Several portions of La Jolla Boulevard in the Bird Rock commercial district are looking at a refresh, as the Bird Rock Community Council has begun collecting funds for three projects with a $25,000 grant from San Diego County.
The council intends to continue seeking money for the projects: Repairs to lighting failures in sidewalk trees, medians and building exteriors; installation of Bird Rock monument signage in roundabouts at Colima Street and Camino de La Costa featuring a natural rock and bronze birds; and replacement of pedestrian crossing signals at five La Jolla Boulevard roundabouts.
The lighting has been a problem for about two years now, BRCC President Joe Terry told lajolla.ca.
The new crossing signals would be rapid flashing beacon systems, he said, signals akin to those the city of San Diego has installed further north on the road in Windansea and would be “more modern [and] brighter” than the current Bird Rock versions to “increase pedestrian safety.”
La Jolla architect Trace Wilson will present updated renderings of the proposed monuments at the next BRCC meeting Tuesday, March 5, Terry said.
The projects have an estimated total cost of $390,000.
The $25,000 county money – a Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant – was awarded in response to a $35,000 request, championed by Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Terry said.
The funds will be added to $35,000 earmarked for the projects from the BRCC’s Maintenance Assessment District’s fiscal year 2024 budget; Terry expects the MAD’s 2025 budget to include an additional $35,000 for the upgrades.
BRCC is also hoping the county will come through on the council’s application for an $111,000 Community Enhancement Program grant to provide additional support, Terry said, noting he’s unsure of the status of that appeal.
The council has also asked the office of San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava – whose District 1 includes La Jolla – for help with having the city “recognize and meet its responsibility for pedestrian safety and replace the signals,” Terry said.
BRCC will also apply for state money for the projects and solicit donations from Bird Rock residents and merchants.
“Those projects will benefit Bird Rock residents, merchants and visitors by providing increased community aesthetics, greater public safety, and enhanced commercial identity for the Bird Rock commercial district,” Terry said.
“The objective is to enhance the commercial district, to help it remain thriving,” he added, noting the walkability of Bird Rock “is an important characteristic.”
