Supervisors authorize contract for Clemmens Lane sidewalks

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement for bid and subsequent award of a construction contract to provide sidewalks along the north side of Clemmens Lane between South Mission Road and Old Stage Road.

The supervisors' 5-0 vote Jan. 27 authorized the director of the county's Department of Purchasing and Contracting to take the necessary actions to advertise and award a contract, designated the director of the county's Department of Public Works as the county officer responsible for administering the contract, and found the project categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

"Sidewalks are an important measure of protection for our children because they keep them away from the street while they play outside or walk to school," said Supervisor Bill Horn. "This is a heavily-traveled area for pedestrians, and I'm hoping to have the project completed by spring or sooner."

In addition to the sidewalks, the project will construct curb, gutter, and pedestrian ramp improvements along the 430-foot segment of Clemmens Lane. The improvements will enhance pedestrian safety while facilitating access to nearby shopping facilities and to North County Transit District bus stops.

In April 2015, the Board of Supervisors authorized the county's 2015-16 Community Development Block Grant funding plan which included $288,341 of CDBG funding for the Clemmens Lane sidewalks and associated improvements.

The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the County of San Diego utilizes the county's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to administer the program. The allocation covered $274,000 for design, right-of-way, and construction costs along with $13,700, or five percent, to cover HCD oversight expenses and $641 for environmental review required by HUD.

The county found the project exempt from National Environmental Policy Act review since the use will remain unchanged and the size or capacity will not increase by more than 20 percent, and the lack of expansion or a different use also allowed the Board of Supervisors to find the project exempt from CEQA review.

The $195,000 estimated construction cost, including a contingency amount, will be funded by $129,000 of the CDBG grant and $66,000 of Highway User Tax Account revenue obtained from sales tax on gasoline.

All necessary right-of-way has been acquired for the project. During construction, traffic control measures will minimize impacts to the community and maintain pedestrian safety. In September 2015, the Fallbrook Community Planning Group voted 14-0 to recommend approval of the project.

The construction is scheduled to begin later this winter and be complete by spring 2016.