Re-imagining J Street will make downtown better

We all seek a strong, vibrant downtown that is safe and attractive to our residents and visitors. We have an unprecedented opportunity to move toward this goal with the proposed changes the city is considering for J Street.

I feel it is important to clarify some of the information contained in the recent article about a roadway project in downtown Modesto (“J Street: Major thoroughfare or destination street?” Page 1A, Nov. 12).

The plan is the result of a collaborative effort between city staff, the Downtown Modesto Partnership and community members. Multiple discussions occurred in which many good ideas were exchanged. Fact-finding visits were taken to other communities to learn what has worked for them. There is broad support among business and property owners, shoppers, diners, residents and several city officials for the proposed plan.

A key aspect is this: the city is going to repave and restripe J Street in the next year or so. The question then becomes whether to reconfigure it in its current form or, instead, create a street that slows traffic, adds much-needed parking and encourages pedestrian activity in support of business owners.

Either way, construction is going to take four or five months.

The city has more than $1.5 million to pay for the project, which is necessary to bring the city into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We believe the cost of additional landscaping and lighting can be covered through business sponsorships and community fundraising initiatives.

The plan envisions J Street as two lanes with angled parking along much of it from 16th to 10th streets. Unlike today, each intersection would be controlled by a stoplight or stop sign. Traffic would be slowed, improving pedestrian and parking safety.

The suggestion that CalTrans should be involved is wrong. J Street is not a state highway.

Signs at Five Points already direct drivers seeking freeway access from McHenry Avenue (Highway 108) to Needham Street.

Clearly, were the street to be reconfigured, those in a hurry to get through downtown would choose a street other than J. And with the downtown street grid providing plenty of alternative routes, this would not be a problem for traffic flow (as shown by the city’s own traffic study).

Concerns about delivery and emergency vehicle access would be addressed as in other communities and meet all state standards.

What is being proposed for J Street has greatly enhanced the downtown experience in other cities that have adopted similar changes – including Turlock, Lodi and Livermore, to name a few.

Reimagining J Street will create a more walkable, safe and vibrant downtown Modesto.

This story was originally published November 22, 2017 at 10:23 AM with the headline "Re-imagining J Street will make downtown better."