(Sept. 10, 2002) -- 5th district Councilwoman Jackie Kell has moved swiftly to prevent further LB Airport promotional fliers which suggested drivers approaching on the northbound 405 freeway use an "alternate approach" that could funnel airport traffic onto Bellflower Blvd. to Wardlow Rd. and through the South of Conant residential neighborhood.
The "alternative approach," suggested in a double-sided flier by city staff that promoted a new temporary Airport parking lot, was distributed at Airport parking lots and LB neighborhood public meetings. It included a map with directions from the 405 freeway, the 91 freeway...and added an "alternate approach when driving north on the 405 freeway" which advised exiting on Bellflower Blvd., driving north to Wardlow Road, turning left and heading west to the Airport.
LBReport.com posted the story on Sept. 9. On September 10, Councilwoman Kell's office (via office aide Tim Patton) emailed a concerned constituent (who read the article on LBReport.com) and indicated Councilwoman Kell's office also learned about flier from LBReport.com's coverage.
Councilwoman Kell's office said the Councilwoman "fully shares your concern in this matter." It continued, "We...immediately contacted our Public Works Department. Councilwoman Kell has been assured by City staff that the flyer has been revised and will not include the 'alternate route' information. They regretted this slip in what has otherwise been a long standing concern regarding impacting surrounding neighborhood traffic patterns."
In recent years, costly public works projects have been undertaken to widen and enhance Lakewood Blvd., turning it into an enhanced entrance from the 405 freeway to the Airport.
Councilwoman Kell's office thanked the constituent for bringing his concern to the Councilwoman's attention.