Encinitas residents near Capri Elementary School will get a chance to shape a proposed sidewalk project on Plato Place at a community meeting next month.
The city scheduled the meeting for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Poinsettia Room at Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., according to a public notice posted by the city's engineering department.
The Plato Place Pedestrian Improvement Project would add sidewalk along the north side of Plato Place and fill a gap at the southwest corner of Capri Road and Caudor Street. The design includes curb ramps connecting the new sidewalk to the existing asphalt pathway on the west side of Caudor Street. The sidewalk would follow the city's Rural Local road classification.
The project stems from a Dec. 4, 2024, City Council vote that authorized a grant of easement and agreement with the Piraeus Point developer. That deal provided $1,800,000 for neighborhood improvements near the school.
The public notice describes the money as "dedicated funding to improvements within the surrounding neighborhood." However, The Coast News reported in December 2024 that city staff said the $1.8 million easement payment would go to the city's general fund, with future discussions expected on how to allocate the money. How the funds were formally directed to this specific project is not detailed in available public records.
The Coast News reported the council unanimously approved revisions to the Piraeus Point residential development, with Councilmember Bruce Ehlers absent. The council also approved the easement to developer Lennar Homes at that meeting.
The city's notice states residents have expressed a need for additional pedestrian walkways and improved access to neighborhood schools and parks, including Capri Elementary.
The Nov. 12 meeting will present a conceptual proposal. Residents who cannot attend can submit comments through a digital feedback form on the city's engineering public notices page. The comment period closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.
Project Manager Ellaine Esteller is the city contact for questions at 760-633-2845 or [email protected]. Spanish-language assistance is available at 760-943-2150.
