsbad Boulevard to play pickleball at St. Michael's, I travel to Carlsbad Village to shop and dine and I bank and use the local library's. I feel that a roundabout would actually cause more confusion than safety for all concerned ... those on foot, those in cars who are emitting exhaust and those that do not know how to enter and exit a roundabout. The project calls for narrowing the two-lane highway to one lane between Cannon and Tamarack and even further north. With bicycles, tourists, locals, children, wagons, umbrellas and dogs all trying to cross at once, this may actually be more dangerous than an enhanced intersection .. In addition, trying to rush this vote through for a roundabout to save $455,000 of a grant when the project is projected to cost at least 19 million dollars, seems the city of Carlsbad would not have the chance to see how the Cannon and Carlsbad Blvd. roundabout affects the traffic, the car exhaust and the safety of all before making this important decision. Please do not vote on a roundabout for the intersection, but rather choice number two: • Approve a traffic signal at the intersection with other improvements Thank you, Sunny Blende Sunny Blende 4050 Garfield St. Carlsbad, CA 92008 415-302-2251 blendehixon@gmail.com CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer April 29, 2025 Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave Intersection Improvement Options 1 C cityof Carlsbad RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 2 1.Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council- adopted Resolution approving a roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue; or 2.Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal as the preferred intersection traffic control option for Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue; or 3.Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited improvements at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue 3 •••••• •••••••• •••••• (\) p...G I) r,,. \-1 ~ 1)\0 \'\ 1)/>,. \.-f\GOO~ (\) 7 (\) ~ ~ (0 ~ .- 0 0 0 :t i ~ (\) (\) ~ vi :I:- GRANT TIMELINE 2016 July 18, 2023 City Council approved roundabout with condition on Cannon roundabout completion Nov. 12, 2024 City Council approved request to SANDAG to amend scope and request 2-year time extension April 29, 2025 City Council discussion Feb., March 2025 Two SANDAG committees recommend against amendment May 8, 2025 Grant expires ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION May 9, 2016 SANDAG grant signed 2019 and 2022 Two grant amendments and timeline extensions approved by SANDAG 4 5 GRANT TERMS •$1,054,000 grant, requiring 42% local match by the city •Invoiced $599,186 •Remaining grant balance $455,000 ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 5 C cityof Carlsbad PROJECT OPTIONS 1. Confirm roundabout option 2. Approve traffic signal option 6 ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 3. Approve smaller scale project 6 C cityof Carlsbad Option 1 - Roundabout 7 ~ -;..._~ ;..._ - ;..._ ;..._ ;..._ ;..._ 8 OPTION 1 - ROUNDABOUT ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 8 Pros Cons Moves traffic more efficiently No construction funding identified - $19 million + Reduces the number of conflict points with other cars, pedestrians and bikes Community concerns over location with large number of visitors Manages speeding along the coast Construction anticipated for 2029, after roundabout at Cannon Road built Results in less air pollution and noise Possibly loses remaining grant funds Recommended by the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, bike coalition C cityof Carlsbad Option 2 – Traffic signal 9 _=--c.--------l ~ I "V -~ --~----- -~a.-;;;;;;;~~~~ PROTE CT IN PLAC [ PUB LI C RESTROO M PR OPOSED RETAINING WA LL MAX HEI GHT=S' -{------ --~---...i- ~ u m J ~I ~ l N ~ m N ..-~ I I I \'II-I__, ~ 2i 10 OPTION 2 – TRAFFIC SIGNAL ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 10 Pros Cons Meets City Council policies related to traffic safety, mobility, environmental sustainability No construction funding identified – Less than $17 million for 4 lane alternative. Enhances safety compared to current conditions Possibly loses remaining grant funds Manages traffic flow until 2035 Drivers more familiar to traffic signals C cityof Carlsbad OPTION 3 – SMALLER SCALE PROJECT, LIMITED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS 11 Remove guardrail New ADA ramps Improved medians with new ADA pathways and pedestrian signal Remove bench New high visibility crosswalks 12 OPTION 3 – SMALLER SCALE PROJECT, LIMITED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 12 Pros Cons Simpler design with faster permits and construction Not all construction funding identified Enhanced pedestrian pathways and crosswalks, ADA-compliant Limited enhancements compared to Options 1 and 2 Lower cost, $2 million Still needs SANDAG approval of extension for construction phase May help retain SANDAG grant's remaining $455,000 funds to complete construction C cityof Carlsbad NEXT STEPS •Grant deadline – May 8, 2025 •Work with SANDAG staff based on City Council direction •Work on the environmental review and permitting and final engineering design consistent with the City Council-approved design option ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 13 C cityof Carlsbad RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEM 9: CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 14 1.Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council- adopted Resolution approving a roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue; or 2.Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal as the preferred intersection traffic control option for Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue; or 3.Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited improvements at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Thank you 15 •••••• ••••••••• •••••• Carlsbad Boulevard/Tamarack Avenue intersection control Steve Linke 4/29/2025 City Council meeting Vote for Option #3 to maximize likelihood of keeping SANDAG grant funds •Simplified Option #3 returns to the original pedestrian focus –$2 million project –Short construction timeline –SANDAG wants evidence of full funding and certainty of completion •Larger projects should have public votes St a t e S t Ta m a r a c k A v e (C I P 6 0 5 8 ) Ca n n o n R d (C I P 6 0 5 4 ) CA R L S B A D EN C I N I T A S El P o r t a l S t He r m e s A v e Hy m e t t u s A v e Pl a n n e d r o u n d a b o u t s Co m p l e t e d r o u n d a b o u t s N OC E A N S I D E oceanside Municipal Pier ~ • .t',<J 0 "01, . . 0. ~. ,,. 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CAL HILLS ,f C"'t,.f,.<f" ~ •..,,, Carlsbad st ry i"lr. 1 M:[y !IP" 1'4,j-/)1 Agua Hedionda lagoon Foundation.. .. ... c•• l ..,.l II ~/ig~~~t~~~t~~1~~~~ TE.R The crossingt at cartsbad Q. •" col'.t4., ~ LEGOLAND California \ ,,.~ Q Sou:a?:~!~~g (9 i ~ \ PM""'"'A~f:ct,'9o, ' .. 1l ~ l • J ~ff•C1J141~ Q t Club I F111<1a,-'l,I' Sky Trampoline 1:1 ~=~Ji~g-~nonr <? .. ,,t:, ,, ,..,l ~ :i,;;ir "»,-,OYJC,1o1j..O Aviara Community Pk I vi " Alg comr ••" -· ~~ Q"'f; \ 't II Avt1<a Ph.y A~ South Carlsbad state Bch Beac~_arH~rznc:;~!~d C Resortt~rttui ~vi:;: C, :l l Lifeguard Tower 23 LQ -AW!s~~r~~c~~~~ 0 ti~nJ:!~~- 8~li,i1,r,tr,,, Dr Batiquitos Lagoon state Marine Encinitas SWAMI'S m-Ember & Rye '' ~ ~ Omni La Costa R~sort & Spa '"hie LA {i [ Target EOSF HomeGoo Completed Highway 101 roundabouts State Street (~11 years) Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) •Collision data analysis* •5-year period from 2015-2019 *Collisions within 50 feet of intersections CITY OF CAR LSBAD Local Roadway Safety Plan OCTOBER 2022 2015-2019 Collision Frequency Ranking (LRSP) Total Table 2-2 High Collision Frequency Intersections severe/ Location Vehicle Pedestrian Bike Fatal El Gamino Real & Palomar Airport Road (signalized) 18 17 1 1 Melrose Drive & Palomar Airport Road (signalized) 16 16 I Carlsbad Boulevard & State Street (roundabout} 15 12 1 2 I El Gamino Real & Alga Road (s ignalized) 14 14 1 College Boulevard & Pa lomar Airport Road (signalized) 12 12 El Gamino Real & La Costa Avenue (signalized) 12 11 1 Rancho Santa Fe Road & La Costa Avenue (signalized) 12 12 El Gamino Real & Garlsbad Village Drive (signalized ) 11 11 El Gamino Real & cannon Road (signalized ) 10 10 1 Melrose Drive & Lionshead Ave nue (signa lized) 10 10 2015-2019 Collision Rate Ranking (LRSP) Carlsbad Boulevard & State Street Tama rack Avenue & Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad Boulevard & Cerezo Drive Roosevelt Street & Carlsbad Village Drive Paseo Avellano & Calle Barcelona Washington St reet & Carlsbad Village Drive State Street & Carlsbad Village Drive Monroe Street & Marron Road Harding Street & Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad Boulevard & Aven ida Encinas Table 2-5 Intersection Crash Rates Roundabout 0.510 Signal Signal Signal Signal Side Stop Signal Signal Signal Signal 0.340 0.337 0.285 0.276 0.274 0.238 0.229 0.209 0.188 8 9 7 5 6 5 5 8 5 1 1 7 4 2 2 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 2 1 ' . 1 1 1 2 1 • 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 • 3 3 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 3 1 2020-2024 collision update 2015-2019 (LRSP/SWITRS) 15 12 1 2 0 2020-2024 (SWITRS) 28 22 2 4* 2** *Includes one scooter **Both “severe” Total severe/ Location Vehiele Pedestrian Bike Fatal Carlsbad Boulevard & State Street (roundabout) Tamarack Avenue vs. State Street peak daily volumes Mode Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (roundabout) Vehicles 25,760 26,319 Bicycles 1,440 1,273 Pedestrians 3,828 325 Source: Carlsbad Active Transportation Program (2022) Tamarack Ave traffic signal vs. State St roundabout (5/2014-12/2024) Collisions/ Injuries Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (round- about) Total collisions 13 49 Dangerous 3 12 Bicycle 3 5 Pedestrian 0 2 Injury collisions 7 22 Intermediate 2 7 Severe 0 3 Source: SWITRS Tamarack Ave traffic signal vs. State St roundabout (5/2014-Present) Collisions/ Injuries Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (round- about) Total collisions 13 49 Dangerous 3 12 Bicycle 3 5 Pedestrian 0 2 Injury collisions 7 22 Intermediate 2 7 Severe 0 3 Source: SWITRS 3.8x State St collisions 4.5/year as roundabout vs. <1/yr prior Tamarack Ave traffic signal vs. State St roundabout (5/2014-Present) Collisions/ Injuries Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (round- about) Total collisions 13 49 Dangerous 3 12 Bicycle 3 5 Pedestrian 0 2 Injury collisions 7 22 Intermediate 2 7 Severe 0 3 Source: SWITRS 4.0x Collision types –Less dangerous •Hit object •Sideswipe •Rear-end –More dangerous •Broadside •Head-on •Overturn Tamarack Ave traffic signal vs. State St roundabout (5/2014-Present) Collisions/ Injuries Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (round- about) Total collisions 13 49 Dangerous 3 12 Bicycle 3 5 Pedestrian 0 2 Injury collisions 7 22 Intermediate 2 7 Severe 0 3 Source: SWITRS Tamarack Ave traffic signal vs. State St roundabout (5/2014-Present) Collisions/ Injuries Tamarack Ave (signal) State St (round- about) Total collisions 13 49 Dangerous 3 12 Bicycle 3 5 Pedestrian 0 2 Injury collisions 7 22 Intermediate 2 7 Severe 0 3 Source: SWITRS 3.1x 5.0x Injury types –Property damage only –Minor/complaint of pain –Intermediate/visible –Severe –Fatal II Completed Highway 101 roundabouts El Portal Street (~2.5 years) El Portal roundabout •11 years prior to conversion to a roundabout –1 collision (non-injury) •2-1/2 years as a roundabout + speed limit reduction to 25 mph –17+ collisions (~7 per year) –Injuries •2 minor •3 intermediate (including 1 cyclist) •2 severe •Highest collision and injury rate intersection in Encinitas –Based on comparison with Encinitas LRSP Source: SWITRS (collisions within 50 feet of intersection) ATTACHMENT 4 CJ EL PORTAL ST Proposed Bollards SYMBOLS Proposed Rumble Strips Moving Vehicle Backing Vehicle D Fixed Object O Injury Accident Intersection El Portal St and N Coast Hwy 101 Period froni!ll~13 ;ug 2024 Item #08D ·l ,j COLLISION DIAGRAM IIIH I Pod C,osstng Sign Proposed Bollards Proposed Rumble Strips Note: This plan is not to scale. Page 9 of 9 Police report collisions (2011-2024) 16 7 16 Hermes Ave Hymettus Ave Hygeia Ave Generic safety claims unsupported ROUNDABOUT SAFETY 35% Reduction in all crashes 90% Reduction in fatalities 67% Reduction in injuries {city of Carlsbad Highway 101 roundabout summary •State Street roundabout –Highest collision rate in Carlsbad –Likely highest injury rate in Carlsbad •Including 10 intermediate and severe injuries in 11 years •El Portal Street roundabout –Highest collision and injury rate in Encinitas •Including 5 intermediate and severe injuries in 2-1/2 years Vote for Option #3 to maximize the likelihood of keeping the SANDAG grant funds INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTIONS FOR THE CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 29, 2025 AGENDA #9 KRIS WRIGHTDISTRICT 1 ORIGINAL PROJECT/GRANT PROPOSAL (2016) •“CARLSBAD BLVD AND TAMARACK AVE *PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT* Project (CIP 6058)” •Total Cost: $1.8 Million -$1.05 million SANDAG ATP GRANT -$0.750 million Carlsbad Gas Tax Fund •Completion by mid-2019 2 VOTE FOR OPTION #3 TO MAXIMIZE LIKELIHOOD OF KEEPING SANDAG GRANT FUNDS PROJECT BALLOONED TO $17-$19 MILLION, INCLUDING A ROUNDABOUT OPTION FORCED INTO A CHALLENGING SPACE -UNFUNDED -UNCERTAIN CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE SIMPLIFIED OPTION #3 RETURNS TO A PEDESTRIAN FOCUS -$2 MILLION -SHORT CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE PROPOSITION H VOTE OF THE PEOPLE •Terramar Improvements, incl Cannon Road Roundabout (discretionary) -$999,999 GCC to avoid Prop H Vote -$8 Million from Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) fund-$8 Million from Public Facilities Fee (PFF) fund •Tamarack Avenue Roundabout (discretionary) -$19 Million possibly using Unfunded or Gas Tax Fund CONCLUSIONS •SanDag Grant is providing $1.054M with provision that the City of Carlsbad provide 42% (or $750,000) to match. Cost of Option 1 would be $19M with no guaranteed funding of the remaining $17,196,000 •By delaying the Tamarack/Carlsbad Blvd project to 2028 (when expected completion of Terramar and two SANDAG committees now recommend no further extension, there is a chance that there will be no further funding if there are delays (already delayed 2 times). •In times of uncertain funding from the Federal, State and County and an uncertain future from our economy, let’s consider our own tax dollars, and opt to avoid these high expenditures which many residents simply do not want. •Please VOTE FOR OPTION #3