TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to negotiate an agreement with the City of Bellflower to undertake a traffic study at the intersection of Downey Avenue and 64th Street in the City of Bellflower for the purpose of determining if installation of a traffic control device at that intersection is warranted. If said traffic control device is deemed appropriate at this location, authorize the expenditure of $175,000 in 9th District Discretionary Infrastructure Funds and an additional expenditure of up to $75,000 in general fund money for construction of the traffic control device.
DISCUSSION
The intersection of Downey Avenue and 64th Street is heavily utilized by Long Beach residents. While it is on the border of Long Beach and Bellflower, previous studies by the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works determined that the intersection is located in the City of Bellflower. Homes and sidewalks on the west side of the street are in Long Beach, while the street directly in front of them is in Bellflower. Increasingly over the past few years, this intersection has been a major problem for pedestrians and families in the surrounding neighborhoods. The 9th District Council Office has received numerous complaints from constituents, specifically those in the Ramona Park neighborhood, St. Francis neighborhood and Andy Street neighborhood. Because the traffic signals north and south of 64th Street are spread out, cars routinely speed on Downey Avenue. Most resident complaints center on this speed and the difficulty it causes when attempting to turn onto Downey Avenue from 64th Street.
The Long Beach Department of Public Works has engaged the City' of Bellflower in initial discussions about the potential of signalizing the intersection. These discussions have arrived at a place where Long Beach City Council action is required to proceed. The City of Bellflower has agreed to allow a traffic study to be performed, once the City of Long Beach agrees to pay for the study and traffic signal if it is found to be critical.
It is necessary to improve traffic controls at Downey Avenue and 64th Street. The installation of a full traffic signal would positively impact the quality of life for the surrounding Long Beach residents, and provide a sense of security and increased safety to those living in the neighborhood.
FISCAL IMPACT
Council District 9 has $175,000 in Discretionary Infrastructure Funds set aside for this project, including the traffic study. An additional expenditure of up to $75,000 in general fund money for construction of the traffic control device may be needed. The City of Long Beach will negotiate ongoing maintenance costs with the City of Bellflower, which is anticipated to cost up to $4,000 annually.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT