SAN DIEGO —
City officials are considering a proposal to create an eight-block “pedestrian plaza” in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. The plan calls for closing Fifth Avenue to vehicles between Broadway and L Street.
The U-T reports that the “Gaslamp Promenade” would be similar to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and public square in Europe. The area would feature public art, street furniture and could possibly include outdoor entertainment venues.
Details of the plan have yet to be worked out – including where the money for the project may come from. Reports say the project would cost roughly $40 million.
San Diego City Councilman Chris Ward, whose district includes downtown, is in favor of the plan and has organized a meeting on Nov. 8 to discuss the project with downtown groups and city economic development officials.
“The Gaslamp Quarter Association is exploring a concept of transforming 5th Avenue into an active, pedestrian oriented promenade. These models when carefully designed can increase economic activity and public opportunities,” Ward wrote on Twitter about the proposal.
The Gaslamp Quarter Association is leading the charge on the plan. A page on their website includes a submission form where residents can share their thoughts and input on the project.
A statement attributed to Gaslamp Quarter Association Executive Director Michael Trimble reads in part:
"The Gaslamp Quarter Association in partnership with Carrier Johnson+Culture, Kimley Horn, San Diego Downtown Partnership and the City of San Diego have created a vision for the future of the neighborhood. The Gaslamp Promenade project was developed to give back public space to the people of San Diego and all who visit Americas Finest City.
Urban Plazas are major economic drivers and will be the centerpiece of future development downtown. Strengthening a sense of place, neighborhood identity, and aesthetics through the addition of new tree canopy along the Promenade to reduce the heat, making 5th Avenue a place for people."
Several San Diego leaders and biking advocates shared their support of the project on social media after the Union-Tribune published their story on the “Gaslamp Promenade.”
“What a great idea for downtown!” wrote La Mesa CIty Councilmember and Executive Director of Circulate San Diego.
“Waterfront Park, Plaza de Panama, Piazza della Famiglia. When San Diego reclaims public spaces from cars and returns them to people the results have been positive. I applaud [the Gaslamp Quarter Association] for pursuing this bold vision for Fifth Avenue,” wrote Assemblymember and San Diego mayoral candidate Todd Gloria.
“I think this could really show that we can make our city thrive when we make it more welcoming for people walking and biking and rolling,” wrote Circulate San Diego Director of Policy Maya Rosas.