The transformation of Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores into a permanent coastal promenade has hit a parking snag.A disagreement has emerged in the neighborhood over just how many parking spaces need to be created and where to replace those displaced by the promenade, which blocks off a section of the business strip leading to the beach. Some critics of the promenade say it’s as many as 26 spaces that need replacing, while supporters say the promenade will only remove 11 spaces, adding that the proper spot for replacing them has already been found.Concerns have also been raised over the lack of access for emergency crews and delivery trucks in and out of the blocked-off section of the promenade in the Shores Business District. Others say the Shores Promenade reduces parking and forces drivers to park illegally or forces them into residential neighborhoods.Initially closed to vehicle traffic in 2020 during the pandemic to safeguard open-air dining, the loss of public parking continues to be a bone of contention among some Shores residents surrounding the promenade.
Longtime Shores resident, community activist and commercial real estate professional Phil Wise has been spearheading the project to make the promenade permanent. Wise represents the La Jolla Shores Business Association, a group of local business owners and residents working to support local commerce while managing community improvement projects around the community’s business district.Wise characterized the controversy over displaced promenade parking as a tempest in a teapot. “The core number of parking spaces needed on the block was ‘thought’ to be 26, but we challenged that,” said Wise. “We walked the immediate area and saw numerous, illegal red-painted curbs in front of houses near the promenade, and we sent that information to the city.”Added Wise, “It’s actually 11 parking stalls that the (promenade) streeteries occupy. To replace this parking, we will be constructing 11 replacement parallel parking spaces on the west side of Camino del Oro, just east of the Kellogg Beach Parking lot. This parking is being created on city-owned land with the city’s approval. These new parking spaces will be available on a 24/7 basis, free to the general public.”Longtime Shores community planner Janie Emerson said she supported Wise’s parking solution. “When [Wise] first brought me the idea of the Shores Promenade in March 2020, I told him to go for it. It was a perfect location and a great idea,” she said. “This was the first outdoor dining of its kind in the city, and it took us some three months of convincing downtown to do it. Once launched, it was a total success. This has revitalized the Shores business area. People love it. What was an idea to help our businesses through COVID set a precedent that has now spread all over San Diego.”Not everyone in the community is on board with Wise’s parking promenade proposal as presently construed.Shores resident Tricia Riha had several objections. “Ambulances, police, fire and lifeguards all have to go around the (promenade) barricades spending vital minutes,” she warned, pointing out millions of visitors come to the Shores annually.“By using our very narrow streets. People are safe in the promenade, but the minute they step out, not safe,” said Riha, who disputes the contention that only 11 replacement parking spots are needed. “They have 11 in Kellogg Park. They need nine more,” she said. “Make our Shores neighborhood safe again without a promenade. People are having a hard time going to the beach. Protect the places you love. No one is benefiting except the restaurants, and they have plenty of outdoor seating without our street.”
Shores resident Margo Schwab said locals “were happy” to support Avenida businesses during COVID, but making the promenade permanent presents some safety issues. “There are a couple of things that could be improved upon. I question the ability of emergency vehicles to respond – every second is important.”Schwab said parking along the Shores business strip is a mess. “People are getting dropped off in the crosswalks, temporarily blocking ADA spots,” she said. “We need those parking spaces. We’re happy to see the businesses prosper, but not at the expense of the neighborhood.”Concerning promenade use, Schwab pointed out, “I don’t see locals. I see tourists. I think there needs to be more of a focus on making the community happy, doing things for the neighborhood. The parking is really bad when you see somebody’s ADA access or crosswalks blocked. There have been a lot of promises made over the last six-plus years. Let’s hope we’re not having this same conversation in 10 years.”Eleanor Mosca concurred with Riha and Schwab. “All the restaurants had outdoor dining. COVID became the excuse, but it was unreasonable because other businesses were not allowed to sell their merchandise in the streets and were very negatively affected.Concluded Mosca: Pedestrians in my experience, refuse to move and become indignant if you sound the horn. I have discussed this with all the kayak and surf shops. At some point, I am confident someone will be injured. The police, fire department, and emergency services have a very difficult time accessing the beach when there is an emergency. I have witnessed emergency vehicles stuck in traffic on the adjacent streets that they are forced to use. Whether this has resulted in a death, I do not know.”
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