Simi Valley residents voice traffic concerns over Falcon Street expansion

The Planning Commission Meeting held on January 23, 2025, in Simi Valley, Ventura County, focused on community concerns regarding traffic and safety related to the proposed opening of Falcon Street to First Street.

During the meeting, several residents expressed their opposition to the project, including Bonnie Canfield, Mike Jones, Constantino Clarizio, and Cecilia Jones, all of whom chose not to speak but registered their concerns. Sheila Kuntz and Joshua Galvin also voiced their apprehensions, particularly regarding the potential increase in traffic in the Big Sky Canyon and Sky Country neighborhoods.

One resident highlighted that the area is currently quiet and peaceful, and the opening of Falcon Street could transform it into a thoroughfare, leading to increased traffic and safety issues. The resident raised specific concerns about the possibility of bus routes being established on Falcon Street, fearing that this would exacerbate crime and disturbances in the neighborhood, which has already experienced recent robberies.

The resident requested detailed information on how the city plans to manage the anticipated traffic increase, including potential measures such as speed bumps or gates to protect the quality of life in the area.

The meeting concluded with a call for further clarification from city officials on traffic management strategies to address the community's concerns. The Planning Commission is expected to consider these issues as they move forward with the project.