Community infrastructure projects begin in Pajaro with state recovery funds

PAJARO, Calif. -- (KION-TV) -- State recovery funds are now being put to use in rebuilding and enhancing critical community infrastructure, two years after devastating floods hit the town of Pajaro. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors announced that work will begin in the next two weeks on multiple projects aimed at improving public safety and accessibility.

According to the county, the projects focus on upgrading pedestrian infrastructure and increasing traffic safety—efforts that local residents say are long overdue.

One of the first improvements will see the installation of 24 additional solar-powered streetlights in areas of Pajaro that have long been poorly lit. Local resident Luis Lua highlighted the need for better lighting, particularly in areas where streets remain dark. "It's real hard just walking... you have to pick one side of the sidewalk or the other side where it's more light," Lua explained. "It’s a big confusion for people walking."

In addition to streetlights, crews will begin curb ramp work at 27 locations throughout the town. New safety measures will also be added to the San Juan Road and Salinas Road crosswalk, where rapid flashing beacons will be installed to help improve visibility for pedestrians.

Mark Harty, a resident of Pajaro for the past five years, has expressed concerns about traffic safety. He explained that many drivers do not stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, particularly younger drivers. "There is a lot of unsafe driving," said Harty, who works as a security guard at Cabrillo College in Watsonville. "I think the generation has changed with driving. A lot of younger drivers don’t respect the rules."

As part of the ongoing efforts, the county also plans to install new school zone warning signs and upgrade beacons along Salinas Road, especially in the vicinity of Pajaro Middle School. The improvements will include three new radar speed signs at key intersections: San Juan Road, Railroad Avenue, and Lewis Road.

The county is also planning to add two traffic signals in the coming months. These signals will be placed on San Juan Road at Porter Drive and on Salinas Road near Pajaro Middle School.

The projects are expected to take several months to complete, with a total budget of $2 million. Local officials say that while these improvements are a step in the right direction, continued investment will be needed in the years ahead to ensure the safety and growth of the community.

For now, the residents of Pajaro are hopeful that these initial steps will make a significant difference in their day-to-day lives.