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(1) Receive a Presentation and Discuss a Slow Streets program, including a review of City of Los Angeles Slow Streets program and assessment of whether a similar program can be implemented in Culver City, under what conditions, and what steps and resources would be required for implementation; and (2) Provide Direction to Staff.
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Meeting Date: August 3, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works - Administration
Phone Number: 310-253-5635
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Mobility, Traffic and Parking Subcommittee e-mail distribution list via GovDelivery (07/30/2020)
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director / City Engineer 07/28/20
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Slow Streets is an initiative implemented by the City of Los Angeles in May 2020 intended to calm traffic on residential streets and create additional safe space for active outdoor recreation by closing residential streets to all but local and emergency traffic. The program, while authorized and monitored by City departments, is initiated and managed at the local residential level through neighborhood councils and community organizations who monitor day-to-day operations.
Community members, including members of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, have requested a similar program be implemented in Culver City, which would present various challenges.
Issues to consider include:
• How will community consensus be reached before implementing Slow Streets on certain streets. In Los Angeles the request come from Neighborhood Councils which are elected to represent certain sections of the City. However, Culver City is not organized in this way. Given the concerns with the pandemic, a traditional neighborhood petition approach seems problematic. Is there an acceptable alternative approach to ascertain neighborhood consensus?
• Who will be responsible for maintaining the barricades and signage that is installed for the slow streets program? In Los Angles the Neighborhood Councils agree to perform this function and provide weekly updates to City staff. Culver City lacks the necessary staff resources to oversee the on-going maintenance of slow street barricades and signage. Proper maintenance of the slow street installations is necessary in order to maintain safe slow street environments and to provide protection from liability concerns.
• The City currently does not have enough barricades in hand to implement more than a few slow street closures. Additional closures will require purchase of additional equipment. This purchase will require a budget amendment by City Council. Also, as a practical matter, once the slow street program ends, staff has limited space to store additional barricades at its facilities.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The costs of purchasing barricades and signage for implementing a Slow Streets program is difficult to determine at this time as it will depend on how many streets are included in the program. Staff anticipates an initial budget amendment request of $25,000 to implement the program. This amount could increase depending on how many streets opt into the program.
ATTACHMENTS
2020-08-03 - ATT - LASlowStreetsFAQ-2020-05.pdf
RECOMMENDED MOTION
That the Mobility, Traffic and Parking Subcommittee:
Receive a Presentation and Discuss a Slow Streets program, including a review of City of Los Angeles Slow Streets program and assessment of whether a similar program can be implemented in Culver City, under what conditions, and what steps and resources would be required for implementation; and
1. Direct City staff to:
a. Place consideration of a Slow Streets Proposal on a future City Council agenda; or
b. Provide staff other direction.