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MINUTES
2008 2007
2006 2005
2003
Transportation Committee
March 8, 2008 - 10am
Griffith Park Rangers' Station
UNAPPROVED DRAFT
1. Call to Order,
Introductions, and Approval of Minutes.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Present were
Rosemary DeMonte, GGPNC; Bruce Carroll, GGPNC; John Stutsman of Fehr
& Peers; Steve Sugarman of the Autry Museum; Faith Raiguel of the
Autry Museum; Greg Garces of Minagar, Inc.; Pamela Hanlon of the
Southwest Museum; Dennis Chew, LFIA; Bernadette Soter, GGPNC; Donna
Kolb, LFIA; Marian Dodge, LFIA; Nicole Possert, Southwest Museum
Coalition; Rachel Heller, Los Feliz Ledger; Clyde (Tom) Williams,
Greater Cypress Park NC; Tom Wilson, GGPNC; Richard Spicer, GGPNC; Jeff
Gardner, Atwater NC; John Hisserich , Area Representative for
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian; Rex Link: Angela Stewart, LFIA; Rourk
Reagan, Greater Cypress Park NC; Gerry Hans, Hollywood United NC; Chris
Laib, LFIA; Lon Wahlstrom; Lynn Jewell, Autry Museum; Olga Hall,
Southwest Museum Coalition; Philip Gasteier, GGPNC; Kathryn Louyse,
GGPNC; Sharon Shapiro, Council District 4, Jeanne Chang Min, Council
District 4; and Jacqueline Kerr, chair.
2. Summary of Fehr & Peers
Transportation Study for Autry. John Stutsman,
spoke for Fehr & Peers, the firm that conducted the original study
to determine present day traffic flow generated by the Autry Museum,
predict future traffic flow to 2014 generated by the Museum’s expansion
plans, and the significance of the traffic generated by the Autry on
Griffith Park traffic within a two-mile radius from the Museum.
Stutsman sent a Memorandum of Understanding to the Los Angeles Dept. of
Transportation (LADOT) outlining the proposed scope of the study, i.e.,
the seven intersections that would be impacted by the Autry before and
after the expansion project. The “trip generation basis point”
Fehr & Peers used for the study was taken from “…the records of the
Autry’s Yosemite National Park exhibit, and developed on a 1,000 square
foot methodology, with a proposed doubling for future visitors and
museum staff.” Stutsman said this methodology, using existing
traffic figures from November 2006, was approved by LADOT.
Further, Stutsman maintained that Minagar; not having chosen an
“existing trip generation” could not project future traffic
impact. The results of the present day study included weekdays,
weekdays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, and weekends from 1:15 PM to 2:15
PM. Stutsman said that the worse case time frame turned out to be
weekends, but “… even so, the figures were not even close to the LADOT
threshold of significance at the seven intersections.” Marion
Dodge asked about the F&P conclusion that lowered an additional two
intersections in the year 2014 to a grade “F” (A, B, C, D, E and F),
but then found there “…would be no significant impact (on
traffic).” The response was that the Fehr & Peers assessment
“… was based on the City of Los Angeles standards.” Nicole
Possert asked for a “…sensitivity analysis; Stutsman replied that it
would be included in the final EIR. Possert asked if it
would be based on the earlier study that did not take into account the
additional projects by the Zoo and the City of Los Angeles; and
Stutsman responded that “…the City has an official list of projects
that they want to use,” and “… the Zoo projects are not on that list.
3. Summary of Minagar Transportation
Peer Review for Autry. Greg Garces,
an associate transportation engineer, represented Minagar
Associates. Garces said that Minagar’s role was to provide a
review of the “…basic study”; and their conclusion was that this study
was “… adequate but for a handful of (19) exceptions.” Exceptions
included “…(Minagar’s) calculation of the traffic volumes at the seven
study intersections” that led to “…discrepancies between the two
studies, which in our conclusion, was that the Fehr & Peers traffic
study could not be substantiated as to the significant or insignificant
impact of the project.” Also, the field counts taken (in January
2008) found that six of the seven intersections had “…volumes that were
higher, that is, worse conditions” than in the (Fehr & Peers) study
taken in (November) 2006,” “… and that these discrepancies should
be included into future assessments, including a revision of the basic
study.”
4. Future Construction Projects to
2014. Bernadette Soter,
Chair of the GGPNC Parks, Rivers & Open Spaces Committee, gave a
presentation of future developments within the two-mile parameter of
the Fehr & Peers Study, and other projects having impact but not
included within this parameter. The first was an assessment of
the Los Angeles Zoo, located directly across Western Heritage Road from
the Autry, and its ongoing fully funded expansion projects. The
first (1) Zoo project was the opening of the Campo Gorilla Reserve in
November of 2007, which, as the Daily News reported an all-time record
25% increase of visitors. The second (2) Zoo project was the
opening of the Golden Monkey Exhibit in February 2008, which according
to the anecdotal reports below, caused extreme traffic congestion
within the Park and on the I-5 Freeway. The third (3) project,
the Pachyderm Forest, is scheduled to open in November 2009; the fourth
(4) project, HISS, is scheduled to open in May 2010; and the fifth (5)
project, the Rain Forest of the Americas, is scheduled to debut in
September of 2010. Projects not within the parameter of the
2-mile radius, which Soter maintained was drawn too tightly, but which
should be included are: (1) the Atwater Stream Restoration
project scheduled to open in 2010; (2) the City of Los Angeles Zero
Waste facility located north of the Park and the I-5 Freeway; and (3)
the Griffith Park Adult Recreation Center which opened in February 2008
promoting a 1,000 visitors per week expansion. Included within
the two-mile parameter is the opening in March 2008 of the Griffith
Park Clubhouse at the Wilson-Harding Golf Course, an expanded
restaurant facility advertising to a dining public beyond the golfing
clientele it currently serves. When Jeanne Min of CD4 was asked
how far the Zero Waste Facility was from the Los
Feliz/Riverside/Crystal Spgs intersection, she said it was south of
that junction, and that the plans would soon be available
on-line. She also said that the Central Services Yard is only a
project in concept at this point to make into parkland. Min also
said “…that CD4 was trying to build an alternative waste site that the
Bureau of Sanitation is looking for”, but that it is not set at this
time, “… because there is still a lot of discretion and planning issues
that must go through land use.”
5. North Zoo Drive & I-5 NB
Off-Ramp. Marion Dodge
stated she had an hour’s wait on the northbound I-5 Freeway, from the
Colorado underpass, to the Zoo Drive/134 off ramp, to the bridge over
the I-5, to finally reach Zoo Drive at Western Heritage Way, a distance
of easily less than a mile. This happened on President’s Day
weekend, Sunday, February 24, and caused a sig-alert for the entire day
on the I-5 Freeway. She felt the traffic congestion was largely
generated by the opening of the Golden Monkey exhibit at the Zoo.
Dodge said the traffic control officers at the intersection, which
leads to parking for both the Zoo and the Autry, ignored the on-coming
traffic from the Zoo Drive bridge.
6. Western Heritage Way & North
Zoo Drive. Dennis Chew,
Transportation Chair of the LFIA, supported Dodge’s statements.
He said that the wait on the I-5 to reach this intersection would be
intolerable for families with children, historically a large majority
of Zoo visitors, and also a bad experience for out-of-town
tourists. He reiterated the problem of traffic control officers
ignoring the Zoo Drive bridge traffic. He also discussed the
control officers at the southern end of the Zoo lot who, instead of
holding back pedestrians until several had gathered, would allow them
cross singly or in small groups, holding back heavy on-coming traffic
on Western Heritage Way. Jeff Gardner of Atwater Neighborhood
Council related a similar experience with the traffic control officers
on the southern end of the Zoo lot. He had recently approached
them to suggest a more traffic friendly method, but they had retreated
across the Zoo lot to an interior office. Kerr related her
experience on 2/23/08 when she had a 45-minute wait on the I-5 and Zoo
Drive until reaching Western Heritage Way. She said the traffic
control officers had blocked off the entrance to the Zoo lot located
there, and were oblivious to on-coming Zoo traffic when they could have
directed these motorists to the north or south entrances to the Zoo
lot. She said there was also parking available in the Autry lot,
the “Satellite” lot, and several spaces empty in the southern part of
the Zoo lot. Stutsman advised that the Zoon planned electronic
signage for parking availability when the lot is upgraded.
Additionally, Chew saw a current problem with accessing the
Autry’s rear lot; Raiguel pointed out a new link planned between the
proposed parking structure and the employees back lot. Kerr asked
that CD4 install a dedicated left turn lane on Zoo Drive at Western
Heritage Way by removing a part of the decorative medians.
7. Los Feliz Blvd, Riverside Drive
& Crystal Springs Road. Jeff Gardner
stated that the problem at this intersection stems from the
incompletion of a ramp and/or link between the I-5 and the Western
Avenue entry into Griffith Park. Traveling south on the I-5 there
is a sign indicating a surface street exit to enter the Park or to
trvel west on the 134. Autry bound motorists instead continue
traveling south on the I-5 to the Los Feliz exit, which feeds a
constant flow of traffic into this “F” rated intersection.. He
requested the matter continue to be referred to Cal Trans by
Assemblyman Kerkorian’s office. Also, Chris Laib asked about a
previous project by CD4 to install an MTA indentation on the southwest
corner of Los Feliz at this intersection; and Min requested that a
letter from the GGPNC be sent to CD4 asking that this project be
reinstated.
8. Riverside Drive 134 EB
Off-Ramp & Zoo Drive. Kerr
said that this intersection with its access to the 134 Freeway was
impacted by weekday rush hour traffic between Burbank and Los Feliz
traffic by motorists using Zoo Drive as a shortcut. This is an
intersection that should be re-studied in depth for a possible 3-way
signal. A weekend problem is an afternoon ½ mile stretch
of northbound traffic on Zoo Drive exiting the Park in a single lane
where double forward lanes are possible. At the 134/Riverside
intersection, a dedicated right turn lane is in place, and a double
lane should be possible for both through and right turn traffic.
A short term solution is to install distinct signage advising of the
right turn, and more visible street painting indicating the two lanes.
9. Consideration of Autry Traffic Studies, Motions and
Suggestions.
Dennis Chew called for the
reinstatement of the Griffith Park Resource Board,
that at one time addressed problems such as traffic control and traffic
officers. Chris Laib observed that CD4 needs to look at problems
in the Park in a “… more wholistic manner,” and instead of looking at
problems individually, have a mechanism to assess the cumulative impact
of all these projects. He agreed with Chew that Griffith
Park management should take control of its problems in a more “macro”
way.
Rex Link asked for better timing
of special events between the Zoo and the Autry
to forestall traffic congestion in the Park and the nearby I-5.
The Park Rangers are maintaining a Park calendar at this time.
Dodge said that the Griffith
Park Master Plan had worked out a “mobility plan” that was
already in place; and solutions to present day traffic problems should
be worked into that.
Possert said the Southwest
Museum Coalition had sent a letter to (?) noting the
deficiencies in the original study,
and asked that another study be done using a different methodology and
information. She asked that the new information being given at
this meeting be included in the final EIR. Raiguel said they (the
Autry) had made a request to the Dept. Recreation & Parks that the
Minager report be included in the final EIR.
Motion
by Tom Wilson “… that Minagar prepare a one-page synopsis of their
Conclusions into plain understandable language of the discrepancies
that exist between their study and the Fehr & Peers study in a way
the entire community can understand.” Spicer offered a friendly
amendment: “…that Fehr & Peers give us a one-page synopsis of
their Conclusions.” Seconded by Chew. Motion carried by
consensus
Motion by Richard Spicer that
Council District 4 convene a meeting of the traffic principals relative
to Griffith Park, i.e., Cal Trans, Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of
Recreation & Parks, the Zoo, the Autry, neighborhood associations
and neighborhood councils, to assess traffic problems in the Park and
formulate solutions for present-day and future traffic problems.
Seconded by Tom Wilson. Motion carried by consensus.
John Hisserich of Assemblyman
Paul Krekorian’s office agreed to contact Assemblyman Mike Feuer, Chair
of the State Assembly’s Transportation Budget Sub-Committee, to
establish considering construction work for:
a. A connection between the I-5 Freeway and Griffith
Park;
b. To widen the northbound off-ramp of the I-5 at
Zoo Drive, to serve both Zoo Drive and the 134 on-ramps;
c. Re-open the Crystal Springs off-ramp into
Griffith Park on the northbound I-5;
d. Remove sections of the medians on Zoo Drive at
Western Heritage Way to install a dedicated left-turn lane.
Kerr asked if the Committee wished formulate a position paper to
present to the GGPNC Board advising if the “…Autry’s expansion plans
now and in the future within the given two-mile radius will have a
significant impact on traffic.” There was no
response.
10. Adjournment. The meeting was
adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Transportation
Committee
4773 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
November 15, 2007 – 6:30pm
1. Call to Order, The meeting was called to
order at 7:10 p.m. Present were Neda Daneshmand, Dept. of
Transportation, Rosemary DeMonte, Dennis Chew, Jennifer Webster, John
F. John, Jr., and Jacqueline Kerr, Chair.
2. Los Feliz Blvd Stoplight ATSAC Coordination. Kerr announced
that LAPD Captain Perez has scheduled a meeting at his office on
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the ATSAC system to
slow speeding traffic on Los Feliz Blvd. ATSAC engineer
from DOT, Benjamin Chan, will be the main source of information, with
invitations to DOT, CD4, and Kerr from the GGPNC Transportation
Committee. Also present will be LAPD SLO Gina Chovan and
Motorcycle Division Officer Lawrence Henderson.
3. Franklin Avenue, Neda Daneshmand of DOT reported that the
newly extended red curbs along Franklin Avenue were the result of
Jeannie Shen’s request. Resident John F. John, Jr., stated that
the extended red curbs greatly improved pedestrian visibility.
The upgrading of the dim Franklin street lamps has not yet been
accomplished; and Kerr will contact Sharon Shapiro of Council district
4 for progress.
The question of traffic signage was raised. Daneshmand said that
Shen was planning to relocate the speed limit sign that is currently
placed at the exact point just east of Normandie where Franklin jogs to
the left to avoid parked car lanes to a more advantageous spot with
less foliage. Shen also plans to install a diagonal sign with an
arrow pointing down to the parked cars; but it was the consensus of the
Committee that the parked cars were easily visible in the lights at the
Normandie intersection and the “arrow” would only distract from the
more pertinent speed limit sign.
John reported that he had conducted a Franklin pedestrian crossing poll
of the Alexandria and Mariposa intersections for three hours one
evening and had counted eleven (11) persons; Daneshmand did not feel
this warranted the installation of pedestrian crosswalks.
Franklin Avenue con’s. On the issue of narrowing Franklin east of
Normandie to slow down the eastbound traffic, Dennis Chew proposed the
installation of angled parking on Franklin. Angled parking would
necessitate the downgrading Franklin from a second-grade highway to a
“collector” street. Chew, an LA City Planner, explained the
process of downgrading to the Committee; and Daneshmand said she would
pursue the possibility.
4. Griffith Park Blvd & St George. Jennifer Webster, a
resident of this neighborhood, stated that speeding in the area,
particularly on Griffith Park Blvd directly behind of John Marshall
High School, was egregious at all hours of the day and night. She
was advised to contact LAPD’s SLO Gina Chovan tat 30347@lapd.lacity.org
to ask for periodic motorcycle enforcement. Also, Daneshmand said
that a stop sigh was being considered for Griffith Park and Monon
Avenue.
5. Dept of Transportation Accident Reports. Kerr asked for and
received a motion from DeMonte, seconded by John, that the attached
letter to Mayor Villagairosa be presented to the full Board of the
GGPNC for approval, editing, and forwarding to the Mayor. Motion
was approved by consensus.
6. Dept of Transportation Signage. Tabled.
7. Adjournment at 8:10pm.
Transportation
Committee
4773 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
September 20, 2007 – 6:30pm
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:40pm. Present
were Stan Getz, Dennis Chew, Rex Link, Agop Jamgotchmian, Sirouhi
Jamgotchmian, Alma Remington, Elizabeth Avetisian, Maria Adzhemyan,
Lynne Kuemmel, Christopher Anderson, Michelle Jackson, John Korchak,
Geraldine Baum, John F. John, Athan Aronis, Anna Aronis, Jeannie Shen,
and chair Jacqueline Kerr.
2. Los Feliz Blvd Stoplight ATSAC
Coordination.
Kerr stated that Benjamin Chen, Dept. of Transportation (DOT) ATSAC
technician had reported to Jeannie Shen of DOT that coordinating the
stoplights on Los Feliz from Western Avenue to Vermont Avenue to compel
motorist’s speeds to 35 mph was possible. Shen will confirm that
this is possible for both east and west directions.
3. Franklin Avenue and Mariposa.
This item involves a pedestrian fatality on Franklin just east of
Mariposa on Angst 14, 2007. Lynne Kuemmel stated that the street
lights are dim on Franklin Avenue, making night-time pedestrians not
immediately visible to motorists; and that vans and suvs parked at
intersections on Franklin blocked the view of oncoming traffic to
pedestrians wishing to cross the street. She asked that curbs at
Franklin intersections be extended, removing some parking spaces, and
that the lights be checked for brightness. At a request for
wide-striped crosswalks at Mariposa and Alexandria, Jeannie Shen said
that crosswalks could not be installed without a study of feasibility,
which DOT had never done at these intersections. Kuemmel, John F.
John, and Arthan and Anna Aronis, and Kerr all agreed to be a part of a
study group that would survey the number of crossing pedestrians from
5pm to 8pm on weekday evenings, possibly three evenings.
4. Rowena and Avocado. Tabled.
5. Griffith Park & St. George. Tabled.
6. Adjournment at 8:05.
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. Present
were Kenneth Owen, Mark Werndorf, Rosemary DeMonte, Joe Cisneros,
Phillip Gasteier, Tom Wilson, Stan Getz, Dennis Chew, Dora Herrera,
Jeannie Shen, Dept of Transportation, Brian Gallagher, Dept of
Transportation, Dennis Lytton, CD4, Patty Malone, CD4, SLO Gina Chovan,
LAPD, SLO Al Polehonki, LAPD, approximately 250-300 stakeholders, and
chair Jacqueline Kerr were present. The Minutes from the February
2007 were approved.
2. Los Feliz & Edgemont.
Kerr reported that there had been three traffic fatalities at this
intersection the last week of December 2006; and another traffic
accident on April 3rd with hospitalized injuries. Senior Lead
Officer Gina Chovan stated that the LAPD had received a report of the
December accident, but were unaware of the recent accident.
Dennis Lytton, Transportation Deputy, CD4, said that he was trying to
have flashing red lights installed at this intersection from 11:00pm to
5:00am to force motorists to fully stop instead of trying to beat a
yellow light; this is also a possibility for other Los Feliz Blvd
intersections. Brian Gallagher, Sr. Traffic Engineer, DOT,
advised that the traffic signals on Los Feliz were synchronized, but
that heavy traffic disrupted the system. The no left turn
situation at Los Feliz & Berendo was criticized with a majority of
the stakeholders requesting that no-left-turn be operative from 4-7pm
only; but several Berendo residents complained about the
continual speeding south from Los Feliz and felt their families would
be further endangered with a resumption daily traffic from the
Boulevard.
3. Hillhurst & Finley.
SLO Chovan confirmed the complaints the LAPD has received from
businesses and residents about the continual speeding at this
intersection; however, the accident records do not confirm
this. Jeannie Shen, Sr. Traffic Engineer, DOT, is awaiting
speeding and other usage reports for the Committee.
4. Edgemont Avenue Speeding Issues.
While speeding motorists is experienced north and south of Franklin,
speed humps are prohibited by City regulation on an emergency route,
and they are not a possibility as Edgemont is north of Kaiser
Hospital. Additional law enforcement was requested for this
street.
5. Edgemont Preferential Parking
District.
Dana Cremin stated the parking at her place of residence on Edgemont
Avenue was continually short of parking space and had requested a
Preferential Parking District for her street. Brian
Gallagher, DOT, said that a letter must come from an elected
neighborhood organization to requesting a study of the affected
area. Gallagher said that the study area around Edgemont showed
that 75% of curb space in the area was usually parked with vehicles,
and that 25% of those vehicles were from outside the general area of
Los Feliz, which qualifies the area as a PPD. Gallagher
then said that the process had been done backwards: the study
(attached) was completed by DOT before the necessary letter had been
received. Kerr explained that at this meeting it was the letter
that was under consideration by the Committee. After a question
and answer session, 72 speaker cards were used for statements by the
public; 8 in favor of the PPD, 62 opposed, and 2 uncommitted. The
chair asked for a motion from the Committee to approve such a letter
requesting the study; the Committee did not make a motion, and the
issue was therefore discontinued.
Adjournment was at 10:20pm.
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Transportation
Committee Meeting
Monday, February 12, 2007
Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. The meeting was called to
order at 6:30pm. Present were Dennis Chew, Rex Link, Greg Walker,
Elliott Moscowitz, Dora Herrera, Jeannie Shen, and chair Jacqueline
Kerr.
2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items. No comment.
3. Finley and Hillhurst Traffic Light.
Jeannie Shen, Traffic Engineer, Dept. of Transportation (DOT),
discussed the installation process of a four-way traffic light at the
above intersection which is without traffic markings whatsoever.
Dora Herrera, President of the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement
District, supports such an installation because of many years of
complaints from business owners and residents in the area. She
said that because of vehicle speeds in this unregulated intersection,
there had been two recent accidents at the next southerly intersection
of Hillhurst and Franklin. Herrera also suggested that the
four-way stoplight would help slow speeds and should be timed to
coordinate with other lights at 35 mph. Greg Walker, a resident
of Finley Avenue, expressed concerned about possible excessive gas
exhaust from vehicles having to wait for a green light. The
Committee requested that Shen conduct a speed test, volume check and
pedestrian usage at this particular intersection; and Shen advised as
such studies would take over two months to complete, she will proceed.
4. Pinkberry’s on Vermont.
Kaley Kim of Pinkberry’s did not attend as promised.
5. Finley Avenue Traffic Problems.
Greg Walker said he had not received the petition package from DOT for
angled parking as promised and requested from Shen that one be sent to
him. Shen said that speed humps were definitely planned by DOT
for Finley Avenue as advised by Doug Lytton, CD4, at the January
meeting.
6. Street Resurfacing.
Ricardo Gomez did not appear.
7. “Gridlock Zone”. Shen
advised that these additional signs placed above the existing “No
Parking” signs on Los Feliz Blvd to facilitate rush hour traffic meant
that vehicles parked during restricted hours would receive ticketing
for a fine of $140.
8. Los Feliz Blvd.
Dennis
Lytton, CD4, not present to discuss configuration of stoplights at
Griffith Park/Los Feliz and Los Feliz/Riverside intersections.
9. DWP Festival of Lights.
Kerr reported that the meeting of February 7, 2007, was held by the
Dept of Water & Power to discuss options for the City’s Festival of
Lights held every year in December. Even though the public
presented public safety situations caused by traffic back-up on the
I-5, and gas exhaust problems within Griffith Park caused by cars
waiting to see the Festival, the DWP did not discuss the problems, but
said that notes were taken of the meeting, and all those attending
would be advised of the DWP’s decisions at a later meeting.
10. Adjournment.
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Monday, January 8, 2007
Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. The Meeting was called to
order at 7:05pm. The Minutes of December 11, 2006, were approved
as read. Present were Rosemary DeMonte, Gregory Walker, Tal
Vigderson, Dennis Chew, Rex Link, Danya Gonzales, Lizette Young, Dennis
Lytton, Ricardo Gomez, Elliott Moskowitz, and chair, Jacqueline
Kerr.
2. Comment on Non-Agenda Items
A. Elliott Moskowitz
reported that the “Red Flag” on Amesbury Drive, where he
resides, is inconsistent and misleading, resulting
in ticketing non-offending automobiles.
Moskowitz will work with 4th Council District’s transportation deputy,
Dennis Lytton to correct signage.
B. Kerr advised she has been trying to contact
Pinkberry’s public relation officer, Kayla
Kim, to request her presence at the next Transportation Committee
meeting on February 12th, for the purpose of
offering solutions to parking and the traffic problems
that may arise with the new outlets in the GGPNC
district.
3. DWP Festival of Lights
. Because Bernadette Soter had a scheduling conflict, Kerr made
the report. She had bee advised by Sr. Park Ranger, Joe
Drabinsky, that the Rangers ask Cal Trans to post the “2-hour wait”
advisory on the CMS signs when the Festival back up reaches the Park
entrance at Los Feliz and Riverside, usually around 7pm on
weekends. From there the two-hour advisory remains on until the
Park closes at 10:00pm. Drabinsky said that the Rangers had
blocked off the Griffith Park on-ramp to the I5 north of the Autry
because of people trying to break into the waiting line from the Los
Feliz off-ramp. Drabinsky also said the attendance figure he
heard for 2006 was 700,000; which must be people and not the
cars. Kerr will contact the DWP for an exact car
count. Kerr also said that CHP Officer Alex Delgadillo had
advised there had been no collision reports from 2003 to the present;
that most incidents were fender-bender types that did not involve their
office.
4. Los Feliz Blvd; ATSAC System.
Dennis Lytton will check out what ATSAC signal combinations are in
place for weekends for Los Feliz and Riverside, and Los Feliz and
Griffith Park Blvd. Lytton further said DOT was trying to
coordinate street cleaning with rush hour “no parking”
restrictions. Moskowitz said that at the Griffith Park
intersection, a small dead-end side street was allowed the same timing
as Griffith Park Blvd, and suggested that this timing be reconfigured.
Kerr asked that the left turn and forward signals from Griffith Park
Blvd be coordinated together, and Lytton said that it was probable that
the left turns if taken singly would use the same intersection lanes.
Lytton will contact whoever in DOT is responsible for ATSAC on Los
Feliz Blvd, and ask for a report on this situation.
5. Rowena and Avocado Stop Signs. Mr. Martin not present.
6. Finley Avenue Traffic Problems.
Lytton announced that CD4 Ares Representative Patty Malone advised him
that there is a “speed bump” package ready at DOT for installation on
Finley Avenue. That being the case, Finley neighborhood residents
Greg Walker, Danya Gonzales and Lizette Young will petition the area to
support a request for angles parking. Also, Lytton will try to
persuade Jeanne Shen, DOT Transportation Engineer to attend the
February Meeting to advise about Items 4 and 6.
7. Street Resurfacing.
Ricardo Gomez reported that the resurfacing on Bates and Clayton
Avenues during the summer of 2005 was now crumbling and developing
potholes. Rex Link suggested that water seems to quickly destroy
repaving materials. Moskowitz said there seems to be very
little engineering support in resurfacing work done by Street Services
on Cromwell at Commonwealth. Water flowing over the old asphalt
pavement, which let to its deterioration, was not corrected during the
resurfacing project. Consequently, the pavement at that location
failed in the first rainy season. Gomez moved, and it
was seconded by Tal Vigderson that:
(A) The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council request that Street
Services send a representative to meet with the Transportation
Committee to report on why the resurfacing on Bates and Clayton Avenues
failed to soon;
(B) The Greater Griffith park Neighborhood Council request that the
City Controller audit the Bates Avenue resurfacing project; and
(C), that the Greater Griffith park Neighborhood Council request that
the Fourth City Council office initiate the proves to place the Bureau
of Contract Administration n charge of inspecting all street repairs
performed by any utility without limitation, including the DWP, so that
the appropriate repair standards are enforced. The Motion was
passed by consensus.
Adjournment at 8:30 pm.
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Transportation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 1, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order
a. Attendees: James Balesh, Richard Spicer, Rebecca Finn, Mark Stong,
Denise Hanisee, Rosemary DeMonte, Dennis Chew, Bernadette Soter, Chuck
Soter
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Cromwell Avenue speed humps/stop signs proposal
a. More information needed regarding neighborhood sentiment and number
of speed bumps. Tabled for 9/5: invite Neda Daneshmand, Patty
Malone, and Neighborhood Coordinator to next meeting for discussion.
4. Griffith Park Observatory Re-Opening
a. Parking Restrictions: Increase restrictions
east-bound on Los Feliz Blvd. on weekdays. No restrictions on
weekdays as it might cause a decrease in ticket sales.
b. Charge for parking at Hollywood and
Highland; none at the zoo; promote use of Red Line.
5. Franklin Ave. Corridor Mobility Action Committee 8/2/06
a. TBA (8/8 or 8/16)
6. ASTAC/Los Feliz Blvd
a. Chair to email Ben Chan of DOT regarding Los Feliz Blvd and
Riverside Dr. ATSAC mitigation measures.
7. Modification of Festival of Lights to Pedestrian only event
a. Bernadette reported Greg Barts and pros committee resolution;
Committee unanimously passed the motion as follows:
“In keeping with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s recent
adoption of principles recognizing the need to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in accord with state policies while maintaining reliability
of electric service, public safety and economic energy prices, the
Transportation Committee of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood
Council is very concerned that the Festival of Lights event does not
conform to the DWP’s mission. In keeping with the Department of
Water and Power’s mission and in order to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, conserve fuel, encourage environmental responsibility,
further public safety, and promote public education, the Transportation
Committee unanimously supports the resolution to convert the Festival
of Lights to a pedestrian-only event.”
8. Proposed Vermont Avenue Parking Structure
a. Tabled
9. Hillhurst/Finley Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
a. Tabled
10. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation/Safety (R. Gomez)
a. Tabled
11. Comments and Announcements
a. Hollywood Community Plan (R. Spicer): reported on
transportation items passed by GGPNC Board at the July Board Meeting.
b. Street Re-paving: Inquire CD4 regarding process
and status of district repaving plans for fiscal year ’06-’07.
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 11, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order
Attendees: James Balesh, Rory Fitzpatrick, Ken Owen, Michael Maloney,
Rex Link, Dennis Chew, Rosemary DeMonte, Dora Herrera, Kathryn Louise,
Frida Carpeno, Pearl Yanizawa
2. Approval of Minutes - Approved for Meeting of 6/6/06
3. ’06-’07 Fiscal Year Street Re-paving (CD 4)
a. Rory Fitzpatrick Reports from CD 4:
i. $100,000 taken out of CD
allocation for Street re-paving. A different allocation method is
now needed because CD 4 has more streets (11-12 miles) requiring
re-paving with areas west of Western being in the worst condition and
requiring the most money. CD4 recommends to ask DONE why
allotment eliminated
ii. CD4 requesting to
obtain more $ to re-pave those streets most affected by the re-opening
of the Observatory.
iii. There are five
different monetary sources
iv. Clarissa Ave probably
slurry sealed. Will try to get Finley, Catalina, and
Commonwealth
4. Griffith Park Observatory Re-Opening
a. 7/17/06 Meeting on Griffith Park Observatory
re-opening in Friendship Auditorium
b. Temporary PPD in and near Vermont Avenue –
Meeting at Community Police Ctr. 7/12/06 at 7:00 pm
c. Los Feliz Blvd Parking Restrictions:
i. During week – add 1 hour
restrictions in mornings and evenings
ii. CD4 will not request
imposing parking restrictions on LF Blvd. on weekends to mitigate
traffic
d. Left Turn lane at Riverside (to Park) – CD4 may
request doubling time allotted for left turn signal
5. Proposed Vermont Avenue Parking Structure - Discussion
6. Hillhurst/Finley Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
a. CD4 requested light at Hillhurst and Finley, but
volume was not enough – DOT rejects
b. Letter to CD4 requesting CD4 and CC DOT Gallagher
and Camou
c. Motion – Dora moves to support installation of
traffic light at Hillhurst and Finley. Rosemary Second. Passed
unanimously.
7. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation/Safety (R. Gomez)
a. CD4 reports Traffic Signal at Monon and Hyperion
to be installed – cost $126,000
8. Traffic Enforcement - CD4 wants greater motor enforcement officers,
deputy chief in charge of transit, and greater parking enforcement
9. Hollywood Community Plan (R Spicer) – Tabled due to R. Spicer’s
absence
James R. Balesh
Chair
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order
a. Attendees: Rory Fitzpatrick (CD4), Patty Malone (CD4), Brian
Gallagher (DOT), Dana Cremin, Rex Link, Ken Owen, LAPD Officer Red
Falconer, Denise Hanisee, Rosemary DeMonte, James Balesh, Dennis Chew,
Mark Stong, Mike Hyatt
2. Approval of Minutes
a. Approved for Meetings of
4/4/06 and 5/2/06
3. Preferential (Permit) Parking District Rules, Restrictions,
Requirements (Brian Gallagher – DOT)
a. Types of Parking Permits available in most
Preferential Parking Districts (“PPD”):
i. Annual: $15/car/year, 3
years max; effective anywhere in PPD
ii. Visitor: $10/each, 4
month period, 2 max; effective only for block of residence
iii. Guest: $1/car/day,
12:01 am – 12:00 pm
b. Rules:
i. Prove up need PPD
(Parking Problem)
ii. Widespread Community
Support
c. Steps:
i. Submit Letter of Intent
from City Council, HOA, Neighborhood Council
ii. DOT calls informal
meeting with parties involved to see if issues may be resolved without
a PPD
iii. Petitions
1. 6 Blocks of Support required
2. 67% of Residential Units
3. 50% of Frontage
iv. DOT performs Parking
Study
1. to validate parking problem due to vehicles from
outside neighborhood
2. Test: 75% of spaces occupied and 25% occupied by
residents
v. Environmental Study
1. Negative declaration form must be filed and recorded
vi. Public Hearings
1. Letters of notification to all neighbors up to
two blocks outside proposed PPD
2. Provide Preliminary Report
3. Propose max boundaries and parking restrictions
4. Ask for comments at hearing
5. PPD boundaries could be modified
d. Temporary PPD – immediate
parking problems
i. K. Owen moves:
1. DOT perform a parking study to determine
feasibility of Preferential Parking District for areas surrounded by
Edgemont South to Franklin West to Normandie Nort to Ambrose East
according to standards set by DOT
2. Agendize Issue for September Committee Meeting
3. Consensus: Approved
4. Parking Structure – Los Feliz Village (John Perfitt – CRA)
a. Perfitt discovered that USPS did a similar
project in San Luis Obispo (important precedent set)
b. Perfitt reported that an environmental study will
have to be performed, and that property owners to the south of the
project need to be contacted. He attempted to contact but
unsuccessful thus far. A height variance from SNAP plan is also
needed.
c. Present plans call for 5 levels of parking with
4775 ft² of ground floor retail space, 696 parking stalls, and 36
units of affordable housing. Parking for housing units available
at about 1 space per unit per code. Ingress and Egress on New
Hampshire Ave. for mail carrier vehicles only as demanded by
USPS.
d. The land is appraised at $2 million, with the
site valued at $7 million.
e. Funding will come from an $8 million Bond issue
in 2007 for E. Hollywood area and $7-8 million presently held.
f. Perfitt stated he will call the House of Pies to
see if CRA can buy its property for use in Parking Structure project as
possible park/open space
5. Hillhurst/Finley Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (LAPD Ofr. Red
Falconer)
a. Statistics from 2000-present: there have been 13
accidents at this intersection, 8 at Hillhurst and Russell, 12 at
Vermont and Finley, 14 at Vermont and Russell, and 54 at Vermont and
Franklin (There may be a need for future consideration by Committee for
this intersection)
b. Smart Cross Walks
c. There has been no new data at Hillhurst and
Finley – will check with Ofr. Belmonte and Salazar
d. Ofr. Falconer recommends creating left turn
signals on E/W Franklin at Vermont
e. Committee will ask LAPD Officer Chovan for most
recent statistics
6. Franklin Ave. Corridor Mobility Action Committee Next Meeting 6/7/06
a. Chair to attend next meeting
b. Will discuss Observatory Re-Opening plans to
mitigate traffic and parking problems pursuant to GGPNC Board
resolution adopted 5/16/06.
7. Griffith Park Observatory Re-Opening –Working Group Meeting
a. Tabled – M. Hernandez not present
8. Los Feliz Village Street Fair – GGPNC Booth
a. Members encouraged to assist at booth. The
Committee is to prepare exhibits and surveys on potholes and public
structure
9. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation/Safety
a. Tabled – R. Gomez not present
10. Hollywood Community Plan Report
a. Tabled – R. Spicer not present
11. Comments and Announcements
a. ASTAC tour on 6/16/06 at 8:30 am. Meet at
City Hall East
b. Next meeting scheduled for 7/11/06 at 7 pm
Meeting adjourned 9:35 pm
James R. Balesh
Chair
Transportation Committee Meeting
Tuesday,
May 2, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order
Attendees: Rosemary DeMonte, Denise Hanisee, Richard Spicer, Dora
Herrera, Joe Cisneros, Dennis Chew, Frida Corpeno, Kathryn Louise, Dora
Herrera, James Balesh, Merlyn Hernandez, Rex Link, Elliott Moscovitz,
Ken Owen
2. Minutes - Tabled
3. Hillhurst/Finley Traffic & Pedestrian Safety (Officer Gina
Chovan)
Officer Chovan was unable to attend
4. Franklin Ave. Corridor Mobility Action Committee/Observatory
Re-Opening:
a. Balesh reported that Linda Barth from Department of Rec. and Parks,
who heads the Observatory Re-Opening, spoke at the April 5, 2006
meeting of the FCMAC. Stated a “No Drop-Off” Policy will be
implemented. Shuttle Service Provider and Ticket Distributor will
be hired. Shuttles will be employed from Hollywood and Highland
and LA Zoo/Autry Museum areas. Possible other site(s) (eg.
Sunset-Vermont Red Line Station). Routes not set yet. At
this time policy is to prohibit visitors without a ticket and ticket
can only be used through Shuttles (no walk-ins). Plan to charge
to cover cost of Shuttle service ($5-7). Shuttle system only used
as necessary. Estimate for 6-12 months. Will retain
one trailer at Zoo/Autry Parking Lot for use. No plan yet to
mitigate traffic and parking problems in GGPNC caused by influx of
vehicles for Observatory visitors. Balesh identified GGPNC
concerns to FCMAC and Linda Barth. Requested Observatory Working
Group reformation. Consensus from CD4 to reform. L. Barth
will hold community meeting in a few months.
b. Members of Committee would like Linda Barth to speak at an upcoming
meeting.
c. Committee consensus to recommend to GGPNC Board to approve letter to
CD4 regarding identification of potential traffic and parking problems
due to Observatory re-opening and request for mitigation measures,
including hiring traffic consultant. Balesh will draft.
5. Los Feliz Boulevard Traffic Mitigation:
a. Committee consensus to obtain status of ATSAC
b. Committee requests tour of ATSAC facility and discussion with DOT
regarding signal time intervals, staffing hours, platooning vehicles,
additional sensors.
c. Balesh will set date and time with DOT to tour ATSAC headquarters.
6. Vermont Parking Structure
a. Balesh reported information received from meeting with John Perfitt
of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
b. Plan in progress to lease parking areas of Post Office on Vermont
Avenue and build multi-use structure same height of building to south
of property. Structure will contain 709 parking spaces, gain of
516 spaces. Also will contain 36 affordable apartment units and
approximately 5000-6000 square feet of retail space. USPS very
responsive to plan. No other site as feasible. Approached
Masonic Temple at Northeast corner of Vermont and Franklin and no
interest as of yet. Church on Vermont rejected use of its parking
lot for public use. CRA presented a parking study which rejects
need for parking in area. Balesh reported that Committee members
should review study and make comments. CRA needs comments from
community showing need in order for approval of parking structure plan.
c. Committee debated parking structure proposal. No consensus on
CRA’s present proposal. Some on the Committee would like John
Perfitt to appear at a meeting of the Committee to answer some
questions.
d. Consensus obtained on Recommendation to Board: “Committee
notes problem with parking in the community. Recommends finding
solution this problem by either building a parking structure or
accessing existing private and public parking.
7. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation TABLED – R. Gomez unable to attend.
8. Hollywood Community Plan (Richard Spicer):
a. Next workshop set for May 31, 2006
b. Motion approved for a resolution by consensus:
Hollywood Community Plan should neither increase traffic flow or
decrease available parking proximate to the re-zoned areas.
9. Temporary Permit Parking District No. 106 (Russell
Ave./Hillhurst)
a. Balesh reported Temp. PPD here had been approved by the
Council Transportation Committee.
b. Committee members had no knowledge of this application until
received the agenda of this Council Committee Meeting.
c. Committee requests additional information on Permit Parking
Application Process. Balesh will attempt to have DOT attend a
meeting to explain.
10. Parking Meters on Residential Streets (K. Owen)
a. DOT gave notice of desire to place parking meters on Clayton
Avenue at Hillhurst. Since no one was in support DOT dropped any
plans to place meters in these areas.
11. Comments and Announcements
a. K. Louise invited all to attend the 5/6/06 River Cleanup from 9-12pm.
Meeting Adjourned 10:05 PM
James R. Balesh
Chair
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Tuesday,
April 4, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order
Attendees: Rosemary DeMonte, Denise Hanisee, Richard Spicer, Dora
Herrera, Joe Cisneros, Dennis Chew, Bob Diaz, Ricardo Gomez, James
Balesh, Merlyn Hernandez
2. Minutes - Approved
3. Report on Dario Frommer’s Town Hall Meeting (Dennis Chew):
a. MTA Metro Funds include
bikeways, local road and highway improvements
b. Committee interested in obtaining
funds from MTA for capital improvements that LA City unable to provide.
c. Request info from CD4 on funding for capital
improvements.
4. Franklin Ave. Corridor Mobility Action Committee:
a. Balesh reported that Linda Barth from Department of Rec. and Parks,
who heads the Observatory Re-Opening, will speak at the April 5, 2006
meeting of the FCMAC. Requested input from Committee regarding
areas of concern that come under the its purview.
b. Committee agreed that the following issues are of concern:
Scheduling of Shuttles, Types of Vehicles to be used as Shuttles,
Parking for Patrons, Result of Request For Proposals for Shuttle
Service Providers, and Routes.
c. Balesh will convey these concerns to the FCMAC Committee.
5. Hollywood Community Plan (Richard Spicer):
a. A hearing will be set for 9/06 on the
Plan
b. Community Meeting on Transportation Issues will be set
c. Hillhurst upzoned to conform with similar areas in
L.A. but should not effect existing structures
d. New Planning Director set to make presentation to
Community on 4/6/06
e. Committee agreed to continue to investigate and discuss.
6. Hillhurst/Finley Traffic & Pedestrian Safety (Officer Gina
Chovan)
Tabled to 5/06 – Officer Chovan working on obtaining
traffic data
7. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation
a. Committee believes studies
should be done of the following issues:
i. Signal
Controls at Griffith Park Blvd. & Hyperion
ii. Parking on
South side of Hyperion adjacent to Trader Joe’s at peak hours.
iii. Crosswalk and
Crossing Signal at Trader Joe’s
iv. Private Sector
input on remedies (R. Spicer agreed to investigate)
b. Committee agreed that it would be best to form a
Joint Committee with Silver Lake Neighborhood Council to investigate
and discuss. Balesh reports that he has spoken with Rusty Millar
of the SLNC about the Trader Joe’s Cross-Walk issue and would contact
him to determine whether the SLNC would be amenable to form a Joint
Committee to cover the corridor traffic and pedestrian issues.
The Committee asked R. Gomez to represent it on the Joint Committee
regarding this matter. R. Gomez agreed.
8. Department of Transportation – Memorandum of Understanding
TABLED
9. Comments and Announcements
a. D. Chew presented “Recommended Traffic Aspects” handout:
Requested comments from Committee for DOT possible action.
b. R. DeMonte requested articles for the GGPNC Newsletter – J. Balesh
will prepare.
Meeting Adjourned 9:10 PM
James R. Balesh
Chair
Transportation Committee Meeting
Tuesday,
March 7, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1.
Call to Order
Attendees: Rosemary DeMonte, Denise Harrisee, Richard
Spicer, Dora Herrera, Joe Cisneros, Dennis Chew, LAPD Officers Gina
Chovan and Sam Salazar
2. Approval of Minutes - Approved
3. Pedestrian Safety/Traffic Safety and Enforcement
(Officer Gina Chovan):
Officer
Chovan noticed a problem. Traffic speed North and South Hillhurst.
Pedestrian
Mike Bellmonte – Traffic Coordinator, put up speed check
trailer South Hillhurst. Will have print out.
Will do
traffic enforcement – both motorbike and pedestrian for survey.
NESLO’s to do task force @ Finley & Hillhurst & Russell &
Vermont LAPD
Rosemary D. – DOT doesn’t see a need because statistics are
there. DOT resurveying.
Smart Crosswalks – 2 pilot programs in L.A.
Traffic Light – approx. $90K
Increase Traffic Enforcement? – not enough personnel.
Need Petitions conforming w/ DOT guidelines. LaBonge
in agreement.
4. Franklin Ave. Corridor Mobility Action Committee:
Dennis – Hours of DOT I/S controllers. Study whether
effective and beneficial to have controller working during peak (rush
hour) times.
1.
Is ATSAC effective @ reducing traffic congestion
2.
How to improve
3.
Study
4.
Possibility of Advanced ATSAC System
5. Observatory Re-Opening Traffic Mitigation:
Request info on RFP and Plans for Re-Opening from Linda
Baeth at next MAC meeting.
6. Hollywood Community Plan (R. Spicer):
R. Spicer presented
7. Assemblyman Dario Frommer Townhall Meeting:
Suggest ask about CalTrans studies for
Traffic flow on Onramps/Offramps at I5.
8-9. Tabled.
Meeting Adjourned 10:06PM
James R. Balesh, Chair
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EVENTS
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 7, 2006, 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order – 7:18
pm
Janis Cohen-Milch, Denise Hanisee, Ricardo Gomez, Ken Owen, Rosemary
DeMonte, Dennis Chew, Richard Spicer, Joe Cisneros, James Balesh (Chair)
2. Approval of Minutes – Minutes Approved for Meetings of
2/28/05, 4/4/05, 5/3/05,
6/7/05, 10/11/05
3. Street Repair/Repaving Update -
Update on street repaving: a) Bates and Monon completed; b) Woking Way
(Amesbury to Parva) – Cost $9,000, instead of Alexandria (Ambrose to
Mariposa) due to
Ricardo concerned about Bates being funded in prior years then bumped
by Council requests plus statement of costs being excessive. Ken
concerned with pricing/costs. Balesh – concerned about timing of
requests. Committee will comment in the future at appropriate
time.
4. Los Feliz Mobility Action Committee -
A. GGPNC Board Approved prioritizing Mellen Report recommendations for
Los Feliz Blvd and Griffith Observatory Reopening.
B. Observatory Reopening and Subsequent Plans:
a. invite observatory planner to board meeting
b. need allocation of $ for traffic mitigation plan
– budget
C. Los Feliz Blvd. Mitigation Priority – in context of Mellen Report
a. Sewer line construction
at or near LF Blvd
b. Mellen Report: Committee consensus on all
recommendations except points 1 and 2 on p. 2
b. Bus layover and Western and
Franklin also a concern to committee
c. Study of where traffic is going
and coming from. Obtain Traffic study for LF Blvd. from DOT
d. Idea: I5 On-ramp at
Fletcher (Denise H.)
e. Manning ATSAC after peak times
for DOT (Dennis C.)
f. Request info available re
transportation problem (transportation studies by Meyers-Mohammed
and Kaku Groups).
Increase/Decrease in volume of traffic.
5. Traffic Mitigation Community Meeting -
Outreach Meeting on Hold
6. Parking -
Red Flag Days – Outreach? Ken in favor,
Richard not.
Denise to draft a letter for NC to LAFD re dedicated #s to check for
Red Flag Days on Land/Cell lines. Motion approved.
7. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation -
Ricardo –
a. Resignalization. Hold traffic back near King Middle School
also will assist.
b. Add signal between Lyric and Effie
c. Redesignate to pedestrian oriented street to obtain federal funds
like Atwater Village received to redo Glendale Blvd.
Balesh-GGPNC should work with Silverlake NC on this
issue
Ricardo to deal with Silverlake NC and prepare draft
recommendations
Richard – public/private involvement to discuss with Mary Richardson of
HWD Committee Plan.
8. Franklin Ave (Hillhurst – Talmadge) Redesignation as a
Collector Street
Secondary Highway gets state $ for resurfacing – may lose $ - Richard
to speak with Mary Richardson re HWD Community Plan
No Consensus – Tabled until receive additional
information
9. Mass Transit -
Richard – Monorail issue. Consensus –monorail added to items for
consideration
10. 2006 Meeting Schedule – Consensus meetings will be held on
the first Tuesday of every month
11. Committee Comments:
Rosemary: ask for signal at I/S of Finley and Hillhurst. Put on
agenda for next month. Dialogue with LAPD Traffic Enforcement and
Safety of Pedestrians on Vermont and Hillhurst.
Meeting Adjourned
James R. Balesh (Chair)
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EVENTS
Transportation Committee
Meeting
Monday, December 5, 2005 7pm-9pm
Los Feliz Community Police Center,
1965 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order –
7:18pm
Attendees: James Balesh (Chair), Richard Spicer, Ken Owen, Dennis
Chew, Janis Cohen-Milch, Shirley Mims, Charley Mims, Sherry Mobley,
Alex, Jacqueline Kerr, Rosemary DeMonte
Guest: Brian Davis: Bureau of Street Services
2. Approval of Minutes – Tabled
3. Franklin Avenue (St. George to Talmadge) Redesignation(Shirley
Mims) – Discussion and Action as Appropriate
Request accepted into Hollywood Community Plan by City Council on La
Bonge Motion. Planning Dept. directed to present amendments to
Hollywood Community Plan to redesignate from Secondary Highway to Local
Collector Street
Agenda for next time – redesignation of Franklin Ave. between
Hillhurst and Talmadge as local collector street.
4. Street Repaving Priorities ($100,000 NC budget allocation)
Brian Davis (bdavis@bss.lacity.org 213-485-5691) –
Bureau of Street Services:
Resurfacing of local areas: 3
categories
1) Maintenance blanket – replace top 3” of street, $100K=2300’=1 mile
2) Sub-base deterioration up to 25% of base failure – resurfacing,
$100K=2600’=0.6 mile
3) Reconstruction – tear out completely costs as much as resurfacing,
$100K=1100’=1/3 mile
(Chair’s note: calculations are not correct – 2300’ does not equal 1
mile, etc.)
Funding Fluctuations – needs funding for 350 miles/year for 10 years to
get up to speed.
Need to:
1) Prioritize list – how to get most $ - 80/20 split
2) Suggestions for BSS
Each Council District get some % of resurfacing. Look at
resurfacing, not reconstruction streets ($150K to reconstruct street).
5. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation/Cross-Walk
A. Hyperion and Tracy and Hyperion and Lyric (Sherry
Mobley smobley@mobleymarketing.com
(323) 913-0703):
Notes traffic safety problem: speeding,
accidents. Requests action
LaBonge, Officer Belmonte (LAPD Traffic Enforcement)
and Rusty Millar (Silverlake NC) Jeanie
Chen – DOT Representative- contact them to assist in
finding solution
B. Cross-Walk Proposal at Trader Joes
Silverlake NC Interested
GGPNC to Investigate
Talk to DOT for possible solutions.
6. Traffic Enforcement (M. Hernandez): Tabled due to
Merlyn’s absence
7. Vermont Ave. Parking Structure – CRA (John Perfitt) meeting
cancelled.
Obtain parking study.
8. Los Feliz Mobility Action Committee – FHRA, LFIA, HUNC in
support
9. Los Feliz Traffic Mitigation
Balesh proposed approving Ray Mellen recommendation that parking
restrictions be increased during week and imposed on weekends.
Believes DOT is ready to move forward with proposal should Committee
endorse since evaluated situation and would greatly mitigate traffic
congestion during evening rush hour and on weekends. Balesh
concerned that Renters not utilizing off street parking to fullest
extent.
No consensus. Concerned about outreach to renters and not
having community input before making decision.
Spicer and Owen believe a MAC, if convened, will be best suited to
handle this proposal. DeMonte proposes having GGPNC sponsor a
community meeting on this topic. No action taken by Committee.
10. Comments and Announcements:
J. Kerr meeting with MTA Representative re Hollywood Blvd. @
New
Hampshire Stop (LF Elementary)
ADJOURNED 9:51 pm.
James R. Balesh, Chair
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EVENTS
TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE MEETING
October 11, 2005
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst, LA 90027,
1. Call to
Order (7:10 PM)
Attendees: James Balesh, Dennis Chew, Janis
Cohen-Milch, Rosemary DeMonte, Ken Owen, Richard Spicer, Denise
Hanisee, Joe Cisneros, Merlyn Hernandez
2. Approval of Minutes (Tabled)
3. Los Feliz Boulevard Traffic Mitigation
A. Traffic Study done by Ray
Mellon for CD4. Request more information.
B. Committee will consider and
discuss at next meeting.
4. Los Feliz Mobility Action Committee (MAC)
A. Committee reports that CD4
committed to start-up around January, ‘06
5. Street Repair/Repaving: Members to
prioritize six streets re $100,000 allotment.
6. 4500 Los Feliz Boulevard (The Derby) Project
A. K. Owen reports that the
Developer had preliminary report re traffic based on no factual study
due to no set
design.
B. Committee concerned that
proposed development exacerbates terrible problems of traffic and
parking in the neighborhood. Committee will
continue to study as more info received.
7. Griffith Park Master Plan
A. Consider Mass Transit to Park
8. Los Feliz Parking Structure
A. Study done for CRA.
B. Committee will consider study.
9. Hyperion Traffic Mitigation/Cross-walk
A. Silverlake NC investigating
SMART Cross-walk near Trader Joe’s
B. Janis to contact Rusty Millar
of Silverlake NC to further discussions.
10. MTA Bus Line #175 – Not
discontinued. Hours of operation changed.
11. Helicopter Overflights
TABLED
12. Comments
A. Janis: Emergency Preparedness and
Traffic Coordination Issue. Rosemary volunteered to
investigate re holding informative meeting or
training class.
Meeting Adjourned 9:22pm
James R. Balesh, Chair
TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE MEETING
June 7, 2005
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst, LA 90027
1. Call to Order
Attendees: James Balesh, Dennis Chew, Ken Owen, Rory,
Richard
Guest
Speaker: Nancy Michali
2. Approval
of Minutes (Tabled)
3. MTA Bus
System and Improvements: Guest Speaker, Nancy Michali, MTA
A. New Developments:
1. Metro Orange Line Opening
(10/05)
2. East Side (Gold Line) Extension
into East LA (2009 )
3. Mid City (West Side) Light Rail
Expansion (06/2010 )
4. Montclair Extension of Gold Line
5. Red Line Extension Study
B. Bus System -- New Study/Planning Efforts
1. None since 1980
2. No overall study in light of
new transportation systems
3. New Demographics
C.
Regional Centers (17)
Sub Regional Centers (27)
4. Strategic
Plan (Mission Statement)
A. Executive Committee Consent received
B.
Will be on Agenda of GGPNC Board
5.
Transportation Summit
A. Hollywood/Vermont/Prospect traffic circulation
B. Los Feliz Blvd - Ray Mellon to Study
C. Rowena between Avocado & Griffith Park Blvd -
Speed Humps
D. Light for I5 South off ramp
E. Shakespeare Bridge - DOT studied to present plan
of re-striping and signing
F. Diagonal parking: Kingsley @ Franklin
G. Los Feliz Blvd & Riverside - Right turn lane
rejected
H. Los Feliz Blvd Signal Timing
1. Retimed Los Feliz &
Griffith Park Blvd
2. Studied each intersection
6. Los Feliz
Blvd Traffic Mitigation
7. Rosalia
Road Parking Permit Application
A. Passed by council 05/18/05 (K. Owen)
Permit signs are being printed
Will start within 6 weeks
8. Gateway
Avenue Permit Parking Application (Raymond Regalado)
TABLED
Ken left a message regarding the petition
9.
Budget = $2,500
10.
Helicopter Over flights (K. Owen)
Issue: Helicopters flying too low
11. Vermont
Triangle (J. Kerr)
TABLED
12-13.
Traffic Issues/Parking Issues
A. Pass out a newsletter as outreach to neighbors and
friends (Richard)
B. Street Fair attendance
14. Street
Repaving:
A. Council Office to continue to resurface
B. $100,000 to each neighborhood council for
resurfacing 3-4 blocks (1/3 mile) for next fiscal
year.
Meeting adjourned.
James R. Balesh, Chair
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
May 3, 2005
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst, LA 90027
1. Call to
Order
2. Approval of Minutes (Tabled)
3. MTA Bus System and Improvements - Nancy
Michali: Postponed due to illness.
4. Transportation Summit:
Dennis: Will get list of Hollywood transportation committee.
Recommends contacting
neighborhood groups. Contact LFIA, FHRA, BID, and chair to set up a
meeting with CD4.
5. Rosalia Road Parking Permit Application:
DOT stated the application will be on the transportation committee
agenda on 4/27 but
not on 5/11. Have report of DOT but no copy
from GGPNC.
6. Gateway Avenue Permit Parking Application (Raymond
Regalado)
A. DOT asked to have a meeting
with Garcetti’s office and needs a letter of support
requesting a
permanent district overnight parking permit. Discussed problems
with
parking at night.
B. TABLED to allow petitioner to designate a complete
list of streets; prepare, distribute and obtain signatures on petition;
invite affected businesses.
7. Strategic Plan: Considered suggested
amendments, committee approved with amendments and will present at the
5/4 executive committee meeting and to board .
8. Outreach at Los Feliz Blvd Street Fair 6/5/05
A. Rosemary - assist at booth,
pictures of repaving up to Richard, board, promote
transportation summit.
B. Ken – Newsletter
9. Budget : Approved $2,500 for outreach.
10. Zoning Density and Traffic
11. Traffic Issues
A. Hyperion, west of Rowena (Rusty Millar:
Silverlake NC)
1. Traffic
Light requires $150K, wants crosswalk = $47K
2. Request to
join Silverlake NC to find pool of private and public $ to improve
safety of people
crossing the street. Would like
to see if GGPNC would consider allocating matching funds
for this project.
3. Traffic Study
4. Right turn
only sign
12. Parking Issues
Los Feliz Parking Structure - ongoing talks with
Post Office
13. Street Repaving
A. Report that Part of Catalina Street repaved
B. Dennis heard district has more money to spend on
repaving.
Meeting Adjourned
James R. Balesh, Chair
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
April 4, 2005
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst, LA 90027
1. Meeting called to order by chair, James
Balesh, at 7:10 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – Approved January, 2005
Minutes
3. Introduction of Guests:
Bob Camou:
Traffic Management
Brian
Gallagher: Parking Issues
Parking Meters
East Valley District
Members Present: Matt Levy -
Deputy for Councilman LaBonge
Bo Kjaer, Karen Schwartzman
Molly Rysman, Joe Cisneros, Richard Spicer - GGPNC
Reps
Joel Rocklin - Member
4. Traffic
A. Los Feliz Blvd Mobility
1. Parking
Restrictions considered. Would continue forward if desired by the
council office.
2. Right Turn
Lane at Los Feliz Blvd & Riverside Drive.
A. M. Levy: Incremental improvement identified by
council office.
Currently
working on data to support the proposal. Project to be funded
next fiscal year.
B. BOE/DOT devised best idea for I/S 10 years ago.
C. R. Spicer: Request report on light danger from the
bus stop.
Camou: bus is exempt from right turn
restrictions. Bus stop moved west.
3. Other
Proposal: Left turn lane/turn signal for Southbound Hillhurst and Los
Feliz.
4. Concerning
Riverside Lane:
A. Extremely labor intensive
B.
Los Feliz not in category because there is too much
traffic at all times.
5. Signal Timing
Camou: Asked DOT to optimize
signal timing at Griffith Park & Los Feliz Blvd. Will
perform a
maintenance check.
6. Left turn
lane at Commonwealth:
Added because
there are 4-5 left turn accidents per year.
B. Franklin Avenue Safety (FHRA
Representative, Shirley Mims):
1. M. Levy:
suggestions for traffic safety
A.
studies for additional striping - Julie Chen
B. speed limit
C. dips possibility - Chuck Quan
D. recent speed tracker - DOT
E. traffic counter
2.
Lyric/Monon/Holly Knoll/Tracy: applications for speed humps/stop signs.
A.
Safety Issues Presented: reports by neighbors
B.
DOT response regarding speed humps
(Camou)
1. Monon qualifies and will
proceed to speed hump section group.
2. Lyric does not qualify.
C. Traffic Enforcement - time to time effectiveness
R. Spicer - wants permanent physical communication
solution
J. Cisneros - serious problem with students and
their parents.Would like to see Principal
Abraham
regarding this issue.
R. Spicer - Principal Abraham advised of this and
supports whatever can be done.
D. Traffic Control Devices:
Camou - Analyzed I/S’s and found traffic volumes
very light, visibility good and no history
of accidents. Suggests traffic enforcement.
R. Spicer - Interested in any traffic calming
devices.
DOT will review 6-12 months.
C. Vermont/Russell Traffic
Enforcement
Officer Belmonte did a
sting. Problem: very few officers. Promised this area
would be next.
Camou suggests a Smart Crosswalk
for this area – a high priority
5. Parking Issues:
A. Proposal for a Parking
Structure
B. Angled Parking
1. Franklin
(Normandie to Western)
A. Need absence of driveways to get more – not enough
space.
B. Traffic volumes are high enough to require 3 lanes
of traffic.
Gain is marginal if done.
C. Rosalia Road Parking Permit
Application: Brian Gallagher
1. DOT doesn’t
allow No Parking Restrictions during times when businesses are in
operation.
They are looking for a more
comprehensive parking solution to appease all groups.
2. DOT is
talking with Garcetti office to install Parking meters at Virgil Place
south of Sunset. A report
has been prepared and is on the desk of Alan Willis. t is Willis’
responsibility to get GM to sign
before submitting the report to the council committee.
3. On 4/27 the
transportation committee agenda should be approved. And expedited to
the city
council for 5/8. It should pass and should be
installed on 6/7/05.
4. Looking at
additional parking on the East side of Hillhurst, north of
Sunset.
Currently there is 1 hour parking with no
meters. Looking to change to 4 hour
parking meters.
6. Street Repaving:
A. Budget Priorities - workshop to
identify items.
B. Rowena between St. George and
Hyperion - to be scheduled.
C. Levy suggests review priority
list and update next fiscal year.
7. Mass Transit:
A. DASH - changes - improvements
made
B. Workshop on Wed. 4-6 at the
Observatory Friendship Auditorium
8. Comments and Announcements:
A. Transportation Summit “MAC”
one-time event (M. Levy)
Molly - name
should be changed
Balesh -
suggestion welcomed. Suggests various transportation agency
representatives
should attend.
B. Outreach Important - suggests report on studies on Los Feliz
Blvd.
Meeting Adjourned
James R. Balesh, Chair
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
February 28, 2005
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst, LA 90027
1. Meeting called to
order by chair, James Balesh, at 7:10 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – January, 2005 Minutes
Approved
3. Member Reports:
A. Rosalia Road Temporary Parking
Permit Application
1. History is
given (K. Owen). M. Levy - PPD initially rejected by the DOT
because of a
negative impact on parking for Vista Patrons. Then CD4 office
requested the
DOT reconsider. The DOT will now support the
request and must find alternative parking for
Vista patrons. DOT will try
to add parking spaces on other streets but are worried about
potential litigation. A report is
needed from the DOT which will then go to the Transportation
Committee or Council for approval. Then a meeting will be
needed with the owners of Vista
to discuss alternative parking.
B. CD4 Office requests a traffic
study on Rodney, south of Franklin for the possibility of diagonal
parking.
This will increase parking capacity 10-15%.
C. Parking Structure in Los
Feliz Village-- CRA $ to do parking study for Vermont/Hillihurst area
in order to
build a multi-level parking structure.
D. FHRA meeting announced for
03/01/05 at the Los Feliz Community Center to put an
end to speeding on Franklin Ave
from Talmadge to St. George).
E. Vermont Triangle (J. Kerr/M.
Levy)
1. J.
Kerr -- CRA $250K-$300K within 5 years.
Transportation
Issues: Traffic Flow and Bus Stops
2. Goals of
Project:
a. Traffic and Pedestrian Improvement
b. Beautification
3. DOT will
initiate a traffic study to determine improvements.
--Analysis of
auto traffic through area assuming Prospect Avenue will not be
closed.
4. Bus Routes
-- Historical and current movements:
A. History
B.
Alternatives
C.
Efficiency of mobility
J. Kerr will
come back to the committee with recommendations.
Rory -- Bob Camou, the head of
Hollywood/Wilshire DOT Office was expected at this meeting.
He services council districts 10,
13, and 4. There are currently 300-400 traffic requests and
the office is severely
understaffed with only 4 staffers where there used to be 9.
There is hope to fill the
remaining open position in Camou’s office.
Jim Heaton, an architect with the
Barnsdall Park Committee, is interested in the
Vermont Triangle.
F. Los Feliz Blvd Right Turn Lane
at Riverside (M. Levy/Rory)
1. BOE & DOT are
in favor of the right turn lane for safety reasons. The #1
concern of the
district regarding traffic is Los Feliz Blvd..
This won’t happen for at least 1 year. The BOE
will use
$400K-$600K for the project. To create the lane, 5 feet will be
taken from the
parkway and 1 Deodor Cedar will
be lost, but replaced by 2 more. Intersection #4 is the
busiest.
2. R. Spicer --
the designs of the park are correct, but there is worry about taking
more than 5
feet from the parkway. The bus shelter cannot be moved without
adding a lane.
3. Rory - The
stoplight and beautifications were approved for the 5S exit ramp.
4. Traffic
A. Opening of the Observatory
05/2006
An event traffic study specific
to entertainment/groups is preferred to a regular traffic
study. A
meeting is scheduled for the Griffith Park Resource Board and CD #4 on
3/30 at 6:30
p.m. at the Friendship Auditorium to discuss the master plan for
opening the observatory and the
traffic impacts of the first six months.
5. Parking
A. LaBonge – In favor of angled
parking on Franklin between Oxford and Normandie
B. Kingsley – angled parking is
in design.
6. Mass Transit
A. DASH Study – Field Deputy
Sonjurjo in charge – trolley service to Los Feliz Blvd, Sunset,
Vermont Redline Station, Northbound through Griffith
Park.
B. Subway Expansion – MTA
approved the LaBonge motion to open up planning process to
amend prohibition on tunneling.
1. Established Criteria to
determine tunneling
2. Removed restrictions to tunnel
thru Methane Zones
3. Analyzed implications to use
local sales tax $ to go for tunneling
7. Mission Statement – Richard presented draft statement
8. Comments and Announcements
--(Chew) Suggests approve motion requesting LaBonge reform MAC and
draft letter with Motion as support. Discussion
MINUTES: Wednesday, December 10, 2003
PLANNING,
ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, December 10, 2003
1. Item 1: Call to Order at 7:15 p.m. by Chair, Stanley
Thompson. Denise Hanisee, Jacqueline Kerr, Kenneth Owen, and
Bernadette Soter were also in attendance.
2. Item 5: Denise Hanisee reported that Robert Camou would be the
Department of Transportation representative speaking to the Committee
in January 2004. The Committee determined that a list of
questions regarding traffic and parking developed in prior meetings be
submitted to Mr. Camou.
3. Item 4: The Committee discussed reviewed and plans for 15 unit
condominium at 4301 W. Los Feliz Blvd. The Committee noted that
the pedestrian entrance is on the side street (Commonwealth), which is
a departure from the general pattern in the area that pedestrians enter
from the Los Feliz Blvd. side of multi-family structures on Los Feliz
Blvd. The Committee may direct further question to Bijan &
Associates.
4. Item 6: Joe Stalzer presented an update to the Committee on
the senior housing development on Sunset at the Myra underpass.
The variance application was filed at the end of August 2003.
Affordable Housing CDC is requesting variances for 1) height and
density, 2) parking to allow one-half space per unit instead of one
space per unit, and 3) line adjustments to reconcile various
inconsistent setbacks in the parcels making up the proposed site.
The Committee expressed concern over the adequacy of parking for
residents, staff, and visitors. The Committee also discussed its
concerns about the quality of the construction, the size of the rooms,
whether the project is needed in the area, whether its benefits
outweigh the negative impact on parking, and whether Affordable Housing
CDC has adequate experience managing a project like this.
5. Item 8: K. Owen reminded the Chair about completing a letter
to the Chief Zoning Administrator regarding AB 1866.
6. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
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===============
MINUTES: Wednesday, November 12, 2003
PLANNING,
ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1.
Item 1: Call to Order at 7:20 p.m. by Chair, Stanley Thompson.
Denise Hanisee and Kenneth Owen were also in attendance.
2. Item 2: Tabled.
3. Item 6: The Committee discussed possible revisions to or
additions to its procedures to better carry out its mission, including:
requesting that an Assistant Zoning Administrator, in appropriate
cases, continue a hearing or a matter to allow the Committee to
consider the matter and provide input; hand delivering requests for
input to stakeholders around a property being reviewed by the
Committee; obtaining copies of entitlement applications and staff
reports from the Office of Zoning Administration or from the
Councilmember’s office.
4. Item 3: K. Schwartzman told the Committee about her and her
neighbors’ concerns about traffic congestion, speeding, reduced
parking, and related issues around the Vista Theater. Having to
park three to four blocks away from her residence poses safety
concerns. She also suggested other solutions to parking and
traffic issues, such as adjusting street cleaning hours and adding
speed bumps.
5. Item 4: The Committee discussed traffic and parking-related
issues to be discuss at the January presentation by a representative of
the Department of Transportation: Griffith Park Blvd.; the status of
the moratorium on permit parking applications; traffic signal timing
and monitoring; valet parking on city streets; unnecessary red zones;
traffic sensors on low-utilized side streets; parking enforcement
(revenue; incentives); traffic near schools, theaters; speed bumps;
parking meter removal or adjustment; contact persons and procedures for
requesting services within the DOT’s purview.
6. Item 5: The Committee discussed application ZA-2003-6985-ZAA
regarding request for an adjustment to permit the continued use and
maintenance of a stucco fence varying in height from 6 feet to 8.5 feet
at 2410 Lyric Avenue. By consensus the Committee chose to take no
position on granting the application but expressed concern that proper
engineering details are tended to in the construction. Decision
based on 1) the lack of opportunity for the Committee to review the
file, 2) the Committee’s determination that the character of the
neighborhood would not be substantially altered, and 3) the lack of an
opportunity for the Committee to hear the view of neighbors of the
property.
7. Item 7: No discussion.
8. Item 8: Next meeting set for December 10, 2003.
9. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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MINUTES:
October 8, 2003
PLANNING,
ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1.
Item 1: Call to Order at 7:45 p.m. by Chair, Stanley Thompson.
Denise Hanisee and Kenneth Owen were also in attendance.
2. Item 2: Tabled.
3. Item 3: Stakeholder Dave Van Gogh told the Committee of his
concerns about traffic safety problems resulting from inadequate
visibility for vehicles turning off of Colony Circle at its
intersection with Griffith Park Blvd.
4. Item 4: The Committee discussed traffic and
transportation-related questions to be communicated to a representative
from the Department of Transportation. D. Hanisee agreed to
compile a list of common issues identified in the GGPNC Survey.
5. Item 5: Tabled.
6. Item 6: The Committee discussed plans for 15 unit condominium
at 4301 W. Los Feliz Blvd. Daniel Brumer will look into the
planning progress of permitting for the development.
7. Item 7: No discussion.
8. Item 8: Next meeting set for November 12, 2003.
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===============
MINUTES: September 10, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1. Call to Order at 7:02 p.m.
by Chair, Stanley Thompson. Dennis Duller, Mr. Kishi, Ricardo
Gomez, Kenneth Owen, Yadhira DeLeon, Laura Citrano, Rosemary DeMonte,
and Jacqueline Kerr in attendance.
2. Item 3: Presentation by J. Kerr regarding the proposed
construction of a street island at Alexandria-Mariposa and the history
of the problem with speeding and reckless driving at the intersection
(written summary on file). Motion (Kerr; Gomez): That the
Committee approve the project and recommend that the Board of the GGPNC
sponsor the project by overseeing fundraising to finance the
project. Motion approved by unanimous consent. Kerr
requested a future agenda item regarding the use of leftover quarterly
funds to finance the project.
3. Item 6: Report by R. Gomez on Sansui Restaurant's (2040
Hillhurst) application for a conditional use permit to sell beer and
wine with meals. Ownership has not changed and the owner is not
requesting any changes such as increased seating or other uses.
There has been no opposition or complaints have been noted in the
file. R. Gomez and Mr. Kishi, owner/operator, stated that the
renewal requirement was a condition of the original ruling granting the
application because of a finding that Hillhurst Avenue was a "high
crime area" in 1996. Motion (Gomez; DeMonte): That the
Committee send a letter to the Office of Zoning Administration in
support of application ZA-2003-4973-CUB. Motion approved by
unanimous consent.
4. Item 7: Discussion of application ZA-2003-2111-CUB (Restaurant
Vermont). Public comment by D. Duller, manager of a nearby
apartment, regarding his and his tenant’s opposition to the application
for reasons including the impact on parking. General discussion
about parking problems in the area, including D. Duller’s observation
of valet parking on city streets. Gomez requested a future agenda
item regarding public parking in the Los Feliz Village area.
5. Item 2: Minutes for the meeting of August 20, 2003 approved,
as corrected.
6. Item 10: Comments by R. DeMonte regarding proposed newsrack
ordinance revisions. Matter will be heard in the City Public Work
Committee on September 24, 2003. DeMonte requested a future
agenda item regarding Committee and Board support for monitoring of
newsracks and enforcement of the ordinance.
7. Item 5: Discussion of used car sales on Los Feliz, including
whether an investigation into the matter was ongoing. Gomez
recommended a future agenda item regarding the status of the
investigation.
8. Item 8: Discussion regarding Committee goals. In
consideration of the numerous issues raised concerning parking and
traffic, a representative from the Department of Transportation should
be invited to a future Committee meeting. Agenda item for the
next meeting will be a discussion of questions or topics of discussion
to transmit to the DOT representative in advance of the meeting that
the representative will attend. Discussion regarding propriety of
responding to non-agenda public comments.
9. Item 10: Next meeting set for October 15, 2003.
10. Item 11: Adjournment at 8:33 p.m.
================================
MINUTES: August 20, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1.
Call to Order at 7:17 p.m. by Chair, Stanley Thompson. Ricardo
Gomez, Robert Sarno, J. Douglas, Dana Hollister, Denise Hanisee,
Michael Gelzhiser, Manuel Mesta, Juliet Kiperman, Bernadette Soter, Jim
McQuiston, Chris Papaleo, Rosemary DeMonte, and Jacqueline Kerr in
attendance.
2.
Item 2: June 11, 2003 minutes approved, with corrections. July 9,
2003 minutes approved, with corrections.
3. Item 3: Robert Sarno, Michael Gelzhiser, and Manuel Mesta gave
a presentation and answered questions concerning proposed renovations
at Restaurant Vermont. Motion (Thompson; Gomez): That the
Committee, after hearing a presentation by the operators of Restaurant
Vermont, applicants for ZA-2003-2111-CUB, take no position on the
application and the associated renovation project at this time, and
recommends that the Board of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood
Council take no position on the application and the associated
renovation project. Motion approved by unanimous consent.
4. Item 4: Public comment from D. Hollister regarding her
intended purchase of the property known as the Sunset Pacific
Motel. Limited discussion concerning the history of the property
and Ms. Hollister’s plans. Public comment from J. Kiperman
regarding the Department of Building and Safety’s failure to inquire
about and/or enforce conditions placed upon properties by the Office of
Zoning Administration. J. Kiperman recommends the Committee urge
the adoption of formal procedures to ensure the enforcement of
conditions.
5. Item 5: Report by R. Gomez on the history of auto body shops
on Hyperion Ave./Fountain Ave., and zoning decisions concerning those
businesses. J. McQuiston recommends designating a liaison to
Teamwork L.A. Motion (Soter; Kerr): That the Committee
adopt the position proposed by R. Gomez set forth as follows: The
Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council supports the phasing out of
auto repair uses, including auto body repair, in a manner consistent
with the Zoning Code and applicable law, in the area fronting the
Westside of Hyperion Avenue from Tracy Avenue to Fountain Avenue, and
the North side of Fountain Avenue from Hyperion to Hoover Street.
Motion approved by unanimous consent.
6. Item 6: tabled.
7. Item 7: Motion (Thompson; Soter): That the Committee approve
and recommend to the Board that the Board approve the draft letter (on
file) to other Neighborhood Councils regarding proposed amendments to
the wireless antenna ordinance. Motion approved by unanimous
consent.
8. Item 8: Report by J. Kiperman that the application for a
variance for construction at 2612 N. Glendower Ave. was taken under
advisement by the Office of Zoning Administration. Recommend that
the Committee take a position if the matter goes to the appeal stage.
9. Item 9: S. Thompson reports that zoning hearing notices and
agendas are available on the Department of
Planning website.
10. Item 10: Next meeting set for September 10, 2003.
11. Item 11: Adjournment at 9:40 p.m.
================================
MINUTES: July 9, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1. Call to Order at 7:15 p.m.
by Chair, Stanley Thompson.
2. Item 2: tabled.
3. Item 3: J. Kiperman gave
a presentation concerning used car sales on Los Feliz Blvd.
The Department of Building & Safety is actively investigating the
practices. The LAPD Special Problems Unit and the Department of
Transportation have also been apprised of the problem. There was
discussing regarding whether a (legitimate) auto dealer’s lobby should
be contacted as a means for putting pressure on the City Council and/or
Sacramento to take action. Committee determined that a letter
should be drafted to city departments within whose responsibility this
problem falls.
The letter should focus on the loss of tax revenue from car sales that
would have otherwise been made through legitimate businesses.
4. Item 4: J. Kiperman gave
a presentation concerning AB1866,
which became effective at the beginning of July. Discussion
regarding how leniently the Department of Planning will react to
requests for variances to build additional units greater than 640
square feet. K. Owen
agreed to draft a letter of concern to the Office of Zoning
Administration regarding the potential threat to the character
of neighborhoods containing primarily single family residences.
5. Item 5: D. Monks gave a presentation on the history of the
house at 1749 Harvard Blvd. and
current efforts to save the structure. The Committee invited Mr.
Monks to present his information at the 7/15/03 general meeting so that
the Board may determine whether to support a nomination of the house
for historic protection.
6. Item 8: Report by
R. Gomez regarding review of file concerning 3924 W. Clayton Ave.
The file includes a request for a waiver of hearing. Neighbors
have signed a petition supporting the variance. Committee
determined that it would take no position on the variance or the
waiver. S. Thompson
agreed to send letter from the committee to the Department of Planning
regarding the Committee’s decision to take no position.
7. Item 7: Report by R.
Gomez regarding review of the file concerning 1712 N. Vermont Ave.
The remodeling may entail a significant expansion. Committee
determined that the owner
should be invited to discuss the planned expansion at a future meeting.
8. Item 6: Update by D. Brumer that wireless antenna ordinance may
be reviewed by PLUM on 7/15/03.
9. Item 9: No public comments were received.
10. Item 10: Next meeting set for August 13, 2003.
11. Item 11: Adjournment at 9:13 p.m.
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MINUTES: JUNE
11, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1. Call to Order at 7:15 p.m.
by Chair, Stanley Thompson. Committee Members Present: Bernadette
Soter, Mike Garcia, James Balesh, Kenneth Owen, Ricardo Gomez.
Additional GGPNC board member present: Bruce Carroll.
2. Item 2 Minutes: Minutes for 4/9/03 and 5/14/03 meetings
approved with minor amendments.
3. Item 3 Mission Statement: Discussion regarding properly length
of the mission statement and whether a specific reference to the
historic character of the neighborhood may cause a problem.
Motion: adopt mission statement as amended by striking everything but
the first sentence. Motion carried: 6-3.
4. Item 4 Committee Policy Statement: Motion (Carroll; Balesh):
adopt the draft as written. Motion carried: unanimously.
5. Item 5: Report by M. Garcia on the June 4, 2003 meeting of City
Council’s Transportation Committee. City Transportation Committee put
over discussion of Mobility Action Committee for 30 days.
6. Item 6 Traffic Mitigation Measures: General discussion
regarding possible adjustments to traffic flow on Los Feliz Blvd.,
including potential signal for protected left-hand turns from
southbound Griffith Park Blvd. to eastbound Los Feliz Blvd.
Eastern crosswalk may be eliminated and MTA bus stop moved to the
north-west corner.
7. Item 7 Wireless Antenna Ordinance: Discussion of Committee outreach
to other Neighborhood Councils. S. Thompson to draft letter to
other NC outlining areas of concern identified at 5/14/03 meeting.
8. Item 8 General Policy Concerning Overheight Fences: Discussion
regarding safety concerns raised by overheight fences. Soter and
Gomez to work on preparing a policy.
9. Item 9a 1712 N. Vermont Ave.: Balesh to talk to owner.
10. Item 9b 3924 W. Clayton Ave.: Gomez to review application.
11. Item 10: Limited discussion regarding alternative meeting
sites.
12. Item 11: No public comments received.
13. Item 12: Next meeting set for July 9, 2003.
14. Item 13: Adjournment at 9:34 p.m.
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MINUTES:
MAY 14, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING,
TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1. Call to Order at 7:25 p.m. by Chair,
Stanley
Thompson. Committee Members Present: Bernadette Soter, Mike
Garcia,
James Balesh. Additional GGPNC board member present: Bruce
Carroll.
2. Discussion of Agenda Items 2-6 postponed until later in the meeting.
3. Item 7a: Information regarding the proposed ordinances
allowing
wireless antennas by right in C and M zoned properties presented by
Daniel
Brumer and Renee Weitzer. Brumer and Weitzer received and
responded
to questions from Committee members and members of the public.
Further
discussion postponed until later in the meeting.
4. Item 7c: Weitzer reported that the Central Area Planning
Commission
denied the applicant’s appeal from the decision denying a variance to
allow
an 8-foot masonry wall at 2545 N. Vermont Ave.
5. Item 7b: Weitzer provided a copy of a hearing notice for the
June
3, 2003 hearing regarding an application for a variance to allow a
7-foot
fence at 2745 N. Glendower Ave.
6. Item 2: Draft mission statements presented by Soter and
Thompson.
Revisions discussed. Action: Soter agreed to prepare a revised
draft
for consideration by the Committee at a future date.
7. Item 3: Draft policy concerning the Committee’s review of
matters
within its jurisdiction presented by Thompson. Revisions
discussed.
Action: Thompson agreed to prepared a revised draft for consideration
by
the Committee at a future date.
8. Item 4: The Committee identified City entities providing Early
Notification
System (“ENS”) reports that should be monitored. Action:
Responsibility
for monitoring the ENS reports from the various entities was divided
among
the Committee members present.
9. Item 5: Thompson presented information about the Department of
Planning’s
bi-weekly reports regarding new land use entitlement applications.
10. Item 6: Thompson presented information about proposed
revisions
to the news rack ordinance. Action: The Committee
determined
that the matter should be reviewed by the whole GGPNC Board.
11. Continued discussion of Item 7a: The Committee identified several
areas of concern in the proposed ordinance, including:
a. Antennas will be allowed by right on properties
that
adjoin or are across the street from
residential-zoned properties.
b. There is no limitation on the density of towers
(other than 10% footprint limit).
c. The minimum height of buildings on which the
towers will be allowed is too low.
d. The towers may present aesthetic concerns in the
areas
surround the buildings on which they are placed.
Action: The Committee recommended that the GGPNC Board contact
Councilmember
LaBonge’s office and outreach to other neighborhood councils about this
issue.
12. Continued discussion of Items 7b-c: Discussion of whether the
GGPNC
Board should send a letter to the Central Area Planning Commission
expressing
general opposition to overheight fences. Discussion of aesthetic
problems,
fire and police access concerns, personal safety concerns, and other
issued
raised by overheight. Action: The Committee recommended
that
the GGPNC Board investigate overheight fences and develop a reasoned
policy
position concerning them.
13. Item 8: The Committee determined that its budget requirements
are
currently unknowable. Discussion postponed until a future meeting.
14. Item 9: Report by Thompson regarding the Department of
Transportation’s
consideration of plans to expand peak hour parking restrictions for
westbound
traffic on Los Feliz Blvd. Discussion of the dormant Mobility
Action
Committee.
15. Item 10: Report by Thompson on an informal audit of the 311
system.
Thompson reported a burned out red light through the 311 system on
April
25, 2003, at the intersection Los Feliz Blvd. and Griffith Park Blvd.;
the
light appears to have been replaced later that day.
16. Public comments: none.
17. Next meeting set for June 11, 2003.
18. Adjournment at 10:50 p.m.
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============================================================
MINUTES:
APRIL 9, 2003
PLANNING, ZONING, TRANSPORTATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1. Call to Order at 7:15 p.m. by Chair,
Stanley
Thompson. Committee Members Present: Diane Kanner, Bernadette
Soter,
Andrew Westall, Mike Garcia, Nora Mosqueda, James Balesh.
Additional
GGPNC board member present: Bruce Carroll.
2. Requests for Committee membership by those persons listed above as
“present” were received and accepted by the Chair.
3. Joe Stalzer and David Nahas, from Affordable Housing CDC, presented
plans
for Senior Citizens' home at Myra and Sunset and received and responded
to
questions from Committee members and members of the public.
4. Thompson and Carroll reported and commented on the Planning and Land
Use
sessions of the Congress of Neighborhoods. A copy of “Planning
Basics:
A Training CD-ROM,” produced by the Department of City Planning, will
be
provided to Committee members upon request.
5. Discussion of committee mission statement. Action: Soter and
Thompson
agreed to develop drafts for future consideration by the Committee.
6. Thompson presented information about the City’s Early Notification
System.
Action: Committee members decided to identify public entities that
should
be monitored by the Committee.
7. Discussion of developing a policy for the Committee to govern the
Committee’s
review of matters within its jurisdiction. Proposal made that a
set
of standard questions be developed to be given to future presented in
advance
of a meeting date.
8. Public comments: none.
9. Adjournment at 9:10 p.m.
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