Politics & Government

Funds for Prospect Avenue Redevelopment Hang in the Balance

The state must decide whether they'll cover their share of costs to upgrade Prospect Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Cuyamaca Street

Read more about the Prospect Avenue project

The fate of funds for the Prospect Avenue Corridor Enhancement Project, which would upgrade a mile-long section of Prospect Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Cuyamaca Street, lies in the hands of the state Department of Finance, which is scheduled to make a decision soon.

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.

Find out what's happening in Santeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to City Manager Keith Till, the state now needs to decide whether they are obligated to cover costs for those final redevelopment projects. Future funds for the Prospect project are the bulk of those costs. A decision will be made by December 15.

"They are denying any reported obligations that weren’t in full force before June 2011," said Till. "Ours was, but they are reviewing the documentation that would demonstrate this."

Find out what's happening in Santeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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."

According to the project timeline released at the meeting, construction is scheduled to begin in the winter of 2013 and last until fall of 2015.

Also read Dear Randy: Prospect Avenue's Missing Sidewalks


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here