By SCOTT PETERS
University City residents and employees increasingly demand a great place to live, work and play. Several new projects underway or recently completed go a long way to improving the quality of life in the Golden Triangle.
As your representative in University City, I recognize the importance of growing our community in smart ways ” ways that link the places we live, work and play with clean and convenient transportation. Here is an update on several community and transit improvements either completed this year or under construction, which will improve the quality of life in North and South UC.
Parks and Libraries: Great progress is being made on the Nobel Park and Library project, which integrates a branch library into active and passive recreation facilities. Beginning next year, residents will be able to enjoy a new playground, picnic areas and an off-leash dog park. Employees on their lunch break can take a stroll along the walkways or meet their friends for a noontime game of basketball or soccer.
The Nobel Park Recreation Council meets the second Wednesday of every other month at Doyle Park at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Stan Siegel at [email protected]. The Friends Chapter of the UC North Library is also looking for volunteer support. For more information, contact Judy Langhoff at [email protected].
This year also saw the completion of upgrades to University Gardens and Doyle community parks, which will make them more attractive and convenient destinations for area families.
Sidewalks: More than 20 sidewalk repair projects in University City are under way. Safe sidewalks benefit all of us, keeping our families safe and enhancing walkability and the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
Making UC a Hub for Professionals: Located just a block away from the Nobel Park and Library project and the UTC mall, the La Jolla Commons development broke ground this year. This new smart-growth development is designed to accommodate future public transportation projects, and features 2 acres of public open space for our community to enjoy. The La Jolla Commons development is currently under construction, but once complete, this new project will feature office, residential and commercial space, and add to the quality of life in our surrounding neighborhoods.
I also congratulate the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center for expanding its existing science facility here.
Transportation Improvements: This year the City Council approved the Regents Road Bridge project and began working on major roadway improvements such as Miramar Road, La Jolla Village Drive and the new Judicial Drive connector. Each of these projects incorporates bike and pedestrian paths to allow for biking and enhanced walkability, and is designed to help improve connectivity and relieve congestion in and around business parks in the Golden Triangle and on congested I-805 on-ramps. The year 2006 also saw the creation of “The Circulator,” a new bus line serving University City.
It is my honor and pleasure to continue serving the First District on the City Council, and to continue serving as Council President next year. As 2006 draws to a close, I want to thank everyone who made this first year under the City’s new form of government so successful. The progress made this year in establishing the roles of the Mayor and City Council will lay the groundwork for great progress in 2007.
Happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!
” District 1 City Councilman and Council President Scott Peters contributes a monthly Council Corner column spotlighting City Hall happenings pertinent to the University City community.
