(Sept. 16, 2016, 11:40 p.m.) -- An item on the Sept. 20 City Council agenda, given a title that doesn't disclose its sweeping impacts, would remove remove traffic lanes (in part in both directions) along Ocean Blvd. from Livingston Dr. to the end of the Peninsula to constrict vehicle flow and slow traffic, and initiate diagonal parking to create additional parking spaces along some portions of Ocean Blvd.
The agenda item would also continue the current "road diet" along Broadway from Cherry Ave. to Temple Ave. The impacted Ocean Blvd. area is all within the 3rd district; the Broadway corridor area is in the 2nd district. |
The item carries the following agendized title: "Approve the designation of one-time infrastructure funds for City Council District infrastructure projects and existing programs; and Approve related budget appropriation adjustments in accordance with existing City Council policy. (Citywide)." The agendizing memo's text doesn't describe what the "road diet" would do or include any illustrations showing what it would do. As of Friday night Sept. 16, Councilwoman Price's webpage and Facebook pages didn't mention the upcoming Sept. 20 Council item.
City management agendized the item as a financial management matter; it makes no mention of the road diet and diagonal parking in its narrative text, simply listing the "road diet" items in an attachment that also lists non-controversial items such as tree stump removal, a bridge sign honoring the late Joan Van Blom and replacement of Neighborhood Watch signs. Councilwoman Price has previously spoken approvingly of the "road diet" concept and held at least one community meeting on the issue over the summer. We believe the item was also heard by the Belmont Shore Residents Association, which took no position on the proposal. In general, supporters of the concept say the new parking spaces would benefit residents and nearby businesses in the current parking-starved area. Opponents say diagonal parking was tried, and removed several years ago, along part of Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls. [The agenda item would continue the "road diet" along Broadway between Temple and Cherry Aves. where we believe responses have been mixed.] Opponents also say the "road diet" would have negative public safety impacts by slowing access for ambulances, police and fire units, including beach responses. The agendizing memo text states: Since Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 12), the City Council has appropriated one-time funds for infrastructure projects and existing City programs on a "Divide by Nine" basis, allocated equally to each Council District. Administrative procedures for the implementation of Divide by Nine were developed and distributed in a memorandum dated November 9, 2015 in order to remain in compliance with the City Charter and Long Beach Municipal Code. In accordance with these procedures, City Council approval is requested to designate existing Divide by Nine funds for the specific infrastructure projects and existing programs that are managed by operating departments described on Attachment A. As these one-time funds were originally budgeted in the Public Works budget, budget appropriation adjustments are necessary for any projects or existing programs that will be managed by departments other than Public Works. SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve recommendation. Developing.
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