Funds Approved for Prospect Avenue Redevelopment

Read more about the Prospect Avenue project

Funds have been approved for the Prospect Avenue Corridor Enhancement Project, which will upgrade a mile-long section of Prospect Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Cuyamaca Street.

The state Department of Finance made the decision in mid-December to approve nearly $24 million in redevelopment funds for the project.

The Prospect Avenue Enhancement project was passed quickly by Santee City Council in 2011 to get in the paperwork for the project just under the wire as the redevelopment program was brought to a halt by the state last year.

Santee City Manager Keith Till was enthusiastic about the approved funds. When asked how the decision went, he said: "Pretty darn well!"

Till confirmed that the project is back on schedule, with construction set to begin in the winter of 2013 and last until fall of 2015.

The Santee Review summarized the project improvements:

"Proposed improvements include adding sidewalks, curbs and gutters, along with attractive but water-wise landscaping. Overhead utility wires will be undergrounded and utility poles removed. New street lighting will be installed and storm drains will be upgraded to eliminate flooding. On-street parking and bicycle lanes will be provided on both sides of the street. Traffic signals will be upgraded and a dual left-turn lane will be added."

Also read Dear Randy: Prospect Avenue's Missing Sidewalks