Hello everyone,

I wanted to share an update regarding the Bay/Meder intersection concerns. To recap the last update: 

• The City has reviewed the issue with representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works, City Management, and several City Council members. Their current proposal is to eliminate the left-turn movement from Meder Street onto Bay Street.

• Under this proposal, drivers exiting Meder toward UCSC would instead turn right onto Bay and then make a U-turn at the signalized intersection at Nobel/Iowa. Drivers on Bay would still be able to turn onto Meder from either direction.

• City staff have indicated that this change could be implemented relatively quickly and at low cost, and they believe it would address the immediate intersection issue.

While this proposal may improve conditions at the Bay/Meder intersection, it does not appear to directly address one of the concerns many residents have consistently raised: vehicle speeds on High Street. In conversations with City staff and neighbors, concerns continue to focus on speeding traffic and the challenges faced by pedestrians and bicyclists attempting to cross High Street safely.

The proposal will be discussed at the Transportation and Public Works Commission meeting on June 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 809 Center Street. Community members are welcome to attend and provide public comment.

Written comments can be submitted to: tpwc@santacruzca.gov before the meeting. Written feedback may help ensure that concerns about High Street safety, pedestrian crossings, bicycle access, and vehicle speeds remain part of the discussion. 

I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Your Neighbor, 

Chari