Proposed trail would connect existing paths

Costa Mesa officials are considering a new bike trail that would run along the Paularino flood control channel and would connect existing bike trails on the east and west sides of the city. The City Council heard about the concept at a study session Tuesday, and county officials have been supportive of the plan, Costa Mesa transportation services manager Peter Naghavi said.

The dirt channel is now used about twice a year by county maintenance vehicles. To become a bike and walking trail, it would be paved. Naghavi said designing the trail and holding public outreach could cost up to $150,000, and construction would be about $1 million. It likely would be funded by grants.

The council would have to formally vote for the trail to proceed, but it’s not scheduled for a vote because no one has asked to have it on the agenda. Naghavi said homeowners along the channel may have concerns, but he thinks the trail would benefit the city as a whole.