LANCASTER – The ongoing improvements in and around Lancaster’s downtown area have greatly improved conditions for those who choose a healthier means of transportation, such as walking or biking, according to City officials.
Lancaster’s Architectural and Design Commission and Planning Commission are now looking to expand similar approaches throughout the city, according to a city news release issued Monday.
The Planning Commission is currently ensuring implementation of the Master Plan for Trails and Bikeways, which was originally developed by the Architectural and Design Planning Commission. View the Master Plan for Trails and Bikeways here.
The program is designed to connect walkways and bike lanes to the city’s various hubs of civic and commercial activity. The Master Plan aims to fill in the gaps between the city’s bikeways and sidewalks, thus enabling residents to find an active and engaging alternative to having to always drive to their destination.
While the Master Plan for Trials and Bikeways is being implemented, the Planning Commission is also in the early stages of planning the City’s Southeast Transit Village. This proposed improvement will expand the recent development throughout downtown to the area surrounding the Lancaster Metrolink station. The plan would result in a mix of housing, business, and retail space that are all accessible via walking or biking.
“We have been encouraging walkable and bikeable areas here in Lancaster for some time now,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We are now planning for the coming decades, for smart growth incorporating intelligent designs, as well as more pedestrian-friendly and bike-safe roadways.”
“By ensuring the overall connectivity of the cities’ roadways, bikeways and walking trails, the Planning Commission not only hopes to create a more efficient transportation network, but also instill a greater sense of pride and ownership throughout the community,” said Planning Commission Chairman James Vose.
The Planning Commission has also recommended revising residential zone requirements to include more emphasis on building placement and street design. The goal is to create more attractive living environments that are functional, accessible and aesthetically pleasing. Over the next year, the Commission will also consider how to incorporate these types of requirements into various portions of the City. Once approved, these changes are expected to add monetary and community value to Lancaster neighborhoods.
In addition to Vose, members of the Planning Commission include Vice Chairman Randy Hall, and Commissioners Diana Cook, Cassandra Harvey, Raj Malhi, Sandy Smith, and Fabian Terracciano.
The Architectural and Design Commission is comprised of April Barlett, Chair, and Russell Bartholet, Vice Chair, as well as Commissioners Kathryn Carlson, Amanda Hawse, Andrew Mercy, and Timothy M. Wiley.
Additional information regarding the Commissions and their members can be found at www.cityoflancasterca.org.
(Information via press release from the city of Lancaster.)
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Scott Pelka says
Question… Why would you put bike paths in a city like lancaster did through the marketplace shopping area. People on bikes don’t go there to shop and its dangerous for drivers who are in cars. and why spend all these tax dollars for the bikeways when there are no user generated money by bikers to pay for it. People driving cars pay highway tax money when they buy gas.
luis says
why doesnt Lancaster do something about the constant “thug-like” presence right outside of Bex restaurant on the BLVD. so that normal folks can actually enjoy & feel safe WALKING on the BLVD.
John Howard says
Considering that BEX is undergoing an ownership change at this time I suspect that this will be something that will be addressed in the near future. Probably having the mini-playground removed would help matters as would enforcing the no loitering postings that they have.
I think that the changes in the crowd they have now attending the RoShamBo lounge has helped with this, but I guess the “thug-like” like country line dancing and 70’s rock cover bands just as much as the next guy.
Lynn says
And as far as making Lancaster more ‘walkable’…I see plenty of homeless people and punks walking, and biking, all over Lancaster already. Why give them more access? The City of Lancaster should be issuing one way bus tickets out of town for them.
Chris says
How bigoted are you? Do homeless people not have the right to walk on our streets? Your reasoning is absolutely backwards on this issue. Why don’t you take a one-way ticket and leave!
Told_ya_so aka Forewarned says
Lynn doesn’t want Lancaster more “walkable” for the homeless and punks and that the city should buy them a one-way ticket out. Chris says: “Your reasoning is absolutely backwards on this issue…” So what Chris is saying is the bike lanes and walk lanes are to BRING the homeless and punks here? Sorry Chris, I have to agree with Lynn on this one.
Gladys says
@Told_ya_so aka Forewarned
I don’t think that was what Chris was saying at all. Everyone…yes everyone, has a right to use all the roads, streets, walkways and bike paths. Doesn’t matter how much money they make or if they make any money at all. Access is for everyone and meant to bring everyone, not just “punks or homeless”. A bad idea is a bad idea…we don’t need more walking areas. We have plenty of park space and sidewalks all over town. If someone wants to walk, they can walk without a bunch of money spent on NEW walking places. Problem is, it gets so hot in the summer and so cold in the winter and windy MOST of the town, people don’t want to be out. Have you ever driven through a neighborhood during the summer. You can go weeks without seeing a single child even though they are not at school.
Chris says
Gladys, you are correct! Everyone has a right to walk. I understand what you are saying, but I am out and about all year long. The only thing that sends me back indoors is rain/snow or extreme wind. In my neighborhood, even during the heat of the summer people are walking, biking, running, etc. As more amenities are built for non-car traffic, more people will brave the elements. The biggest thing that has to be addressed is the crime, and as that decreases, it will become much more walkable.
Gladys says
You are the exception to the rule when it comes to being out in the elements. I too, walk outside, everyday, for at least an hour. I see the difference in how many people are out walking at different times of the year.
The City needs places for kids to go. I see kids in the desert at 27th W and Lancaster Blvd on summer evenings before dark. They have made themselves a “bike park” on the hills.
During the heat of the day, businesses are empty and I rarely see anyone outside. Especially not kids.
We need public swimming pools in the parks or at schools that are open in the summer. Or maybe, the city sould invest in a pool at a wellness home. Spending a little bit of money on lifeguards or activity monitors, might save the city money by curbing some crime. Crimes committed by kids who have nothing better to do. “Idle hands….devils workshop” or whatever that quote is”.
This city wastes so much money on things people don’t want, how about stepping outside their little box and doing something FOR the people.
Gladys says
sorry about the punctuation and spelling ;/
Chris says
Gladlys, I completely agree that there needs to be more activities for kids and adults alike. I definitely see some money being wasted. But I am glad that our city is doing something to try and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Regardless of what people think of the downtown, I thoroughly enjoy spending time down there. It is a neat place to hang out, and with all those trees, even during the summer it is pleasant.
Gladys says
Hey Chris, I am NOT giving you a thumbs down, I’ll say that up front.
The streets are deserted mid day during the summer. Even the Farmers Market has gotten smaller and smaller. People don’t go out in the heat of the day and walk around. They would melt if they did. lol. Early morning and after the sun goes down. It’s mid day when kids need something to do. Hopefully Mom and Dad are working or are lucky enough to have jobs. School gyms should be open for basketball, schools with tennis courts should have inexpensive lessons for neighbor kids. Maybe some of Lancasters money could provide lunch for kids that are at school for these activities or at the Wellness Homes for activities. The Wellness Homes are not being utilized and that needs to change. Food works for kids.
Chris says
I totally agree! Thanks!
Lynn says
Another really bad idea. The areas where the city has already implemented these stupid bike lanes, which have not had a single bike traveling them when I’ve driven through the resultant traffic snarl caused, are another waste of money just like The Bullevard. Why doesn’t ‘The City’ spend the money on a more relevant need…like repairing roads and cleaning up the crime.
QHR says
For pedestrian safety (students), the City needs to make sidewalks and safe crosswalks for Quartz Hill High School students that live in the new community to the West at 70th West and Avenue L.
Newman says
I feel bad for them when they are walking on the side dirt road.
Another QHR says
The new Wal-Mart will have sidewalks. Since it is being forced on us, maybe they could run the sidewalks all the way down to 70th as a community service gesture. Speaking of the new Wal-Mart, I hope Mayor Parris can do us a real favor and bring in a Chik-Fil-A at the new shopping center.
QHR says
Chick Fil-A would be awesome in the new shopping center!
BTW: I called the city and expressed my concern with safety to QHHS students walking in the dirt due to no sidewalks. I was told they need more people to call about it to get it up on their priority list.
John Mlynar says
We can only hope the new Walmart will be moved to a safer location. Sidewalks and signals will do nothing to prevent the jaywalking that is already occurring and that will expand if that development is done. The near fatalities I witnessed were near the AM/PM where the sidewalks are wide and the lights are synced. This is a good project is the wrong location. Move it a mile or half mike north, easy or west and you won’t have the safety issues.
By the way, Chic-Fil-A should be arriving in Palmdale fairly soon.
Michael Rives says
I wonder what Einstein in Lancaster City Hall came up with the idea of a bike path on Valley Central Way? I have yet to see one bike on it. Maybe the bikers know something we don’t? Like it is a death trap waiting to happend for bikers or drivers?
The Anti-REX says
Complete waste of money!
I have only seen one person cycling and he was on the sidewalk going the wrong direction.
Gladys says
Bike lanes on Valley Central and 25th West are the WORST idea every…after the Eye in the Sky, the Blvd parking, and the round about.
We already have bike lanes on 30th West for travelers North and South. 25th W and Valley Central both, have to many driveways and to much traffic crossing the bike lanes.
Chris says
The bike lane on Valley Central is more of a pain than anything else. But I love the bike lane on 25th right behind Wal-Mart. I hope that they continue that all the way down 25th west.
Nikolas says
This is a fantastic move by the City. Finally, leadership that is forward thinking with regard to sustainability and quality of life. As a society, we can ill afford to continue with reckless suburban sprawl.
Doc Rivers says
Nikolas must have drank the kool-aid or is a troll for the rats in city hall. These carpet baggers need to move on and quit feeding off of our city. Notice it is always the same rats making money off of their projects only. We need to clean house once and for all!!!!!
Chris says
Some of us actually support the decisions that our city makes. I don’t support all the decisions, but most of them I do. Why don’t you let people state their opinion instead of always trying to intimidate them? I’m not sure whether Rex is the bully or you are!
Resident Cynic says
Rex wins the bully contest hands down. Not a better or bigger bully around.
Gladys says
A contest is a contest! lol. Winning is all that’s important.