Santa Cruz looks to increase safety throughout community

A neighborhood forum was held to discuss improvement projects to the San Lorenzo Riverwalk and roadway intersections Wednesday evening as the city of Santa Cruz looks to increase safety throughout the community.

The $200,000 Riverwalk project features improvements to lighting, the installation of security cameras and increased security patrols.

“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback and people are really excited to have the opportunity to make the Riverwalk into its full potential,” said Scott Collins, Deputy City Manager.

In addition to the Riverwalk, Santa Cruz Public Works looks to increase pedestrian safety on the streets. The city has received a $907,000 federal grant to improve 21 intersections, eight of which are along Soquel Avenue.

“We’re constantly trying to improve the pedestrian experience we want more people out walking, and one of the ways to do that is to improve safety,” said Jim Burr, Transportation Manager.

The Riverwalk project will begin in January of 2017 and the intersection improvements will follow shortly after in the springtime.