On Tuesday, the council passed a new plan that leaves Balboa Boulevard open on Fourth of July, although police have the option of closing it. City parking lots on the Peninsula will be closed, in addition to the 100 blocks of 39th, 41st, 43rd, 45th and 46th streets from Balboa Boulevard to Seashore Drive. The 100 block of Orange Street will also be closed to traffic coming from West Coast Highway.
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Newport Boulevard Widening
In other street news, the council voted to approve a $280,000 contract to design the widening of Newport Boulevard between 30th Street and Via Lido. Deputy Public Works Director Dave Webb said that the widening could require taking private property and parking spaces on either side of the street. The plans call for bike lanes on both sides and raised landscaped medians.
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Discretionary Grants
The council also reviewed its discretionary grants for the current fiscal year. Council members spent $16,500 total on pet community groups and schools, with $25,000 still available.
