The North County Transit District (NCTD) today announced an award of $144,000 from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Clean California Local Grant Program for public art and security features at the Oceanside Transit Center pedestrian tunnel. NCTD will use the funds to improve the pedestrian area to be more welcoming and attractive, improving safety and customer experience.
“Public beautification of art has been shown to increase safety and security, improve customer service, create a sense of place, prevent crime, and improve health care for residents,” said the NCTD Board of Directors and Solana Beach Council Counsel Jewel Edson. “This project will not only bring great benefits to commuters, it will also give local residents a new place to enjoy and be entertained.”
NCTD is working with MainStreet Oceanside, a city non-profit, to create a request for proposals to hire an artist through a community engagement process. Photo courtesy of the Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Tunnel. The project area will include pedestrian access to the tunnel (such as stairs and ramps). The Oceanside Transit Center is North County’s main hub, representing the intersection of SPRINTER hybrid rail, COASTER commuter rail, Amtrak, Metrolink, and BREEZE bus.
“This tunnel project represents a great partnership with the local community, MainStreet Oceanside, and NCTD to create a vibrant community that represents Oceanside’s unique history and diversity while adding a desirable and fun place for locals and visitors,” said Jane Marshall, Oceanside. Coastal Neighborhood Association (OCNA) and Main Street Oceanside Design Committee Liaison.
The $144,000 in grants comes from the Clean California Local Grant Program, which includes $100 million allocated to Caltrans to beautify communities and improve transportation facilities, among other things. In addition to the artwork, these funds will allow NCTD to include security improvements such as cameras and speakers to ensure the safety of pedestrians and extend the life of the art from disturbing violence. The total project cost for the Oceanside sidewalk is estimated at $231,000.
