Capitola approves revitalization plans along 41st Avenue corridor

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Major improvements are on the way for 41st Avenue in Capitola, a popular corridor known for drawing both locals and tourists.

Last week, the city of Capitola approved plans to revitalize one of its most frequently visited streets, with a focus on enhancing pedestrian safety and attracting more businesses to the area.

KION spoke local residents and business owners to find out what improvements they would like to see included in the project.

The city is hoping that this revitalization will not only improve the street's aesthetics but also make it more welcoming to businesses, visitors, and residents alike. The proposal focuses heavily on pedestrian safety, a key concern for many of the area’s business owners and residents.

Krystal Black, owner of The Closet Shopper on 41st Avenue, voiced her concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly the traffic hazards in the area. "They put in these little blinking lights here, but it doesn’t seem to deter cars from rolling through. I've seen plenty of people almost get hit on the street," Black shared.

With many tourists visiting her store on foot and walking from nearby hotels, Black believes that making the area safer for pedestrians will encourage more people to walk around and shop, especially in an area with limited parking options.

Other local business owners agree that improved pedestrian safety is essential for boosting their sales. Garry Butler, the owner of Two Birds Books, commented, “We get a lot of walk-by traffic, but there’s a lot of vehicle traffic as well. So having it be more pedestrian-friendly would be great."

The city's plan aims to address this issue, ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists can safely navigate the busy corridor. Keith Bishoff, a resident of Capitola and avid cyclist, expressed his desire for better protection for bikers. “I would prefer, as I was mentioning, inside bike lanes, protected by the cars. It would be nice,” Bishoff said.

One thing all parties agree on is the urgency to get these improvements underway. Garry Butler pointed out, "Building projects can take a while to get through planning and those kinds of things, so if they're going to do something, having it be as fast as possible would be great."

The city has committed to beginning public outreach efforts later this year, with the goal of finalizing the plans by early 2026.

Residents, businesses, and visitors alike are eager for these changes to take place, hoping that a safer, more attractive 41st Avenue will not only improve the quality of life in Capitola but also help boost the local economy.