I strongly support the proposal for “dg” sidewalks on Pt. Dume as part of the Safe Routes to Schools program. However, I am against the current plan to enforce city setbacks only on the east side of Dume Drive. There has been encroachment on both sides of the street – some grievous measures including illegal walls and large boulders, some benign, which involves low hedges and other landscaping. As result, it is dangerous for pedestrians because they are forced into the roadway.
If the “sidewalk” is put in but nothing is done to enforce city easements on the west side as well, the increased number of cars that will need to park on the west side combined with the obstacles created by homeowners will make it even more dangerous than it is now. I endorse a plan that makes homeowners retreat from encroachment on both sides.
I thoroughly disagree with opponents to these “sidewalks” and feel many of their arguments are smokescreens to buttress their opposition to any type of pedestrian walkway. I do agree with their argument that sidewalks alone will not make Dume Drive a street entirely safe for pedestrians.
I recall that the city hired an engineering firm several years ago to look into traffic calming measures, including traffic circles, speed humps, signage and street narrowing in specific spots. I attended presentations at Pt. Dume community meetings. Nothing public seems to have come out of that survey, either recommendations or action. I think the results of the survey ought to be publicly debated and funds should be allocated to keep our Malibu neighborhoods safe for pedestrians and cyclists as well as for cars. It’s counterproductive to extol the “rural” charm of Malibu when vehicles win out over people.
Gail Block