Stanislaus County plans transformation for long-neglected South Ninth Street in Modesto
Efforts are under way to transform a stretch of South Ninth Street in south Modesto, and planners want to hear ideas from the public.
Stanislaus County is working on a land use and transportation plan for the long-neglected corridor, defined as a 1.25-mile stretch of South Ninth from the Tuolumne River bridge south to Hatch Road. The targeted area lies between Seventh Street and Bystrum Road.
Most of the traffic corridor is in the county unincorporated area and serves to link downtown Modesto with Highway 99.
The South Ninth Street Corridor Plan has goals for visual and economic improvements for the strip that has a reputation for crime, drugs and blight. But county officials see opportunity for the area and received $240,000 in funding from Caltrans for preparing the plan.
The corridor plan will focus on walking, biking and public transit and also identify types of development the community would like to see.
Other goals are better access for residents and workers going to businesses, schools and bus stops. The county also wants smoother access between Modesto and Ceres.
“We see it as a long-range visioning document reflecting the needs and desires of people in the community,” said Kristen Anaya, associate planner for the county. The planning will identify the infrastructure needs before the county seeks funding and financial opportunities to make improvements.
People are welcome to participate in a community workshop Tuesday (March 19) and a planning activity Wednesday (March 20). Planners and designers will talk about improving the South Ninth Street roadway at the workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Tuolumne Elementary School, 707 Herndon Road. Community members can talk about their preferences for new development at this workshop, featuring free food and refreshments.
Anaya said the workshop will include interactive activities for people to provide feedback on visual comparisons for the corridor.
Residents and business owners can participate in a “walking audit” at 9 a.m. Wednesday. In this activity, participants stroll through the area and make observations on the walkability of the environment. Participants should be prepared to walk 1.5 miles.
Those interested are asked to register for the walking audit Wednesday. The county is asking for an RSVP for the workshop Tuesday.
There is no overall cost estimate for transforming the South Ninth Street corridor, a project expected to take at least 10 years.
This story was originally published March 17, 2024 at 8:54 AM.
