San Jose Creek Project Update

The westbound Highway 217 on-ramp at Hollister Avenue will close on May 6, and remain closed through the project’s completion in late 2013. (This is the on-ramp that puts you onto Highway 217 heading toward UCSB.)

Next week, Flatiron will mobilize equipment and materials. Temporary fencing will be removed and minor excavation will begin to expose the tops of the piles on the east side of the channel in preparation for the installation of shoring plates. On May 15, the stream diversion will be installed. Following the diversion, the channel bottom will be prepared for installation of the articulated revetment mats.

UCSB graduation activities will take place in mid-June. We will be working with University and public safety staff to educate the public on the best routes to use to visit the campus during that weekend (June 15-17).

We’ve heard some concerns about the future of the project. Many of you are aware that the State eliminated Redevelopment Agencies in 2011. Subsequently the Legislature passed retroactive legislation which calls into question the bond proceeds the City used to fund the project. The Department of Finance (DOF) is challenging those proceeds. City representatives and our legal counsel met with DOF last week to discuss the City’s actions with regard to the transfer of redevelopment bond proceeds. Notwithstanding the position of the Department of Finance, the City Council has directed that the project stay on schedule and be completed as planned.