Corona del Mar Entry Beautification Project Includes Wide Sidewalks

The citizens advisory panel met Wednesday at the OASIS Senior Center to discuss proposed changes that will help revitalize a section of Corona del Mar.

According to city officials, the Corona del Mar Entry Improvement Project revolves around the beautification of the south side of Pacific Coast Highway between Avocado and Dahlia avenues. Mike Sinacori, assistant city engineer, explained the vision plan for the village, which includes the following gateway, beautification and pedestrian changes: 

• Widening of sidewalks on the south side of the highway, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. 
• Median-widening or beautification with landscaping. 
• Moving the gateway to the village farther west to assist with traffic congestion. 

Some residents voiced concern about wider sidewalks having a negative effect on storefronts, but principal planner Jim Campbell told them, ”Part of the plan is to avoid negative effects to businesses.”

Councilman Rush Hill said it's important for residents to keep in mind that the meetings are intended to evaluate the project's functionality.

"The selection process is important to provide an academic understanding to bring back to the next meeting," he said.

The committee will meet again Oct. 5.