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CC - ACTION ITEM: Discussion and Direction for the Future Use of Main Street, Between Culver Boulevard and the City Boundary South of Venice Boulevard
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Meeting Date: March 13, 2023
Contact Person/Dept.: Andrew Maximous/Public Works
Phone Number: (310) 253-5628
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/09/2023)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (03/03/2023)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide direction for the future use of Main Street, between Culver Boulevard and the City boundary south of Venice Boulevard
BACKGROUND
On March 28, 2022, the City Council directed Public Works staff to reopen Main Street between Culver Boulevard and the City Limit, except for continued closure on Tuesdays for Farmers Market. Main Street had been previously closed to vehicular traffic seven days a week during the pandemic. The City Council provided additional direction to allow for the intermittent closure of Main Street on the weekends, in addition to Tuesdays.
On May 23, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution determining the closure of Main Street between Culver Boulevard and the City limit every Tuesday for Farmer’s Market and every weekend is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In June 2022, weekend closures on Main Street began.
The Temporary Use Permits which allowed for expanded outdoor dining and retailing in the public right of way expired on December 31, 2022.
On February 16, 2023, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee resent to Council its original recommendation from February 17, 2022 to keep Main Street fully closed. The Committee’s motion was passed unanimously and included their rationale that full closure is in continuity with the community’s original vision of Main St and the Plaza, with no evidence to the contrary regarding concerns for traffic control, which was the reason given for partial closure, and further, the compromise of opening the street part time has not been successful because it has inhibited activation of the street when closed.
On February 27, 2023, the City Council approved a purchase order with Gibraltar Perimeter Security for 18 traffic bollards to be installed on Main Street.
DISCUSSION
Staff seeks direction on the future use of Main Street including days and times of regular or permanent closures. In the event the City Council is interested in changing the future use of Main Street, staff will bring back an item to a future meeting including an appropriate CEQA analysis.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Discuss the future use of Main Street, between Culver Boulevard and the City boundary south of Venice Boulevard; and
2. If desired, provide direction to staff to bring an item back to a future City Council meeting including a CEQA analysis of the future use.