TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution closing vehicular traffic to a portion of the public right-of-way known as Rhea Street, between Long Beach Boulevard and the first unnamed north-south public alley east of Long Beach Boulevard. (District 6)
DISCUSSION
In 2016, the City of Long Beach (City) established the Midtown Specific Plan (Plan) to provide land use regulations and design standards for a specific corridor along Long Beach Boulevard. The Plan identifies roadway segments within the Planned Development District proposed to be closed to vehicular traffic for the construction of small street parks (pocket parks) in connection with new development. These pocket parks will provide much needed open spaces for neighborhoods along Long Beach Boulevard.
In 2017, the City approved a proposed mixed-use development to develop a 0.88-acre site at 1900-1940 Long Beach Boulevard. The applicant, LINC Housing Corporation, a California nonprofit corporation, agreed to development conditions that include the closure to vehicular traffic of the segment of Rhea Street, between Long Beach Boulevard and the first unnamed north-south public alley east of Long Beach Boulevard, as well as the construction and maintenance of a pocket park (Attachment A). The closed portion of Rhea Street will be converted into a pocket park to enhance the pedestrian experience in the area.
The proposed closure will serve a variety of functions, such as providing access to abutting properties and side entrances, safe play space for children, a meeting place for neighbors, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle circulation in the neighborhood. The area will remain public and open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
California Vehicle Code Section 21101, provides that local authorities may adopt rules and regulations closing any street or alley in its jurisdiction to vehicular traffic when, in the opinion of the legislative body having jurisdiction, the street or alley is no longer needed for...
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