JoAnn Fields, president of the committee, announced that she has also been in communication with local legislators to secure the necessary funds for the project’s execution. She explained that they are seeking support from federal Senator Juan Vargas, state Senator Steve Padilla, Assemblyman David Alvarez, Chair of the Board of Supervisors Nora Vargas, Mayor John McCain, and the Chula Vista City Council. “We need to advocate with our elected officials at various levels of government, not just the City.” Fields stated, “We aim to work with all of them to find support and resources to help open new businesses in Chula Vista and create a business district to improve properties.”
“A Very Costly Project”
When asked about the estimated cost of the required improvements, she responded, “We
don’t have it, but it is a very costly project because we face serious challenges such as homelessness, graffiti, and public safety, among many others, but by working together we can solve them.” She added that the Master Plan for Broadway Revitalization in Chula Vista has initially agreed to divide the extensive roadway into two sections due to its length: The first section, she said, will cover from C Street to Main Street (a corridor of just over two miles) and the cleaning and beautification work being done on H Street.
What are the Improvements and Shortcomings?
It’s worth noting that during a tour conducted by the reporter, one of the points already
advanced is graffiti cleanup, as business owners have repainted walls that were vandalized
years ago by gang members or individuals with antisocial behavior. However, a significant amount of trash accumulation persists. “We need to work together and set an example for the next phase,” insisted JoAnn Fields regarding the project, acknowledging that this challenge aims to achieve the beauty and order currently seen on the historic Third Avenue.
Committee Members Meet
As has been occurring for some time, members of the Envision Broadway Revitalization Committee met on the afternoon of Thursday, May 16, at the Public Library on 4th and F to discuss options for implementation.
During the meeting, President Fields and the Director of the Institute for Public Strategies, Sarah Boyer, noted that the revitalization project is progressing but invited local businesses and residents to provide their input.
Five Years Since Inception
A significant fact is that the Envision Broadway project was established in 2019 and defined by its founder, the Institute for Public Strategies (IPS), as “a continuous strategic effort to revitalize the Broadway corridor in Chula Vista.”
In these five years, the Committee continues to meet, although attendance remains low, with only a few people regularly attending the meeting. For more information or to attend the next meeting visit, https://envisionbroadway.com/wp/