Residents of La Mesa gathered on March 15, 2024, to participate in a pop-up event held at the La Mesa Village Farmers Market. This initiative, organized by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and city officials, aimed to solicit community feedback on the proposed upgrades for the San Diego Trolley system. The focus is on enhancing safety at the intersection of La Mesa Boulevard and Spring Street, a critical point for both trolley users and motorists.
The Downtown La Mesa Trolley Prioritization Project is currently in the planning stages, with three potential concepts under consideration for relocating the trolley tracks. These options include elevating the tracks above street level, trenching them underground, or lowering the street itself. Each of these approaches requires extensive financial and logistical resources. SANDAG projects that trolley service will double by 2035, emphasizing the need for changes to prevent significant traffic delays and safety hazards.
Colin Parent, former La Mesa councilmember and current CEO and general counsel of Circulate San Diego, highlighted that the La Mesa Boulevard and Spring Street intersection has recorded the highest number of serious accidents. Data from Circulate San Diego in 2018 corroborates this assessment. Parent noted that while La Mesa boasts the most trolley stops per capita in the county, the majority of its residents primarily rely on vehicles, often perceiving trolley services as an inconvenience rather than a benefit.
“While an elevated line could enhance safety and efficiency, it may alter the visual landscape of the area, which some residents might oppose,” Parent stated. He advocates for considering the elevated option, suggesting it could be more feasible and cost-effective.
La Mesa Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares expressed optimism regarding the project’s potential to improve trolley services. She emphasized that while it may not directly address cleanliness issues associated with trolley operations, it offers an opportunity to enhance safety features such as lighting. “We want to ensure that downtown La Mesa remains a regional destination, accessible to all,” Cazares said, acknowledging the growing population and increased visitor traffic during events.
Cazares stressed the importance of local input in the project’s development. “It is crucial that the design process involves not only the city council and SANDAG Board of Directors but also local businesses and residents,” she noted. The Vice Mayor encouraged community members to attend the pop-up and share their thoughts via email to ensure their voices are heard.
The feedback collected during this event will play a key role in shaping the future of the trolley system in La Mesa. As the project progresses, officials will continue to explore options that prioritize both safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
