After seven years it's time to pay attention

Editor:

I'd like to respond to letters from Henrik Johnson and Billy Fried published in your Dec. 5, 2008 edition.

Mr. Johnson expressed concern about the lack of planning by our city for shoppers on foot. I agree and I believe the same can be said for bicycle riders and bike infrastructure.

Mr. Fried thinks it is time to add public space in the form of Forest Avenue becoming a "pedestrian mall". I think Billy is expressing an idea that is long overdue and supported by many Lagunans.

A synopsis at the beginning of the Resident and Visitor Mobility section of Vision Laguna 2030 Strategic Plan completed in December 2001 states, "We will be a safe and enjoyable community to walk and bicycle with convenient transit and smooth traffic flow".

The Goals of the Resident and Visitor Mobility section of Vision 2030 are:

•Develop a Citywide transit system that makes it possible to go anywhere in town without getting into a private car.

•Create an urban redesign for Coast Highway that balances capacity with safety, amenity, and community and that better accommodates pedestrians and bicycles.

•Conduct and implement a Livable Communities analysis of Laguna's streets, both residential and commercial, to make them safer, friendlier to bicycles and pedestrians, and more beautiful.

•Create a pedestrian-friendly environment throughout the Downtown Specific Plan area.

•Acquire the necessary factual data and professional assistance to develop and implement an effective parking strategy for Laguna Beach.

•Implement and map a comprehensive bicycle plan that will reestablish bicycle corridors through town.

•Undertake a comprehensive urban design study and analysis of Laguna Canyon area.

The city spent about $150,000 for the visioning process and according to the city 2000 residents participated.

I would like to see our city begin to implement the goals of our visioning process.

Michael Hoag Laguna Beach