TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Chair, Jacqueline Kerr
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WEEKEND DASH to the  OBSERVATORY
Now that the mandatory Observatory shuttle service has ended there's a cheap and easy way to get up the hill. A new weekend DASH Trolley service will be running the from the Vermont Sunset Redline station up Hillhurst to the Observatory every 35 minutes from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The cost just 25cents per ride.

Autry Expansion Related Documents
NEXT MEETING
AUTRY TRANSPORTATION STUDIES
TBA
Griffith Park Rangers' Station
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.

AGENDA for meeting held 3/8/2008

1. Call to Order, Welcome, Introductions, Approval of November 2007 Minutes.

2. Summary of Fehr & Peers Transportation Study for Autry; significance and impact; by Fehr & Peers representative; 5 minutes.

3. Summary of Minagar Transportation Peer Review for Autry; significance and impact; by Fred Minagar; 5 minutes.

4. Future Construction Projects to 2014; presentation of future developments within the parameters of the Fehr & Peers Study, other projects having impact; Bernadette Soter; 5 minutes.

5. North Zoo Drive & I-5 NB Off-Ramp; Intersection #4, March 2008 conditions, discussion and possible solutions; Marion Dodge.

6. Western Heritage Way & North Zoo Drive; Intersection #3; March 2008 conditions; discussion and possible solutions; Dennis Chew.
  
7.  Los Feliz Blvd, Riverside Drive & Crystal Springs Road;  Intersection #7, March 2008 conditions, discussion and possible solutions; Jeff Gardner.

8,  Riverside Drive, 134 EB Off-Ramp & Zoo Drive; Intersection #2; March 2008 conditions discussion, and possible solutions; Jacqueline Kerr.

9.Consideration of Autry Traffic Studies and Present Conditions; Action as necessary.

10.. Adjournment.

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Preferential Parking District Dies* in Committee
GGPNC Board Adopts Policy Against PPDs
      A crowd, estimated at between 250 and 300 stakeholders by committee chair Jacqueline Kerr, packed a contentious meeting of the Transportation Committee on April 10, 2007. Dana Cremin (standing left) asked the GGPNC to support a formal study for a  preferential parking district south of  Los Feliz. But most of those attending made their feelings loud and clear...they were against the idea. In the end, after three hours of input from stakeholders, the issue of a Preferential Parking District  was dropped for lack of a motion to support sending the required request from the GGPNC to the Department of Transportation.
The next week, the full GGPNC Board of Directors, at its regular monthly meeting on  April 17, 2007, passed by concensus the following resolution to go on record as opposed in principle to Preferential Parking Districts:
"That the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council adopt a general policy against Preferential Parking Districts (PPD), and that no further actions be initiated absent approval of the GGPNC Board; and that this does not apply to previously approved PPDs.

*The dead may rise again:
Tom LaBonge letter dated 10/19/2007 to LADOT re revised plan for south of Los Feliz to Hollywood Blvd. PPD

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Committee Mission Statement
The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council Planning, Zoning, Transportation and Historic Preservation Committee seeks to protect and advance the quality of life within Council boundaries.

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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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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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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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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