CITY WANTS TO CREATE PEDESTRIAN PLAZA UNDER I-5

NATIONAL CITY

National City wants to convert a section of West 19th Street that passes under Interstate 5 into a pedestrian plaza that connects the city to Bayshore Bikeway.

First, officials need to get $1.7 million.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to apply for a state grant that specifically funds projects that promote non-vehicular infrastructure and expand access to parks, waterways and outdoor activities.

The city’s ultimate goal is to remove traffic lanes on West 19th Street between Mckinley and Wilson avenues and fill that space with protected bike lanes, a pedestrian walkway, landscaping, murals, chess tables, lighting, benches and security cameras.

Traffic that would’ve flowed through West 19th Street would simply be diverted to West 18th Street.

By creating this pedestrian plaza, the city hopes to connect residents who live east of I-5 to the waterfront and Bayshore Bikeway.

“This project looks to remove barriers like I-5 so that all residents can enjoy our beautiful local and regional facilities,” said Roberto Yano, the city’s deputy chief engineer.

Voting to submit a grant application is only the first step of the process. According to National City’s timeline, if everything is approved and moves according to plan, construction of this pedestrian plaza will be completed by the end of 2023.

Although the City Council unanimously approved applying for the grant, there are some outstanding concerns.

Councilman Ron Morrison said he was worried about crime and homelessness in the area, as well as the fact that the street has had flooding problems in the past. He also raised questions about the traffic impact of eliminating two traffic lanes on West 19th Street.