March 27 Daily Briefing: Roundabout resurfaces, runway improvements approved, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! If you’re in the spring spirit and also in the mood for giving, today’s your day. From 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. this morning, Greater Palm Springs Realtors (GPSR) is holding its annual Spring Fling Charity Auction at the Mizell Center at 480 South Sunrise Way. Bidders will get a chance to take home desserts and gift baskets while raising funds for the many charities GPSR supports. Hop to it!

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Dance Yrself Clean” by LCD Soundsystem

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LEADING OFF

Airport Commission approves updates, improvements to runway

The Palm Springs Airport Commission has greenlit a plan to overhaul the airport’s runways, prioritizing FAA standards and safety enhancements. In their latest meeting, commissioners moved forward with the Airport Master Plan Airside conceptual development plan, spotlighting runway and taxiway upgrades essential for modern aviation demands.

Driving the news: The commission’s decision on March 20 mirrors a strategic move to address the evolving needs of Palm Springs International Airport. With input from Mead and Hunt, the architecture firm driving the plan, the airport aims to realign its infrastructure to rectify “hotspots” or areas with higher risk for incidents and ensure alignment with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) protocols.

What they’re saying: The runways are being updated for several reasons, said Stephanie Nikho with Mead and Hunt. “We have to do three things: meet FAA design standards, accommodate critical aircraft, and meet the needs and wants of stakeholders,” she said. 

Key details: Among the outlined proposals, the commission considered applying for a modification of standards with the FAA which would allow an existing service road to remain in place. The recommendation for the general aviation runway was to add an extension to the north end.

• As for the taxiway, the sole recommendation was to correct various geometry issues that will make it easier for pilots to differentiate between a taxiway and a runway and align the taxiway with new FAA standards. 

What’s next: With the commission’s recommendation, the plan advances to the Palm Springs City Council for further approval before eventual FAA consideration. An open house is slated for June, offering the public a closer look at the planned enhancements and the opportunity for input.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

BRIEFLY

🚧 Renewed roundabout interest addressed at recent meeting

The plan for a proposed roundabout at the busy intersection of Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon Drives is getting some renewed interest after a recent presentation.

• Councilmember Lisa Middleton held an informal meeting Monday with community members at Townie Bagels Bakery Cafe. During the meeting, she outlined the plan to turn the current intersection, where five roads meet, into a large roundabout with bicycle ramps and room for truck traffic.
  
  
• At issue at the intersection are problems created by signal phasing, leading to vehicle and pedestrian delays.  There were also multiple collisions at the intersection between 2019 and 2023, resulting in nine people injured and one person killed.
  
  
• Looking back: The plan has been in the works ever since the city converted Indian Canyon Drive into a two-way road in 2020. The project is still in the design phase, partially funded by Measure J funds.

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Family Fun Fest
9 a.m. | Palm Springs Stadium
The free Family Fun Fest offers games, activities, and giveaways for families. There will also be an opportunity for families to weigh in on the coming renovations of the Palm Springs Library.

Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Hilton Hotel
Come help the Palm Springs Woman’s Club celebrate its 85th anniversary and support the Scholarship Program for Palm Springs High School students attending college. There will be a silent auction, live auction, and a raffle. ($100)

Palm Springs Public Library Community Input Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
The library and architects working on the renovation plan to gather input and give a presentation on the future of the library.

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
At this month’s meeting, the planning commission will consider a request to subdivide a piece of land on East Alejo Road into eight single-family residential parcels for future development. 

AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman
5:30 p.m. | Mizell Center
Join director Dante Alencastre in conversation with Dr. Toni D’Orsey as they explore the life of Connie Norman. ($10)

SAVE THE DATE

• Broadway and Beyond: Interview With Kevin Chamberlain on Friday at the Mizell Center.
  
  
• Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on Saturday at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Palm Springs Fire Foundation Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at Ruth Hardy Park.
  
  
• Trans Pride 2024 on Saturday at Frances Stevens Park.
  
  
• Police & Fire Luncheon Appreciation on April 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Rock the Park: Tribute to Garth Brooks on April 3 at the Downtown Park.
  
  
• Faux Fur Ball on April 6 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

This Wednesday, we invite you to meet the friendly Jethro, a five-year-old male Chinese Shar-Pei mix who has been at the shelter since December 2022. Staff at the shelter say he walks well on a leash, is housebroken, and loves his toys and playing fetch.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.