Beach Boulevard to Get Development Plan
After acknowledging that their six miles of Beach Boulevard is “chaotic” and “unorganized,” city officials have decided to set up a strategic plan to remake the busy thoroughfare in a more consistent image.
An Economic Development Department study completed last month found that the major street must remain economically viable, although it currently adds little to the city’s appeal.
Nearly 60,000 cars travel every day on the street where it intersects the San Diego Freeway. But the construction of unconnected strip malls has made it unsightly and economically inefficient, according to the report.
“Beach Boulevard’s size, speed limit, number of vehicles and inconsistent land uses and architectural style are uncomfortable to pedestrians and discourage their activity,” it said.
Last week, the City Council agreed to launch a strategic plan for the street, beginning with a review of the city’s General Plan in September.
In October, city officials will work with the Chamber of Commerce to find business leaders willing to meet for a one-day symposium on the major issues involved. The group will designate several major intersections as primary commercial centers and discuss ways to improve the areas.
Councilman Ralph H. Bauer said business owners with the largest stake in the boulevard should be recruited for the job.
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